The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

What are enabling programs? How do they help Australians get to uni?

  • Written by Sarah Kate Hattam, Senior Lecturer at Education Futures University of South Australia, University of South Australia
What are enabling programs? How do they help Australians get to uni?

One of Education Minister Jason Clare’s top priorities for the Universities Accord[1] is encouraging more Australians to go to university. As he notes[2], “more jobs are going to require a university qualification in the years ahead”.

Alongside this call is the recognition we need to improve access for people from equity cohorts - including Indigenous Australians, those from low socioeconomic and regional and rural backgrounds and people with a disability.

As the accord’s interim report notes[3], we need a higher education system that no longer prevents “talented people from attaining life-changing qualifications”.

One way to do this is through enabling programs.

Read more: The universities accord could see the most significant changes to Australian unis in a generation[4]

What are enabling programs?

Enabling programs are run by universities and taught by academics and are also known as “foundation” or “bridging” programs. They are non-award courses (meaning they don’t lead to a degree or other qualification) and aim to prepare students for undergraduate study.

They are not part of secondary school and can run for anywhere between about four weeks to two years. Most students study for about six months.

Many are available both on campus and online, with the option of full-time or part-time study.

The accord interim report calls for funding stability for the university sector for 2024 and 2025. It also says university funding for these years should be “directed towards a range of assistance, such as increased support for students in enabling courses”.

Three students work at desks in a classroom.
Enabling programs are also known as ‘foundation’ or ‘bridging’ programs. Shutterstock

What do they teach?

The programs are designed to build a range of skills and knowledge students need to succeed in further study.

Courses cover a wide range topics[5], from generalised study skills to preparation for a specific degree.

Enabling programs can teach academic writing, library research, foundational mathematics, study skills and discipline-specific knowledge.

For example, if a student is interested in gaining entry to a nursing degree, they will need academic communication skills, mathematics, anatomy and digital skills. A future psychology student could benefit from skills and knowledge in social science and statistics.

Who are they for?

Enabling programs are for anyone who needs further preparation before starting university. Commonly, this includes students who left school early, did not get a university entrance rank or did not do as well as they hoped in Year 12.

When applying to university, students can preference enabling programs as a viable “plan B” if they don’t receive an undergraduate offer.

Enrolments in enabling programs have grown [6]from 6,490 students in 2001 to 32,579 in 2020. A large proportion of students come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

For example, 32% of students[7] in enabling programs are from low socioeconomic backgrounds, which is double the proportion of undergraduate students.

Of the 48 enabling programs in Australia, 15 are explicitly for Indigenous students, who represent approximately 6% of all enabling program enrolments[8]. This is more than double comparative undergraduate enrolments.

More than a third[9] of enabling course students are from regional and remote areas.

Read more: These 5 equity ideas should be at the heart of the Universities Accord[10]

How can you access one?

Universities have enabling programs on their websites and in their program guides for future students.

They are supported by federal funding so they can be offered free to students.

Depending on the program, you can apply directly to the university or through state-based tertiary admissions centres, at the time when you nominate your university preferences.

Why are they so important?

Australian studies show[11] students who complete enabling programs do just as well in undergraduate study[12] as students who enter via traditional pathways, such as directly from high school.

Enabling programs are effective because they are designed to meet the needs of students[13] who want a university qualification but have experienced educational disadvantage. They focus not only on academic skills but also on building confidence[14] to study.

How can we improve them?

In the final Universities Accord report due in December, enabling educators want to see several changes[15] to the way the system works, to make sure anyone who needs this help to go to university can access it.

This means fee-free places need to be demand-driven, with flexible funding to match fluctuations in student enrolments and allowing universities to increase enabling places as demand grows.

In addition to existing payments such as Austudy and ABSTUDY, there should be further financial support for disadvantaged students doing these courses. Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds are over-represented in enabling programs, and struggle find adequate study time while balancing family and financial commitments[16].

We would also like to see enabling qualifications included[17] in the Australian Qualifications Framework[18], which regulates education and training qualifications.

This would ensure formal recognition of a student’s achievement and then give them flexibility about which university they enrol in, because it would be recognised Australia-wide.

Read more: Uncapping uni places for Indigenous students is a step in the right direction, but we must do much more[19]

References

  1. ^ Universities Accord (theconversation.com)
  2. ^ notes (www.jasonclare.com.au)
  3. ^ interim report notes (www.education.gov.au)
  4. ^ The universities accord could see the most significant changes to Australian unis in a generation (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ wide range topics (search.informit.org)
  6. ^ have grown (www.education.gov.au)
  7. ^ 32% of students (www.ncsehe.edu.au)
  8. ^ 6% of all enabling program enrolments (www.education.gov.au)
  9. ^ than a third (www.ncsehe.edu.au)
  10. ^ These 5 equity ideas should be at the heart of the Universities Accord (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ show (search.informit.org)
  12. ^ do just as well in undergraduate study (www.tandfonline.com)
  13. ^ designed to meet the needs of students (www.newcastle.edu.au)
  14. ^ building confidence (www.newcastle.edu.au)
  15. ^ several changes (www.education.gov.au)
  16. ^ balancing family and financial commitments (www.ncsehe.edu.au)
  17. ^ included (studentsuccessjournal.org)
  18. ^ Australian Qualifications Framework (www.aqf.edu.au)
  19. ^ Uncapping uni places for Indigenous students is a step in the right direction, but we must do much more (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/what-are-enabling-programs-how-do-they-help-australians-get-to-uni-210269

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...