A study by the Australian National University looked at enrolments using data spanning close to a century. At the time of the 1911 census, there were 539 women at university, 22per cent of the total number of students.

Female participation grew until 1950, when there was a steep decline to less than 20per cent, because returning war veterans were given priority enrolment.

Gender parity was achieved in the mid-1980s, and women now represent 55per cent of all university students.

Researcher Alison Booth says the fact that girls are performing on par or better than boys in school suggests the trend will continue.

''This trend will at least be maintained or could well increase,'' Professor Booth, co-author of The University Gender Gap in Australi study, said.

While there were more women than men attending universities, female workforce participation rates were about 45per cent.

Professor Booth believes Australia's below international average performance is caused by a lack of government support for women with children. And she is sceptical about this changing any time soon.

''The Government is talking about maternity leave and better access to child care, but I haven't seen too much evidence that this is happening,'' she said. ''It's a really, really important policy area, so I am surprised that the government isn't pushing for greater changes.'' AAP