The Alarming Decline in Low Socio-Economic Law Student Enrolments

Australian universities are witnessing a troubling trend: a nearly 20% drop in new enrolments from low socio-economic status (SES) students in law degrees since the introduction of the Jobs Ready Graduates (JRG) Package. Data from the Department of Education, analyzed by the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) group, reveals that between 2020 and 2024, low SES commencements in law plummeted by 17.7%, while enrolments among other domestic students actually rose by 2.3%. This disparity underscores a growing divide in access to one of the most transformative professions.

Overall, low SES bachelor's degree commencements across IRU universities fell by 10% in the same period, compared to just 3.5% for other domestic students. Universities Australia (UA) reports an even steeper 22% decline in low SES enrolments specifically in law and business fields. These figures highlight how policy changes intended to prioritize 'job-ready' skills have inadvertently—or perhaps predictably—exacerbated inequities in higher education.

Unpacking the Jobs Ready Graduates Package

The Jobs Ready Graduates Package, enacted in January 2021 under the Morrison Liberal government, reformed Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) funding to steer students toward national priority areas like science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), teaching, nursing, and clinical psychology. It slashed student contributions for these fields by up to 59% while hiking fees in arts, humanities, law, and commerce by up to 113%.

Under the scheme, a standard three-year Bachelor of Laws now carries an average student contribution of around $16,000 per year—double that of many STEM degrees—pushing total costs toward $50,000 before indexation. From 2026, arts degrees will exceed $55,000 due to Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments. The policy aimed to create 30,000 new places and boost employability, but critics argue it penalized high-demand fields like law, where graduates boast 85-90% full-time employment rates within four months.

Fee Structures: A Barrier for Aspiring Lawyers from Humble Backgrounds

Prior to JRG, law student contributions averaged $10,500 annually. Post-reform, Band 2 fees jumped to $15,710 in 2021, indexed yearly. Low SES students, often first-in-family and reliant on HECS-HELP loans, face lifetime repayment burdens amplified by these hikes. A 2024 analysis showed JRG cost domestic students an extra $368 million, with universities receiving $813 million less in base CSP funding despite higher contributions.

This structure disproportionately burdens those from postcodes in the lowest SEIFA (Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas) quartile, defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as areas with limited access to resources and services. For context, low SES students comprise about 18% of CSP undergraduates but punch above their weight in social mobility.Crafting a strong academic CV can help, yet upfront deterrence remains.

Dissecting the Data: A Closer Look at the Numbers

IRU's examination of Department of Education selected approval data paints a stark picture:

• Low SES law commencements: -17.7% (2020-2024)
• All domestic law: -5.3% overall, but +2.3% non-low SES
• Broad low SES bachelor's: -10% vs -3.5% others
• Law/business low SES (UA): -22%

These trends persist post-COVID recovery, ruling out pandemic as sole cause. Only 1.5% of students switched fields due to fees, per University of Melbourne research, suggesting reduced overall participation rather than reshuffling.Times Higher Education on IRU findings

Regional universities, serving higher low SES proportions, report amplified effects. For instance, enrolments at institutions like Western Sydney University (WSU)—where low SES students are 25-30%—have shifted toward cheaper priority courses.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Outrage and Calls for Action

Independent Senator David Pocock lambasted JRG as creating a 'segregated higher education system where only wealthy students study law,' urging the Albanese government to scrap it after three years under Labor. IRU Executive Director Paul Harris warned of a 'two-track' system based on degree costs.

WSU Vice-Chancellor George Williams emphasized: 'Law is a ticket to big opportunity... a 17.7% decrease in low-SES is a big marker.' Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi accused Labor of delaying reforms. UA's pre-budget submission demands abolishing the highest fee band to restore equity.

Even government-aligned voices concede JRG 'failed' its aims, per Accord reviews. Student unions echo concerns, with recent X posts amplifying Pocock's call amid #ScrapJRG trends.

Ripple Effects on Higher Education Equity

JRG's legacy extends beyond law: humanities low SES down sharply, contributing to 12% overall low SES undergrad decline vs 6% medium/high SES. This reverses gains from demand-driven funding (2009-2020), threatening Australia's 50% attainment target.Global higher ed equity challenges.

Equity groups—low SES (17-20% uni pop), Indigenous (2%), disabled—face compounded barriers amid cost-of-living pressures. Needs-based funding, launching 2026, allocates extra CSPs for underrepresented groups, but critics say it sidesteps JRG fees.Universities Australia submission

Spotlight on Universities: Real-World Cases

At WSU, a low SES powerhouse, law enrolments mirror national drops, prompting program reviews. Griffith University reports 15-20% low SES declines in non-priority bands. Regional spots like Charles Sturt see low SES law falls exacerbating rural lawyer shortages.

Conversely, Group of Eight (Go8) unis like Melbourne maintain diversity via scholarships, but overall system skews privileged. Explore Australian uni jobs for faculty supporting equity.

Navigating Reforms: Universities Accord and Beyond

The 2023 Universities Accord critiques JRG, paving for Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC)—delayed from Jan 2026. Needs-based funding targets low SES with extra grants, but ATEC lacks mandate on student fees.

UA proposes tiering fees to second-highest band, freezing indexation. 2026-27 budget eyes $750m CSP boost, yet JRG persists until reviewed post-2027.Higher ed career opportunities amid flux.

Diversity Deficit: Impacts on Australia's Legal Landscape

Fewer low SES lawyers mean less diverse judiciary, firms, policy-making. Law Council notes 25% solicitors from top SES quartile; drops risk entrenching biases. Social mobility via law—e.g., from clerk to QC—diminishes.

Long-term: Workforce shortages in public interest law, family services. Rate your profs for informed choices.

Charting a Fairer Path: Solutions and Optimism

• Policy Fixes: Abolish Band 4 fees, universal fee cap.
• Support Boosts: Expand scholarships, targeted CSPs for low SES law.
• Uni Initiatives: Bundled degrees, work-integrated learning.
• Student Advice: Explore alternative paths.

With Accord momentum, reversal possible by 2028.

Advice for Prospective Law Students from All Backgrounds

Low SES aspirants: Leverage equity scholarships, regional unis, double degrees with priority fields. Monitor ATEC updates. All: Law remains viable—93% employment, median $80k start. Uni jobs hub; Career advice.

Photo by 0xk on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Access in Australian Higher Ed

The 20% drop signals urgency, but reforms offer hope. Balanced funding prioritizing equity can restore law as ladder for low SES talent. AcademicJobs.com tracks developments—stay informed for your path. Find higher ed roles; Share experiences; Get advice; Post opportunities.