The Recent Call to Abolish Group Assignments in Australian Universities

Australian universities are facing renewed scrutiny over one of the most contentious elements of higher education: group assignments. In late February 2026, Shadow Education Minister Julian Leeser delivered a provocative speech at the Universities Australia Solutions Summit, urging institutions to scrap group work unless there are exceptional circumstances. Leeser argued that these assessments are universally loathed by students, foster unfairness, and ultimately cheapen the value of university degrees. He highlighted constant complaints from students across the country, painting a picture of frustration where diligent individuals carry the load while others coast on shared grades.

Leeser's intervention taps into a long-simmering debate in Australian higher education, where group projects—collaborative tasks graded collectively—have become a staple in courses from business to engineering. While proponents see them as mirrors of real-world teamwork, critics decry them as a breeding ground for inequity. This push comes amid broader concerns about assessment integrity, the influx of international students, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that further complicate collaborative evaluation.

Why Do Students Despise Group Assignments So Much?

The sentiment against group assignments is palpable. Everywhere Leeser travels, students raise the issue, describing experiences marred by mismatched work ethics, scheduling nightmares, and outright conflicts. The core grievance boils down to the 'free-rider' phenomenon: team members who contribute minimally yet receive the same mark as high performers. This not only breeds resentment but also undermines individual accountability, a cornerstone of academic merit.

In forums like Reddit, Australian students echo these frustrations, with some alleging universities rely on group work to inflate pass rates, particularly for international cohorts struggling with English proficiency. Racial tensions exacerbate the problem, as Leeser noted, with data indicating three in four international students facing discrimination, which can hinder effective collaboration. Time lost negotiating roles often exceeds actual task completion, turning what should be a learning opportunity into a logistical battle.

Unpacking the Free-Rider Problem Step by Step

The free-rider issue arises systematically. First, groups form randomly or via self-selection, leading to imbalances in skills, motivation, or availability. Second, without robust monitoring, slackers emerge, forcing others to compensate or risk lower grades. Third, collective grading ignores these disparities, rewarding passivity. Studies confirm this: students report spending disproportionate effort compensating for peers, eroding trust and motivation.

• Random group formation amplifies mismatches, especially in diverse classes.
• Lack of contribution tracking enables 'social loafing,' where effort dilutes in groups.
• Conflicts escalate without clear contracts or escalation protocols.

This dynamic not only affects grades but also mental health, with heightened stress from unreliable partners.

Challenges for International Students in Group Work

Australia's universities host over 800,000 international students, many facing unique hurdles in group settings. Language barriers impede communication, while cultural differences in work styles—such as varying interpretations of deadlines or hierarchy—spark misunderstandings. Leeser pointed to racism as a barrier, with surveys showing high incidences that isolate non-domestic students.

Domestic students often perceive internationals as under-contributing due to these factors, perpetuating stereotypes. Torrens University research highlights tips like clear role definitions, but systemic issues persist, particularly in high-international fields like IT where cohorts exceed 80% overseas.

Read the full debate in The Conversation

The Case for Keeping Group Assignments: Essential Workplace Skills

Not all agree with scrapping them. University of Queensland's Jason Lodge argues group work fosters irreplaceable skills: negotiation, emotional regulation, and co-regulated learning—processes where groups self-organize through discussion. In professions like nursing or physiotherapy, accreditation demands proof of interprofessional collaboration, where solo assessments fall short.

Employers value teamwork; surveys show graduates lacking these skills struggle in multidisciplinary environments. Amid AI automating routine tasks, human-centric abilities like conflict resolution become premium. Lodge's lab found negotiation time rivals task time, deeming it core learning.

What Does the Research Say About Student Satisfaction?

Evidence is mixed. A 2023 Australian Catholic University study found students perceive collaborative group work (CGW) positively for engagement and skills, though efficiency lags. Earlier Murdoch University research predicted satisfaction via prior experience and group climate, with final-year business students favoring them when fair.

However, pandemic-era data showed dips in motivation and workload satisfaction during remote CGW.

Explore career advice for building teamwork skills

Strategies to Make Group Work Fairer: Peer and Self-Assessment

Rather than abolition, many Australian universities advocate reform. Peer assessment—where members rate contributions—addresses free-riding. The University of Melbourne's approach includes self-reflection rubrics, boosting accountability. Monash and UTS recommend:

• Group contracts outlining roles and penalties.
• Process marks for participation alongside product.
• Digital tools like TeamUP rubric for calibrated feedback.

ANU emphasizes proactive support, like training in conflict resolution.

Case Studies: Australian Unis Innovating Beyond Traditional Groups

Some institutions experiment with hybrids. UNSW blends individual reflections with group outputs, distributing marks (e.g., 60% group, 40% individual). Sydney Business School uses peer feedback patterns for judgment development. Flinders University pilots simulations mimicking workplaces without fixed groups.

Outcomes: higher satisfaction, fewer disputes, retained skill-building. These models prove reform viable without total elimination.

Explore higher ed jobs emphasizing collaborative roles.

Employer Perspectives: Do Graduates Need Group Skills?

Australian employers prioritize teamwork; Graduate Outlook surveys rank it top. Yet, complaints persist about 'entitled' grads lacking resilience from cushy assessments. Balanced approaches—group for skills, individual for merit—align best.

Link to Rate My Professor for course insights on assessments.

Implications for Degree Credibility and AI Era

Leeser warns group work erodes trust in degrees, especially with AI enabling solo cheating. TEQSA pushes human-focused assessments. Scrapping risks skill gaps; reforming preserves integrity.

The Future Outlook and Recommendations

Universities Australia yet to respond formally, but sector leans toward enhancement. Policy shifts under potential Coalition government could mandate changes. Students: advocate via unions; lecturers: adopt peer tools.

For career growth, check university jobs and higher ed career advice.

Conclusion: Reform Over Revolution

Calls to scrap group assignments highlight valid inequities, but wholesale bans ignore proven benefits. Targeted reforms via peer assessment, clear guidelines, and alternatives promise fairer, skill-rich higher education. Australian universities must evolve to meet student and employer needs. Ready to advance your career? Visit higher-ed-jobs, rate-my-professor, and higher-ed-career-advice for resources.

Photo by Bekky Bekks on Unsplash