AustraliaHigh school students in Australia who struggle with the traditional ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) pathway can now access enabling or bridging programs during their final years of schooling. These programs, offered by universities in collaboration with schools, aim to prepare students for undergraduate study by teaching essential academic skills and subject-specific knowledge. Research indicates that 79% of students who participated in these programs completed them, with 660 progressing to university between 2022 and 2024. While their retention rates in the first year were slightly lower than those entering via ATAR, they maintained similar performance levels in subsequent years. The initiative targets disadvantaged students and those who find the ATAR system challenging.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about alternative pathways to higher education without overtly favoring any political perspective. It discusses enabling programs as a solution to challenges faced by students, citing research and examples without taking a stance on broader policy debates.
