Modern slavery risks to university students: Insights from Fair Futures' AUPN presentations

Many universities approach modern slavery as a supply-chain compliance issue. However, our recent discussions across the higher education sector suggest that risk can also arise within normal university operations like international student recruitment, working with education agents, student welfare systems, overseas partnerships, and even procurement decisions.

In 2025, Fair Futures presented at the Australian University Procurement Network (AUPN) annual conference at Bond University, and later at a roundtable hosted at the University of Sydney. The discussions centred on modern slavery risks affecting international students and the practical role universities can play in preventing harm.

This insight highlights key takeaways from those conversations; shares feedback from participants and introduces a practical summary resource developed for the sector.

Why universities need to look beyond supply chains

International education plays a major role in Australia’s economy and global reputation. At the same time, some international students face real vulnerability to exploitation.

Some of the common risks discussed during the AUPN sessions included:

• High debts linked to recruitment/tuition fees
• Over-dependence on overseas education agents
• Limited understanding of workplace rights
• Fear of visa consequences, which discourages reporting
• Pressure to accept unsafe or exploitative employment

Modern slavery risk is therefore not only about offshore suppliers. It can emerge in recruitment processes, contractor arrangements, accommodation systems, or even student welfare structures.

If universities only focus outward, they may miss risks that are happening closer to home.

Key insights shared

1. Procurement plays a frontline role in student safety

Procurement teams play a key role in deciding who represents the university overseas and how recruitment partners operate. The way contracts are structured, the expectations and suppliers are monitored can directly influence student experiences.

Preventing modern slavery is not only the responsibility of legal or compliance departments. Procurement professionals are on the frontline of shaping responsible partnerships.

2. Policies alone do not protect people

Many universities already include modern slavery clauses in contracts. However, these can sometimes become “tick-and-flick” exercises if not followed by real monitoring and shared understanding.

If procurement teams and suppliers do not fully understand how exploitation risks actually occur, policies on paper will not prevent harm in practice.

Real change requires action/implementation, not just documentation.

3. Early intervention reduces harm & makes a difference

Often, universities respond after harm has already occurred. A strong theme in the discussions was the importance of identifying warning signs earlier.

• Clear and accessible reporting pathways
• Safe reporting mechanisms independent of visa fear/implications
• Confidential student support systems
• Staff training to recognise possible signs of exploitation

When systems are proactive, harm can be reduced before it escalates.

4.  Lived-experience insights strengthen risk detection

Incorporating lived-experience knowledge into risk frameworks strengthens universities’ ability to detect risk and respond appropriately.

5. Prevention requires whole-of-university coordination

Modern slavery risk intersects across multiple functions, including:

• Procurement
• International student recruitment
• Student welfare services
• Accommodation
• Partnerships and stakeholder management
• Compliance and governance teams

Effective prevention requires collaboration across departments. It cannot sit within one team alone.

What we heard from attendees:

Feedback from the International Student Modern Slavery Risk Roundtable demonstrated strong engagement across the sector:

• 95% of participants said the session was relevant to their work
• 95% indicated they intended to apply the recommendations shared

Participants shared reflections including:

“Powerful session - the testimony has fundamentally changed my attitude and action plan.”

“I realised that I have very little awareness on the topic and we have a long way to go in terms of implementing real changes in the university system.”

“We need to make real change … this is about people.”

Overall, the feedback indicates growing awareness and willingness to act. At the same time, many institutions recognise they are still at early stages of practical implementation.

Moving from awareness to prevention

One message was clear - we need to move beyond awareness toward structured prevention.

Universities can strengthen their approach by:

• Assessing high-risk operational areas
• Improving oversight of recruitment agents and contractors
• Embedding student-safe reporting mechanisms
• Training staff to identify and escalate risks
• Measuring outcomes, not just policy presence
• Preventing exploitation requires shifting from compliance-focused frameworks to operational systems that genuinely prioritise student wellbeing

Resource

To support universities in this work, Fair Futures has developed a one-page summary poster outlining key risks and practical prevention considerations.

The resource is designed as a concise reference for procurement teams, student services, and leadership discussions.

You can access the summary poster here.

Looking ahead

The AUPN discussions demonstrated strong willingness across the sector to engage with modern slavery risk affecting university students. Many institutions are beginning to examine internal systems more closely and explore preventative approaches.

Fair Futures continues to work with universities to design practical, operational responses that centre student safety and strengthen institutional accountability.

For further information or to discuss tailored support, please get in touch.

View summary poster