Gov Reveals One In Three Uni Students Are Dropping Out

Aus uni drop-out, no graduation day for you.

Education Minister Simon Birmingham revealed some fairly deflating statistics today, perhaps putting a dampener on the mood of the thousands of students awaiting first-round university offers.

According to federal government stats, one in three students are dropping out of uni before completing their degree.

The statistics are based on enrolments from 2009, which revealed about one third of students had dropped out by 2014. (This included those who re-enrolled.)

That means only two thirds of students are wrapping up their degrees within six years (if ever).

The revelation follows last year's announcement that one in five first-year uni students are jumping ship.

The government’s report showed that boys were more likely to drop out, with only 40.6 per cent of boys finishing their course, compared to 48 per cent of girls.

On the other hand, boys had a better completion rate at non-university institutions, with 43.3 per cent compared to 36.2 per cent of girls.

The University of Melbourne can boast the highest course completion rate (88 per cent). Northern Territory’s Charles Darwin University is found on the other end of the spectrum (42 per cent).

Senator Birmingham tried to find a positive side to the stats, telling the ABC, “It's a reminder to students as they consider university offers now to think carefully about what the course is and what the university is and make sure it is a good fit for them for the future."

“I hope students getting offers this week get their first preference for where and what to study and I wish them all the best,” he added in a statement.

“However, they should also keep in mind that it's not too late to change their mind, should they wish to do so after appropriate research and consideration."

On that note, the government encourages students to take a gander at its Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website, to give you a better glimpse at what each institution and course can offer you.

Photo: Warner Bros