Passionate, resilient and feeling the pinch

Employment outcomes, scholarship offers, work experience and internship opportunities are influencing the university choices of Year 12 students, according to UAC's latest Student Lifestyle and Learning Report.

In our biggest survey yet of school leavers, UAC asked nearly 17,000 students what matters most to them.

They’re looking forward to the freedom of post-school life, broadening their social connections and immersing themselves in study or work – but they’re feeling the pinch.

The survey found students are more concerned about cost-of-living pressures than previous years. Cost as an influence on their choice of institution rose almost 10 per cent this year (from 34 per cent to 43 per cent). Course fees, transport and accommodation are big areas of focus.

On an optimistic note, mental health concerns are down. This marks the best mental health score in the survey’s four-year history.

A new area of inquiry in this year’s survey was the impact of artificial intelligence. As digital natives, these gen Zs live technology, but they are cautious of the impact AI may have on them.

Download the Student Lifestyle and Learning Report 2024 for more insights about the concerns, motivations and hopes of this student group.