- They often worry about the financial impact their study and living needs will have on their parents and family.
- Many find the transition to further education and training difficult, especially when having to move hundreds of kilometres away from family and friends and establish new networks.
- The geographic distances they need to travel whether for university, training or employment is significant and very costly.
- Unpaid, compulsory work placements increase financial pressure, especially if needing to fund additional accommodation and living costs for weeks or months at a time.
- Uncontrollable events like drought, floods and bushfires play a large part in fluctuating household income.
- Often they are required to undertake part-time employment in order to meet living expenses – this detracts from their ability to focus on studies and do their best.
The Research
Equity in education for rural and regional students remains a critical and urgent national issue, highlighted consistently in recent research. Emerging data continues to show that rural and regional young people face significant barriers to accessing and completing further education and training.
- One third of adults in rural and regional Australia have a Certificate IV or above, compared to half of adults in metropolitan areas.
- Regional and remote students are 10% less likely to consider going to university than metropolitan students.
- The proportion of students obtaining a secondary certificate is approximately 68% in regional areas, compared to 80% in metropolitan areas.
- The gap in the quality of education is costing the Australian economy more than $55 billion.
- Accessing education and staffing schools are more pronounced in rural and regional secondary schools, further widening the education gap between city and country.
Education changes lives
It is evident from our students that whatever challenges come their way, rural and regional students continue to show resilience, determination and motivation that drives their education goals forward. This not only impacts the individual, but families and communities.
CEF students tell us that the support they receive makes a profound difference. It’s not only the financial support; it’s the social, emotional and community connection that strengthens their confidence to take those next steps into education and training.
