Another group of matrics may once again be disappointed by not getting space for higher education.
With the deadline for applications to most universities only weeks away, or already passed many will not get a place to further their studies in 2015.
Dr Felicity Coughlan, director of the Independent Institute of Education (IIE), a accredited private higher education institution says the reasons for late entries at higher education institutions include waiting until it is too late to apply, not understanding the application criteria, not qualifying for the application, or not rating sufficiently compared to other candidates where there was a limited course space.
Another reason for disappointment may be matrics failed to take into consideration is that quality post-school opportunities are not only available in the public sector, but also n the private sector.
Students may also failed to apply to more than one institution and to apply within different parts of the sector – public and private,” she says.
Coughlan says that there are ongoing efforts to increase the number of places within public sector universities and further education and training (FET) colleges, but that these are unlikely to ever be able to meet the demands for space.
She says that while school-leavers have traditionally focused on gaining entry into a public sector university, it has become imperative to investigate alternative avenues of education.
She says the government’s plan to create a central processing house for students – to minimise the cost and complexity of multiple applications – is commendable.
“Until there is a comprehensive solution in place, students need to ensure that they are keeping their own options open,” Coughlan says.
She advised that students who have not applied yet to study next year to visit the institutions in both the public and private sector while there is still time left.
“Determine what you want to study, where you want to do it and what you require to qualify and when your application needs to be in,” says Coughlan.
