New research from Edith Cowan University has examined how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students make decisions about higher education, with researchers arguing universities need to rethink how they engage and support Indigenous students.
The study, led by Dr Melissa Fong-Emmerson from ECU’s School of Business and Law, explored the lived experiences of Indigenous students from two Western Australian universities through storytelling, interviews and yarning sessions. Researchers used those insights to develop a new Indigenous-centred framework focused on the student decision-making journey.
The findings suggest that relationships, cultural safety and trust play a larger role in university choices than traditional marketing approaches such as brochures, rankings or open days.
Researchers said many higher education institutions continue to rely on models shaped largely by Western assumptions, despite growing national pressure to improve Indigenous participation and graduation rates.
Professor Braden Hill, ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Students and Education and a co-author of the study, said universities often struggle to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students because the sector remains heavily influenced by non-Indigenous systems and structures.
The research found that students frequently relied on conversations with trusted people, family members, mentors and role models when considering university study. These moments, described by researchers as “sparks”, often encouraged students to see higher education as realistic and achievable.
For many participants, the decision to attend university also involved weighing up leaving family, community and familiar cultural environments, particularly for students relocating from regional or remote areas.
The study points to a gap between how universities promote themselves and what Indigenous students actually value when making decisions. Participants identified cultural inclusion, visible Indigenous support services, flexible learning options and a sense of belonging as major influences.
Researchers argue that universities should move away from broad, uniform marketing campaigns and instead adopt approaches shaped in partnership with Indigenous communities.
The paper also aligns with broader discussions linked to the Australian Universities Accord, which has placed renewed attention on equity, participation and outcomes across the higher education sector.
While universities have increased Indigenous support programs over recent years, national enrolment and completion figures continue to show disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
The ECU team said practical improvements could include investing in Indigenous mentors, strengthening school and community partnerships, increasing Indigenous representation within universities and making support services more visible earlier in the decision-making process.
Researchers believe a stronger focus on trust and cultural connection may help universities attract and retain more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students over time.
The study, titled Understanding the journey to higher education: Decision-making insights from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, has been published in the Higher Education Research & Development journal.
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