Effective Cost-Sharing Models in Higher Education: Insights from Low-Income Students in Australian Universities

This study examines the global trend in shifting university costs from national governments to individual students and families, with a specific focus on the existing cost-sharing model in Australian higher education. The research examines the manner in which the availability of income-contingent loans (through the Higher Education Contribution Scheme, or HECS) enters into individual cost assessments and evaluative frameworks during the university exploration and search process of low-income Australian youth, and the resulting lessons that might be applied to other national contexts. Semi-structured interviews with 16 participants addressed a broad range of issues related to the development of educational aspirations, and how beliefs and attitudes about cost influenced participants’ understanding and decision-making regarding tertiary enrollment and post-graduate plans. A number of discreet and related themes emerged from analysis of the interviews, including motivations for attending university; pre-university cost considerations; self-assessments of skills, abilities, and personal traits and characteristics; general financial orientation; pre-university experiences and influences; and the role of others including family, peers, teachers and other school staff. The author concludes that the Australian system is worthy of consideration by other nations as a possible mechanism for enhancing access to higher education for individuals who might otherwise not possess the opportunity to participate.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/42840/1/10734_2004_Article_6373.pd

Student Life at Three Universities

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.To form a general picture of student life and more particularly to see what factors affect the level of participation in student activities.Main Topics:Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions Information on attitudes to student life and to relative importance of each of several advantages of university attendance taken from agree-disagree sequence. Topics: relative importance of political involvement; interchange of ideas; dances and rags; freedom from restraint in allotment of time; ability to be unconventional; opportunity to learn and develop personality, to obtain life advancement through degree. Also general assessment of and degree of satisfaction felt with university life. Further information on job requirements, choice of preferred occupation, religious affiliation and observance, newspaper and magazine readership (including university newspaper), participation in university politics, national political allegiance, attitudes to capital punishment, membership and offices held in societies. Background Variables Age, degree subject, type of secondary school last attended, extra-curricular activities during this period, parents' educational achievements and father's occupation, information on general university life (type of residence lived in and preferred, distance from university, relationship with parental home, where meals taken, main hobbies, offices held, etc.

Survey of Employment of Former Postgraduate Students, 1966

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.This is part of a study which endeavours to answer two questions: what are the purposes of postgraduate education and its value to society, and how is postgraduate education organised in relation to these purposes.Main Topics:Amount and type of both educational and occupational 'success' experienced by intended intellectual elite given in great detail. 1954 males and 349 females list first and postgraduate degrees attempted, length of time taken for completion of degree, length of time before candidacy ceased in unsuccessful cases, and reasons for failure. Reasons for having undertaken postgraduate studies, respondent's suggestions for ways in which postgraduate studies could have been more profitable, and respondent-perceived benefits from postgraduate study presented in detail. Publications history and whether respondent feels his work has been a contribution to knowledge is also given. Employment history from first three jobs to present job, reasons for changes, reasons for having gone abroad for work and reasons for having returned (where applicable) also assessed. Occupation taken at two levels: nature of employment and duties and nature of employers' business or industry. Fine information given on income: details of salaries, bonus schemes, superannuation, other benefits and secondary sources of income other than primary occupation. Respondents asked their opinion of general value of postgraduate studies and whether skills obtained were relevant in both obtaining present job and in fulfilling responsibilities of present employment