Globally, access to university is not equal.

Globally, participation rates in higher education are rising. Between 2011-2021, global gross enrolment rates in university increased from 19% to 38% (UNESCO).

Yet significant disparities still exist between the richest and poorest countries, and between regions in those countries.

Only 10% of low-income students access university  compared to 77% of higher-income students.

Across less economically developed countries, a young person's chance of progressing to university and completing an undergraduate education are significantly influenced by their background.

Across 23 OECD countries, a child’s chances of entering university are four times higher if one of their parents has also been to university.

It's time for change.

Opening the door to university

Evidence shows that there is no single skill - cognitive or noncognitive - that drives academic outcomes and progression. There is no "silver bullet".

A range of interrelated competencies are required to give under-served young people the best chance of progression to university.

We need programme interventions that provide not just skills, but additional tools, motivation, confidence and self-awareness.

It has to start with partnerships, in local communities. This is where AccessEd comes in.

Read about
our approach

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