The 2025 AMSI Year 12 Mathematics Participation Report Card, released today by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI), reveals a deepening crisis in secondary school mathematics participation across Australia, with the proportion of students studying higher and intermediate mathematics dropping to 8.4% and 16.8% respectively in 2023.
These numbers reflect a continuation of a long-term downward trend that has persisted since 2008, with gender disparities also increasing, particularly in the more advanced mathematics subjects that are critical for STEM careers.
Key findings of the participation report:
- Higher and intermediate mathematics participation declined to 8.4% and 16.8% respectively in 2023 – the lowest levels recorded. Compared to 9% for higher and 17.7% for intermediate in 2022.
- The gender gap widened, with fewer female students and more male students enrolling in both higher and intermediate mathematics in 2023.
- Male and female enrolments in general mathematics also dropped. Female participation declined more (2 points) than males (1.8 points). Notably, since 2017, a higher proportion of females than males have studied general mathematics.
These trends reflect a deep concern for the future of Australia’s mathematics and STEM talent pipeline. With fewer students, particularly females, pursuing advanced mathematics in Year 12, Australia risks undermining its future scientific and technological capabilities.
“The decisions made in secondary school shape the nation’s future workforce.
It’s critical that we act now to reverse these declines and ensure students understand the opportunities that mathematics can unlock to pursue STEM-related careers,” AMSI Director, Professor Tim Marchant said.
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The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) is a not-for-profit peak body for the mathematical sciences with a breadth of members including Australian universities, professional societies, government agencies and industry. We champion mathematics, statistics and data science for Australia’s advancement through advocacy, facilitation, and collaboration.
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