Survey shows 61 per cent of Year 12 students want to attend uni

A new survey has shown 61 per cent of 1992 Year 12 students want to attend university next year.

Releasing the results of the Western Australian Office of Higher Education survey today, Education Minister Kay Hallahan said while most students wanted to attend university, only 45 per cent realistically expected to achieve a place.

Mrs Hallahan said the survey of 2,000 Year 12s also found that parents were the biggest influence on decisions about further education or training, followed closely by friends and education officials.

The Minister said the survey results confirmed the need for TAFE to win the hearts and minds of school students as well as their parents.

"While 14.5 per cent of students said TAFE was their first preference for 1993, more students have to think seriously about TAFE as a viable education and training option.

"Clearly, available university places will not be sufficient to satisfy demand despite efforts by the universities to provide more school-leaver places than in previous years."

Through its 'Smart Move' campaign, the Government is promoting TAFE as a viable choice for many students wanting to undertake further education and training once leaving school.

"TAFE qualifications are nationally recognised and closely attuned to employer and industry needs.  In many cases they allow students to gain credits towards university qualifications at a later stage," Mrs Hallahan said.

The Minister said the survey of student expectations helped the Government to plan the provision of education and training opportunities in 1993.

Copies of the survey are available from the Office of Higher Education on 483 8200.