- What are the primary considerations?
Before joining a university, an individual must consider the courses being offered, tuition fees being charged and financial aids available, the eligibility criteria, location of the institution, jobs and direct placement opportunities, campus facilities, and timing flexibilities. Further, it is wise to evaluate the benefits against the costs of whether or not to join a university.
- What are the main options available besides university?
From Abc.net.au.(2020) interviews, those who are not for university education assert that the main alternatives available other than university include Vocational Education and Training for certificates or diplomas, apprenticeships, starting and running one’s own business. Besides, there are other alternatives such as internships, entry-level occupations, and traineeships (Abc.net.au.2020)
- What are the financial costs involved? (e.g. tuition fees and so on.)
According to ANU (2020), tuition fees for domestic students is payable per unit instead of per annum since some students love combining units from different bands, which have different costing depending on the unit band. The federal-state subsidises the tuition fees under the Commonwealth program. Nevertheless, most graduate programs are not Commonwealth supported, thus are required to pay DTF. For instance, at ANU, the Band fee rates (2019 ISF) for 48 units are AUD 38,400, $ 43,680, $46,080, $48,000 and $51,360 for bands 1 to 5 respectively.
Other financial costs include books, field trips, equipment, amenities and service fee, which are dependent on the course being undertaken (ANU 2020).
On the other hand, international students are required to pay full tuition fees, which vary between the course chosen but can range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 for undergraduate degrees.
Apart from tuition fees, the international students have to cater for the accommodation costs (they vary depending on the location and type of accommodation), utility costs, transport, academic and book supplies (ANU 2020)
- What are the financial rewards arising from the successful completion of a degree?
A degree will make an individual be on high demand from employers, which means that graduates often have the opportunity to earn lucrative salaries (Abc.net.au. 2020).
- What other benefits are there in going to university beyond the financial?
According to interviews on Abc.net.au. (2020), individuals who have pursued university degrees enjoy job security and satisfaction, networking, acquisition of transferable skills, and exposure to vast life experiences. They also acquire independence from having confidence in one’s abilities, in addition to becoming good parents who have a positive outlook on life.
- What are some other benefits to alternatives to university beyond the financial?
Increased creativity, ability to face the real-world challenges, ability to offer employability and trade skills to employers
- What are some of the “bigger picture” issues that we should be aware of?
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a likelihood of a reduction in international students and an increase in online learning. It may lead to mergers of some universities and high employee turnover due to loss of revenue and financial sustainability in institutions of higher education.
Inequities at workplaces are rampant, especially concerning gender, people with disabilities and aboriginal Australians. Besides, there are geographical, technological, income and wealth disparities that cause economic and social disadvantages in the state primarily to individuals with meagre pay and those experiencing homelessness (Apo.org.au. 2020).
- What social issues are involved?
Some of the social issues surrounding graduates include; Unemployment, debilitating poverty, employment inequalities, language barriers and cultural discrimination to international students, workplace harassment, and discrimination of the native Australian population (Apo.org.au. 2020). There is also market saturation, evolving job market, public racism and social inequalities
- Are there other things that you think are important and need further discussion?
Yes.
Further discussion should include
– Sustainability of the education sector following the COVID-19 pandemic since much revenue has been coming from the international students
– Outcomes of university mergers to both students and future employment opportunities
– Creation of employment opportunities to graduates amid an economic crisis.
– Incorporation of technical skills in the university curriculum to enable graduates to be competitive in the evolving job market.