Global Goals

World Access to Higher Education Day - 26th November 2019

An interactive map showing countries who have higher education equity policies

What is World Access to Higher Education Day?

Last year, over 40 events in 15 different countries took part in the first World Access to Higher Education Day (WAHED). These events, attracting 380 delegates, attempted to find local and global  solutions to the problem of unequal access to higher education. From these varied events emerged a crucial research paper, “All around the world – Higher education equity policies across the globe”, the largest global survey looking at policy commitments to equitable access to HE. 

From this research and the outcomes of many events from WAHED 2018, NEON and other organisers have collated some central ideas that disadvantaged students face. Armed with these, they’ve been able to provide governments and HE establishments with a better understanding of the challenges faced by students struggling to get into, and remain in, higher education.

So what’s happening this year?

On 26th November the second WAHED will take place at universities and establishments around the world. Their focus this year is on encouraging governments, universities and others to make meaningful commitments on providing disadvantaged students with fairer access to higher education. There are already many events planned in the UK, Australia and Brazil, among others, and a myriad of ways you can get stuck in.

Will you be an advocate for disadvantaged students?