Why do students sue Australian universities?

Students are suing Australian universities in increasing numbers. Whilst the absolute numbers of cases are not high, the trend is disturbing and the cases are often complex and difficult to handle. This article presents the results of empirical research demonstrating that higher education involves protracted conflict for some students. This research also demonstrates that the reasons for student discontent do not concern the standard of university education, but are often about the fairness of the processes used by universities to make decisions about students. Students are seeking independent review of these university decisions, but are overwhelmingly not finding it from courts and tribunals, sometimes because they choose the wrong cause of action or because none is available. Suggestions are made to improve dispute handling and to provide an inexpensive and accessible method of independent review of university decision-making.