Our artwork, ‘Gilli Watta’ was painted by Renae Lamb, a proud Wiradjuri, Wongaibon woman.
“It is important for me to showcase the significance of cultural building in our communities, especially for future generations.” – Renae Lamb
Developing Stronger, More Equitable Universities and Communities
Fee-Free Uni Ready (FFUR) courses are designed to support students who have often been underrepresented in higher education — including those from regional areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and educationally disadvantaged students — to develop the skills and confidence needed to access and succeed at university.
When universities and higher education institutions provide flexible, inclusive, high-quality, and community-aligned FFUR pathways, they enrich and diversify their student populations and consequently meet the changing needs of the higher education landscape.
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Nearly 25000 students will undertake a FFUR course in 2026.
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providers received funding in 2026 to provide FFUR courses
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Invested in FFUR by the Government in 2026.
It was a big step for me to start university in Australia … but I put myself in that situation to face my fears, otherwise I couldn’t improve.
Malalay
FFUR Student
The confidence to believe I could do anything, it was the catalyst to change my life, it was one thing to start off with Open Foundation because I had a dream I could do more, but it actually gave me proof of that, it was the bridge to get from one to another.
Oliver
FFUR Student
My number one highlight was realising that I actually can and deserve to be in a university environment.
Georgia
FFUR Student
Fee Free Uni Ready Pathways: Developing Stronger, More Equitable Universities and Communities
This comprehensive Best Practice Guide is designed to guide higher education practitioners in the design and delivery of high-quality FFUR courses through best practice.
Prepared by the University of Newcastle in collaboration with higher education institutions and educational experts across Australia, this guide provides evidence based recommendations developed in line with current and contemporary research. Filled with practical, real world advice and implementable processes, this guide is useful for all higher education providers, whether they are in the process of designing FFUR courses or have offered them in the past.
Download the Best Practice Guide
Teaching in Practice
FFUR courses foster transformative educational experiences that empower students to see themselves as capable, valued members of the academic community.
I’ve been teaching in pathway programs for 13 years, and it’s just a dream job for me. I love the students. I love watching their journeys and just seeing them develop and blossom as they go through these pathway programs.
Zoë
FFUR Educator
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Spaces of Knowing & Learning
By addressing barriers and increasing opportunities for access, more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can be meaningfully supported to reach a point where university becomes a real and accessible option.
More To Explore
Digital & Future Literarcies
Digital & Future Literarcies
How online and ‘blended’ FFUR learning spaces can create opportunities for students who would otherwise be unable to access courses to enter undergraduate study.
Increasing Equity & Success
Increasing Equity & Success
FFUR programs significantly improve access to university for students from equity groups. But how can they continue to grow and innovate to meet ambitious participation and success targets?
Institutional Policy and Advocacy
Institutional Policy and Advocacy
How can university policies and procedures ensure they are fit-for-purpose when it comes to FFUR students?