Department of Education Science and Technology (DEST)
CONTACT WEB SITE
http://www.dest.gov.au
DESCRIPTION
The Higher Education Student Data Collection includes information for students enrolled in higher education courses for: the number of students enrolled; the Equivalent Full-time Student Unit (EFTSU) load; Award Course Completions for students completing higher education award courses; and Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) status.
DISSEMINATION
For further Information see: Department of Education, Science and Training, Students , Selected Higher Education Statistics,and Higher Education Students Time Series Tables, Selected Higher Education Statistics, DEST, Canberra.
http://www.dest.gov.au/highered/statinfo.htm
DATA DETAILS
Age and Gender
Country of birth
Citizenship
Disability
Home postcode
Language spoken at home
Tertiary Entrance Score
Basis for admission (e.g. mature age special entry)
HECS information (e.g. exemption from HECS)
Student load
Institution
Course type
Field of study
Discipline
FREQUENCY OF DATA AVAILABILITY
Annual
HISTORICAL DATA
The collection of higher education statistics in its current form commenced in 1987. Prior to that there were two separate collections of data relating to advanced education institutions and Universities. Data between the two collections is not strictly compatible and only limited comparisons can be made. Since 1987 there have also been changes to the existing collection. In 1989 a number of significant changes to the collection were made, resulting from the introduction of HECS. Since that time DEST has reviewed the nature of information required and the timing of provision of the data.
For information on the Knowledge-based Economy and Society see Discussion Paper Measuring a Knowledge-based Economy and Society.