Year 12 completers are not all that hyped-up about HECS (55% rate it as an issue) or incensed about immigration, on the basis of UAC’s survey, taken before the election was called.
The fifth edition of the (NSW-ACT) Universities Admission Centre’s national survey found them focused on the same issues as everybody else. Cost of living, jobs and housing affordability are the big three.
On education;
- 65% rated graduate employment in selecting study, up from a pandemic low of 42%;
- 45% want work experience/an internship during their degree;
- despite the memory of COVID classes at home, just 55% want to study on campus, down from 63% in 2021.
UAC’s takeaways for campus recruiters is that prospective students want:
- employment services, help with class selection and study skills
- freebies, especially WIFI which is more important than cheap eats.
While HECS is not an overwhelming worry, 44% are concerned about the cost of study, but few want to engage – just 26% are interested in clubs and societies and 21% mentioned diversity as important for campus life.
And finally, the life-long learning message is being heard (or are they just eyeing off an early exit strategy?). Despite not having started their first course, 23% see a micro-credential in their future and 20% a diploma/certificate.
As for AI, Hey! As a vox-pop in the brief puts it, “AI is cool. People are scared for no reason. It’s the same fear as a hundred years ago with the industrial revolution. Life moves on.”
