Worrying National Trends in Uni Applications
12 January 2008
There are worrying trends that have developed over the last decade in relation to national further and higher education.
Across that last decade this University has been growing rapidly and defying plateaus or downturns in student application rates elsewhere. But the latest QTAC figures indicate that applications are down again, across the sector. And the downturn is more evident amongst males than females.
The two most popular explanations for the fall in application rates, are the booming economy, and the level of debt incurred by undertaking degree programs.
There is no doubt that many students, tired of years of school study, have been lured to highly remunerated jobs as tradesmen, or for example in the mining industry. Various commentators who have stressed the need for more skilled tradesmen, and played down the importance of university education, have also had an impact.
When economic times are not so obviously ‘boom’, many talented people may regret not laying the foundations of lifetime careers through the possession of a degree, and all the life skills that are learnt at university. When lifelong careers are analysed, people with degrees still emerge with better chances of success in all its personal, social and professional manifestations.
As for the second reason, debt is undoubtedly a psychological and financial disincentive for many prospective students, despite the HECS deferred payment arrangements.
Associated with this is the long-term underfunding of universities, so that the facilities students expect when paying course fees, are not always up to the standard expected.
Whilst there are deterrents, they should be weighed carefully against the advantages of degree possession.
The need for graduates in the future is going to increase even further, as Australia falls behind other nations investing more in their research and innovation capacity.
Short-term expedience and immediate financial gain are not necessarily the best solutions for satisfying and rewarding careers across our increasing lifespans.
Universities offer a special brand of learning that endures and is profoundly important for personal development.
Professor Paul Thomas AM is Vice-Chancellor at the University of the Sunshine Coast.