Nearly 20% fewer lower socioeconomic students studying law as Pocock calls to scrap Morrison-era job-ready scheme

David Pocock says the Job-ready Graduates scheme is creating a ‘segregated higher education system’ under the Labor governemtn. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

New university enrolments from students with low socioeconomic backgrounds dropped by 10% between 2020 and 2024, as independent senator David Pocock warns the Morrison-era Job-ready Graduates (JRG) scheme is creating a “segregated” higher education system.

The JRG scheme was introduced under former Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison in 2021 and led to arts degrees costing students more than $50,000, while other degrees including in science and mathematics saw fees slashed by up to 59%.