A groundbreaking national study by the Australian Human Rights Commission has uncovered pervasive racism across Australian universities, describing it as a “significant barrier to equity and inclusion” that undermines wellbeing, trust, and academic performance.
The Racism@Uni Study, formally titled Respect at Uni: Study into antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and the experience of First Nations people, is the largest examination of its kind, drawing responses from 76,131 students and staff at 42 of 43 universities, plus 310 focus group participants. Commissioned by the Department of Education in response to the Australian Universities Accord, the report highlights experiences of interpersonal discrimination and structural inequities affecting marginalised groups, including First Nations peoples, Jewish and Muslim communities, African and Asian students, and international students.
77 per cent of South Asian respondents reporting experiences of racism (direct and indirect)
Key findings paint a stark picture:
- First Nations students and staff face structural and interpersonal racism, with achievements often dismissed as “special treatment” rather than merit-based, amid limited understanding of historical discrimination.
- Jewish participants reported a surge in antisemitism since October 2023, including extremist propaganda, intimidation, and inadequate university responses heightening safety fears.
- Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students and staff encountered hostility, threats, restrictions on cultural expression like prayer spaces, and fears of academic reprisals.
- African and Asian groups described severe stereotyping, with African individuals moderating their behaviour and Asians confined to specific disciplines despite high achievement.
- International students felt excluded, isolated, and treated as “cash cows”, fearing visa issues
- Postgraduate domestic students reported higher rates at 19 per cent compared to 13 per cent overall.
The mixed-methods approach — encompassing a national survey, focus groups, policy audits, and literature review — labels racism as “widespread and systemic”, with universities failing their duty of care. Around 70 per cent of survey respondents witnessed or experienced it, urging evidence-based reforms.
“I had a professor in the first year who thought I bought my assignment or made AI do it because she could not believe an Indian could write that good in the first year of nursing.” ~ Indian nursing student highlighting the stereotyping and academic prejudice faced by Indian students, where their academic capabilities are doubted based on racial assumptions.
Recommendations include a national framework to tackle racism, bolstered complaints processes with accountability, and enhanced support for victims. The Albanese Government, which tasked the study, will consider these alongside reforms like the National Student Ombudsman, strengthened governance principles, and an Antisemitism Education Taskforce.
Education Minister Jason Clare emphasised: “There is no place for any form of racism in our universities… This report delivers [on listening to students and staff].”
He thanked Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman and contributors, pledging to integrate findings into higher education reforms.
The report positions this as a “first step” toward long-term tracking and racial literacy, calling for coordinated sector-wide action to foster safer, fairer campuses.
Respect at Uni report can be downloaded from the Australian Human Rights Commission website.
