Landmark study finds racism is widespread and systemic at Australian universities

More than 76,000 students and staff from 42 universities across the country participated in the Study. The Study findings reveal particularly high rates of racism are experienced by students and staff from First Nations, African, Asian, Jewish, Māori, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Palestinian and Pasifika backgrounds. The findings also show high rates of racism experienced by international students.

Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman said the findings of the Racism@Uni Study are deeply troubling and reveal that universities are falling short of their duty of care to provide safe, inclusive and respectful environments for students and staff.

‘The insights and data from this Study highlight that racism at university is not confined to isolated incidents or individual behaviour – it is systemic. Racism is pervasive across the sector, affecting many groups in serious ways. The Study confirms particularly high rates of racism are experienced by First Nations, Jewish and Palestinian students and staff at Australian universities.

‘Racism harms people and communities. It damages people's identity and self-esteem, their sense of belonging, and their wellbeing and safety. Left unchecked, it leads to violence. The attack on Camp Sovereignty, the antisemitic terror attack in Bondi and the recent alleged attempted bombing targeting First Peoples on 26 January in Perth – these are the horrifying outcomes when racism in our society isn't addressed.’

The Racism@Uni Study’s report, titled Respect at Uni: Study into antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and the experience of First Nations people, was commissioned in May 2024 by the Australian Government. It is the largest and most comprehensive examination of racism in Australian universities ever undertaken.

Key findings include:

• 70% of survey respondents report experiencing indirect racism, including hearing or seeing racist behaviour directed at their community
• 15% of respondents report experiencing direct interpersonal racism at university
• Jewish (religious) and Palestinian respondents report experiences of racism at rates over 90%
• First Nations, Chinese, Jewish (secular), Middle Eastern and Northeast Asian respondents all report experiences of racism at rates over 80%
• 19% of respondents, who did not report experiencing direct or indirect racism at university, report witnessing racism
• only 6% of people who experience direct racism make a complaint to their university, with many citing fear of consequences
• trust in university complaints systems is extremely low, with the 60-80% of staff and students who experience racism reporting dissatisfaction with the process
• racism occurs at similar rates at all Australian universities, confirming it is a systemic issue.

The report makes 47 recommendations for Government and universities, calling for a coordinated, sector‑wide approach aligned with the Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Anti‑Racism Framework.

The recommendations focus on five interconnected outcomes:

1. A national framework for anti‑racism in universities
2. Inclusive and safe universities, free from racism
3. Accountable universities with trusted, accessible complaints systems
4. Inclusive curriculum and teaching
5. Diverse leadership and workforce

While universities have made progress in some areas, Study findings show that anti‑racism policies remain fragmented, understanding of racial and religious discrimination is low, and accountability mechanisms are largely ineffective. Only 11 universities were found to have advanced, standalone anti‑racism strategies.

The Racism@Uni Study comprised focus groups, a literature review, policy audit and a national online survey which gathered insights from staff and students with experience of racism. The survey generated 1.4 million words of free‑text survey responses. It was conducted using a trauma‑informed and culturally safe approach.

‘This report provides a clear, evidence‑based path forward, with the voices and stories of staff and students who experience racism at its core. It is an opportunity for Government and universities to honour those voices, dismantle racism and create institutions where safety, belonging and respect are lived every day,’

‘The report shows the critical importance of the Australian Government endorsing and funding key recommendations of the National Anti-Racism Framework, which the Commission delivered in November 2024. We cannot wait any longer as racism continues to impact the lives of many in visceral ways.’

‘We have an obligation to university staff and domestic and international students to ensure the promises we make about the benefits of university experiences are upheld. Those promises are shattered when they are targeted by racism,’ Commissioner Sivaraman said.

The full report Respect at Uni: Study into antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and the experience of First Nations people can be found at https://humanrights.gov.au/racismatunistudy