First-Generation Students [Statistics] (10.2)

Proportion and number of first-generation students starting a degree program. 

Introduction:

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) demonstrates a firm commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and global accessibility in higher education, particularly for students originating from developing countries. In alignment with SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, the University actively promotes equitable access to quality education for international learners regardless of nationality, socioeconomic background, or geographical origin.

AAU’s admission policy is rooted in equal opportunity and merit-based selection, ensuring that students from developing nations can pursue higher education within a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. The University maintains one of the highest international student ratios among Jordanian private universities, hosting learners from over 25 nationalities, primarily from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This global diversity enriches the academic environment, enhances intercultural understanding, and contributes to inclusive global citizenship among the campus community.

To facilitate participation, AAU offers special scholarships and tuition discounts for students from low-income or conflict-affected regions, academic achievers and talented students and targeted programs for students from developing countries and least-developed economies as classified by the United Nations. The University further ensures academic and social support through orientation programs, Arabic and English language assistance, psychological counseling, and peer mentoring.

The data presented in this section reflect the number and proportion of international students enrolled from developing countries over the last three academic years, as recorded by the Deanship of Admission and Registration and verified by the Sustainability & Global Ranking Center. These statistics not only highlight the University’s inclusivity and international reach but also serve as measurable evidence of AAU’s contribution to reducing global educational inequalities by providing equal access, promoting cultural diversity, and empowering youth from developing nations to achieve academic and professional success.

Statics & Result

Impact Evaluation & Development Plan

A. Performance Evaluation

• Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) demonstrates exceptional performance in supporting and empowering first-generation university students, in alignment with SDG Target 10.3 – Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome.
• As of the 2024/2025 academic year, first-generation students represent nearly 31% of the total undergraduate population, indicating a significant level of accessibility and inclusiveness in higher education opportunities.
• The University’s admission and financial-aid frameworks prioritize students whose parents did not attend higher education, providing them with targeted support mechanisms such as academic advising, mentoring programs, and socio-economic scholarships.
• Data on first-generation students is systematically collected and monitored through the Deanship of Admission and Registration, cross-validated with the Student Affairs Department and the Sustainability & Global Ranking Center, ensuring accurate and transparent reporting for THE Impact Ranking.
• AAU’s ongoing initiatives reflect a holistic equity approach, integrating social inclusion, academic empowerment, and mental well-being programs to enhance retention, performance, and graduation rates among this student group.

B. Development Actions

Target: Increase the proportion of first-generation students enrolled at AAU to at least 35% of total student enrollment by 2027, while improving academic success indicators (GPA, graduation rate, and employment outcomes).

• Action 1: Launch the First-Generation Student Success Program (2025–2026), combining mentor ship, peer support, and faculty engagement to guide students from admission to graduation.
• Action 2: Establish a First-Generation Scholarship Fund (2025) to support students from low-income families or rural areas, covering tuition and essential learning materials.
• Action 3: Introduce an Academic Preparedness & Transition Course designed to strengthen soft skills, digital literacy, and academic confidence among new entrants.
• Action 4: Develop a Longitudinal Tracking System (2026–2027) to monitor enrollment, performance, and post-graduation outcomes for first-generation students, ensuring evidence-based improvement and policy adaptation.

C. Bench marking & Best Practice

• Bench marking Reference: University of Toronto (Canada) and King’s College London (UK) — both recognized globally for comprehensive first-generation student support frameworks that combine mentor ship, financial aid, and psycho-social assistance.
• Adopted Practice: Implementing continuous assessment of equity indicators (admission rates, retention, completion, and employment outcomes) to evaluate inclusion effectiveness and institutional impact.
• Local Adaptation: AAU contextualizes these international models by addressing the specific needs of Jordanian and regional first-generation students, particularly those from rural, refugee, or economically challenged backgrounds.
• Future Benchmark Goal: Establish an AAU Center for First-Generation Student Empowerment by 2028, serving as a national and regional platform for inclusive education research, student leadership, and SDG-aligned social mobility initiatives.