The largest and most comprehensive examination of racism in Australian universities. More than 76,000 students and staff from 42 universities across the country participated in the study. The findings highlight that racism is deeply embedded across Australian universities and has profound impacts on students and staff. 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. The report makes 47 recommendations to Government and universities.

Key findings

• 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.
• 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.
• Racism occurs at similar rates at all Australian universities, confirming it is a systemic issue.

The report recommendations call 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.