This comparative case study analysis explores higher education equity in South Africa and Australia, garnering insights from South Africa to inform the implementation of the Australian Universities Accord. This article identifies challenges and opportunities from South Africa that may assist with implementing the managed growth policy framework and needs-based funding model. Four insights were identified. First, Australia should embrace managed growth but minimise equity students’ tuition fees to reduce, not reproduce, inequality. Second, Australia could consider a nested equity approach to intersectional, compounding disadvantage to enable differential redistribution. Third, needs-based funding will provide the opportunity for a ‘fair chance for success’. Lastly, epistemic access, epistemic success, RPL as an equity tool, university and vocational education and training harmonisation and alternative equity student tuition debt arrangements could be explored. The article promotes an uncommon equity alliance between Australia and South Africa, offering a broader view of equity policy and funding options. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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