A new report has revealed a lack of support disadvantage students who are also parents in higher education in Australia.

The report by the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSCHE) at Curtin University says that while student parents possess a range of valuable qualities that help them succeed in higher education, 'juggling caring responsibilities alongside study requirements places high demands on the time and energy of student parents, many of whom have additional employment commitments.

'The COVID-19 pandemic imposed added pressure on many student parents through disruptions to their own study arrangements, combined with remote learning and increased care requirements for their children.

'Financial constraints create an additional barrier to success, with groups at particular risk of disadvantage including young parents, single parents, and parents from low socio-economic backgrounds. Given these challenges, the traditional nature of higher education study may not adequately accommodate the specific circumstances of student parents.'

The report recommends the development of strategies to better support student parents to access and succeed in higher education.

'Improved processes and support mechanisms could encourage more parents through higher education as a pathway to building knowledge, improving employment prospects, and gaining independence.'