The Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education has released data that shows more than 220,000 university offers have been made this year, an increase of over four per cent compared to the same time last year.

 

“This data proves we are well and truly on track to achieving the target of 40 per cent of Australians aged between 25 and 34 to have achieved a bachelor degree by 2020,” Federal Minister for Tertiary Education Senator Chris Evans said.

 

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Gender Indicators data shows 40 per cent of women in the 25-34 age bracket have already achieved a bachelor degree or above.

“To have 40 per cent of women qualified to bachelor degree level or above is a  tremendous result – not only for those individuals, but also for the economy as we strive to build the skill sets needed to fill the jobs of the future,” Senator Evans, said.

There are now 35 per cent of 25-34 year olds who have attained this level of qualification, up from 31.9 per cent in 2008.

“This achievement is an important economic reform. Skills Australia has forecast that by 2025 a third of all jobs will require a minimum of a bachelor degree qualification,” he said.

“The jobs of the future are going to require higher levels of skill and knowledge – a university education is a ticket to the high paid, high skilled jobs of tomorrow.

“The higher the skills in our workforce, the better the outlook for our economy and productivity.”