Higher education in rural Australia: How age and community factors influence access and participation

Rural, regional and remote (RRR) students are less likely to participate in higher education and tend to be older than their city counterparts. Individual and family factors influencing RRR students’ higher education access and participation are well researched. However, little is known about community factors supporting access and participation, particularly for older students. Results of a survey of 3,180 Australian undergraduate students from RRR communities show how age affects the home community factors that influence enrolment. Findings support the importance of teachers, families and friends with regard to the aspirations of young people, while employers and universities are neglected potential sources of information and support for participation for older people. Better understanding of the age variation in the RRR student cohort is needed to design and implement policy and programmes that engage and support students aged 30 plus. A multipronged approach involving partnerships between communities, schools, employers, industries and universities to raise awareness about university options is required to encourage higher education participation, particularly for older students.