Arabic version: ارتفاع التسجيل في مواد STEM في كوينزلاند واستمرار الفجوة بين الجنسين

According to ABC News, Queensland year 12 enrolments in STEM subjects have increased by just over 17 per cent, with physics, engineering and specialist mathematics recording particularly strong growth.

Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority data showed physics enrolments rose roughly 45 per cent from 5,817 in 2020 to 8,453 in 2025. Engineering enrolments increased 62 per cent and specialist mathematics rose 46 per cent over the same period. Environmental science, agricultural science and digital solutions declined.

The increase contrasts with the national picture. Year 12 STEM enrolments nationally peaked at about 406,000 in 2015 before falling to 376,000 by 2024. CSIRO Education and Outreach program delivery manager Susan Burchill said the Queensland rise was “great” and highlighted the need to inspire children from primary school and early childhood.

Girls remain under-represented in several subjects. In 2026, girls accounted for about 17 per cent of Queensland engineering students, 33 per cent of physics enrolments and just under 40 per cent of specialist mathematics enrolments. They made up seven out of 10 biology enrolments and just over half of chemistry enrolments.

University of Queensland professor Robyn Gillies said there was concern about the gender gap, particularly in hard sciences, maths and physics. Queensland’s Department of Education said it supports STEM engagement and achievement through initiatives and programs, adding that the proportion of students studying physics and mathematical methods rose by three percentage points between 2021 and 2025.