University aspirations and pathways: experiences of prospective first-in-family high school students from migrant backgrounds

Abstract Prospective first-in-family (PFiF) students are high school students whose parents have not attended university. As potential first-generation university students, PFiF students are often considered educationally disadvantaged due to their family’s lack of experience with higher education. The university journey begins in high school, and this qualitative study explored the perspectives of 10 PFiF high school students from migrant backgrounds in Melbourne, Australia. Participants identified key barriers to their university transition, including family inexperience, the school’s inability to anticipate their needs, lack of recognition as a distinct cohort and limited guidance around university processes. However, despite these barriers, participants indicated that though inexperienced, families supported their university ambitions and goals and provided them with encouragement and motivation. Students also reported that connections with high school career advisors, combined with their own personal motivation, resilience and perseverance could facilitate a successful transition to university. Findings significantly highlight the need for greater visibility and identification of a PFiF students’ disadvantage, through school records and government policy. Early intervention programs and easy access to vital resources as well as individualised support while at school, were also identified as important, to build aspirations and assist with university transitions.