Goal 5:
Gender Equality
Tracking Access Measures
At the University of Newcastle, we are committed to advancing gender equity across all stages of the student journey. As part of this commitment, we maintain a comprehensive, data-driven approach to monitoring the participation and success of women in higher education.
In 2024, our dedicated Equity and Student Progression Dashboard continued to systematically track the application, acceptance, enrolment, and completion rates of students, separated by gender. This dashboard provides real-time visibility into how women are progressing through the student lifecycle — from initial application to final graduation — and serves as a key tool in shaping equity-focused initiatives.
Key features of our monitoring approach in 2024 included:
- Application Rate Tracking: We monitored the proportion of female applicants across all programs and faculties, identifying trends and gaps at the point of entry.
- Acceptance and Offer Rates: Gender-disaggregated data allowed us to analyse whether women applicants were being offered admission at equitable rates, particularly in underrepresented fields such as STEM.
- Targeted Reporting: Data reports were regularly generated to inform leadership and decision-makers, enabling proactive interventions where needed.
- Alignment with National Equity Goals: Our tracking mechanisms align with national gender equity benchmarks, including those outlined by TEQSA and relevant WGEA frameworks.
Importantly, 2024 data reaffirmed a strong trend observed over the past three years: women have consistently outperformed men at each stage of the student lifecycle. This includes higher rates of application-to-offer conversion, enrolment, academic performance, and program completion. These results underscore both the effectiveness of our support structures and the strong engagement of women across the University.
We continue to use these insights to refine our equity strategies, enhance inclusive access to all programs, and ensure that women — particularly those entering non-traditional fields — are fully supported from admission to graduation.
2024 Gender Tracking Access Measures
Applicants Proportions by Gender
Offer Proportions by Gender
Acceptance Proportions by Gender
Enrolment Proportions by Gener 2024
Completion Proportions by Gender 2024
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.