The University of Canberra (UC) is committed to supporting people from diverse backgrounds to attend University. UC runs a range of outreach programs to support students from low socio-economic status backgrounds, Indigenous students, rural and remote students, students with a disability, and “first-in-family” students to attend University.

The Aspire UC program is an outreach initiative of the University of Canberra. The program aims to support the educational aspirations of students in Years 7-10 from financially disadvantaged or regional backgrounds. Students in Years 7-10 from schools that participate in this program have the opportunity to take part in a range of inspiring, interactive and informative activities. The program also includes some professional development opportunities for some of the teachers in schools participating in the program.

Aims of Aspire UC

• Raise the aspirations of regional, low socioeconomic and under-represented students for higher education
• Help students to identify and overcome barriers to tertiary education
• Support academic performance
• Help students to identify the appropriate pathways to achieve their goals
• Introduce students to the university environment and available programs
• Inform students of materials to assist in decision-making regarding higher education
• Provide students with information regarding the support services available at UC, including financial services and scholarships
• Smooth the transition between school and university