UAC's Student Lifestyle and Learning Report 2026

Executive summary

UAC’s sixth Student Lifestyle and Learning Report reveals new insights from almost 20,000 school leavers over five years, offering a comprehensive snapshot of Australia's Year 12 cohort, tracking trends in study motivations, mental health, career aspirations and learning preferences.

Year 12 students are increasingly focused on building adaptable skills and career flexibility as they navigate an uncertain economic landscape. Despite rising cost-of-living pressures and heavy workloads, students remain strongly committed to higher education, with university continuing to be seen as a critical pathway to opportunity.

These findings reflect a cohort responding thoughtfully to workforce disruption and economic uncertainty.

Download the full report [PDF]