Full Universities Australia Logo Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia
  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Board
    • Our Staff
    • History
    • Career Opportunities
  • Facts & Publications
    • Student Statistics
    • Staff Statistics
    • University & Funding Statistics
    • Publications
  • Policy & Submissions
    • Submissions
    • Keep it clever
    • Teaching, Learning & Funding
    • Research & Innovation
    • International
    • Diversity & Equity
    • Safety & Wellbeing
    • Health
    • Copyright
  • Campaigns & Projects
  • Our universities
    • University Profiles
    • Teaching Calendar
    • University Contacts
    • University Startup Hubs
    • Student Safety – Contacts
  • Media
  • Events
  • Contact
Study in Australia
©2021
Site by ED.

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
Media Release 12 August 2019

Uni a strong choice for most students with a lower ATAR: new report

Most of the students who enter university with a lower ATAR are not giving up big opportunities in vocational education, a new report by the Grattan Institute concludes.

Some – but not most – male students with a lower ATAR could be better off with a vocational qualification in a few select fields, the Risks and Rewards report finds.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the latest Grattan report busts the myth that large numbers of people going to university would be better off in VET.

“You hear it said from time to time, but what the evidence actually shows is that university is a strong choice for most students, including many of those who finish high school with a lower ATAR.”

“Another key finding from the report is that more Australians are doing some type of post-school study than ever before,” she said.

“That’s a very good thing. It highlights that Australia needs two strong systems – universities and vocational education – working together to educate the next generations.”

“It’s really important that young Australians have a strong set of options to pursue after they finish high school.”

By 2017, there were around 3.14 million enrolments in all types of vocational education in Australia (just under half of the in Government-funded VET places), and 737,000 students enrolled at university.

The Grattan Institute report notes:

“Most low-ATAR higher education students are not giving up big opportunities in vocational education. Like higher education, vocational education has risks as well as potential reward’.”

“Low ATAR university students … only sometimes have clearly better vocational education alternatives.”

Ms Jackson also noted that a low ATAR can be a sign of disruption during a student’s Year 12 studies or profound disadvantage.

“It doesn’t predict the destiny of every student or their success at university. The vast majority of students who enter university go on to successfully complete their studies.”

Related Media

See All Media
media-item
Media Release
12 April 2021

MAKING THE MOST OF UNI RESEARCH

Boosting support to make the most of university research will lead to new jobs, products and companies, and support Australia’s economic recovery.

Read more
media-item
Media Release
31 March 2021

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AND POST-PANDEMIC ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Universities Australia today welcomed the announcement by Education Minister Alan Tudge to begin consultation on a 10-year whole-of-sector international education strategy.

Read more
media-item
Media Release
26 March 2021

Universities Australia Health Check Review report

Universities Australia Chair Professor Deborah Terry AO has welcomed the completion of the ‘health check review’ designed to identify opportunities for improving the effectiveness of the sector’s peak body.

Read more
See All Media
Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia

Popular Search Terms

  • Business & Community
  • Careers & Staffing
  • Indigenous
  • International
  • Resources & Regulation
  • Quality Assurance
  • Governance
  • Research
  • Students & Teaching
  • Student Income Support
  • Teaching Calendar
©2021
Site by ED.
Universities Australia Logo
Study in Australia

Sign up

©2021
Site by ED.
Universities Australia Logo


Australian Aboriginal Flag Flag of the Torres Strait Islanders

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Facts & Publications
  • Policy & Submissions
  • Campaigns & Projects
  • Our universities
  • Media
  • Events
  • Contact

Get in touch

  • 1 Geils Court
  • Deakin ACT 2600
  • T: +61 2 6285 8100

Follow Us

  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
©2021 - Site by ED.
Legal
Study in Australia
Site Index