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ACU welcomes extra places for students from under-represented backgrounds

ACU has welcomed the allocation of an additional 716 university places to give more people from under-represented backgrounds the chance to go to university and address skill shortages.

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis said the 716 places for domestic students will be created in areas experiencing skill shortages, including teaching, nursing, health, and commerce for students from disadvantaged, rural and First Nations backgrounds prioritised.

“ACU supports the Government’s commitment to provide educational opportunities for students who are under-represented in tertiary education while addressing the skills need,” Professor Skrbis said.

“This corresponds well to our new widening participation strategy which will be announced shortly.

“At ACU, we are committed to providing graduates of the future by helping students succeed at university and gain qualifications for a new career.

“We congratulate the Government for making university more accessible and inclusive for more people that traditionally would not have had this opportunity.”

The extra places, confirmed in Tuesday’s federal budget, will be available progressively over next year (381 places) and in 2024 (335 places) across ACU’s seven campuses.