This report argues that a good tertiary education system steers prospective students towards courses that increase their employment opportunities and minimise their risks, and that Australia’s post-school system does not always achieve this goal.

Ths report presents an overview of higher education policy and trends. Since its first edition in early 2012, the report has established itself as a widely used, one-stop source of information on higher education.

Some students who drop out of university never seriously engage with their course, and needlessly accrue a HELP debt before they leave. This report recommends new ways to protect students from unnecessary financial burdens.

The main purpose of this background paper is to provide additional information on the Grattan Institute’s statistical analysis of completion of bachelor degrees at public universities.

Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham has unveiled big changes to the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). With about A$50 billion in outstanding student debt, the goal is to curb costs. Assuming parliament passes the changes, all students will have to pay more and repay quicker...