The 2008 Undergraduate Applications, Offers and Acceptances report has found that fewer students are being turned away from universities, with nearly 80 per cent of applicants being offered a place.
In 2008, there was a 4.5 per cent decrease on unmet demand compared to last year - the lowest level recorded.
This report shows that demand and supply are broadly in balance at the aggregate level but there are some fields of study where we need more graduates.
The Rudd Government has given a commitment to fund additional places in the priority areas of nursing and early childhood education.
To encourage students to study the critical disciplines of maths and science the Government is reducing student contribution amounts to the lowest ‘national priority’ rate.
Graduates who take up employment in related occupations, including teaching these subjects in secondary schools will also receive reductions in HECS-HELP repayments and debts.
If Australia is to develop the highly educated workforce it needs, we have to do more to give every young Australian with talent and willingness the opportunity to study at university.
Widening access to higher education and responding to the skills needs of industry are central concerns of the Review of Australian Higher Education being led by Professor Denise Bradley AC. The Review will provide a final report to the Minister on the future direction of the higher education sector by the end of the year.
The new report on Undergraduate Applications, Offers and Acceptances is available through this link.