trends-2011-vol1-enrolment-e

Drivers of change
Projecting future enrolment levels, even over a relatively short
period, is difficult to do with great precision. The factors that
push and pull enrolment sometimes work in concert and at other
times work to offset the influence of one another. They include
changes in local, regional, national and international demography,
as well as changes in the factors that influence the demand for a
university education, including individual and societal perceptions
of the value of a degree.
Changes in the size and composition of youth and other cohorts
attracted to university will also play a role in driving future enrolment
levels. In addition to the factors listed above, enrolment is also
affected by labour market demand for highly qualified graduates,
parental education and socio-economic status, urbanization,
immigration and international students.
Enrolment is not a true
measure of demand
for university education.
It is simply a measure
of the amount of
demand that is met.
Enrolment is only a measure of the degree to which demand
for university education is met. Consequently, it is also necessary
to consider factors that affect universities’ capacity to meet this
demand and absorb new students. Examples of these factors
include government policies that influence the availability of
human and physical resources (technology and space) needed to
provide high-quality learning experiences for students, as well
as opportunities for internships, co-op experiences and interaction
with students from a broad array of cultures in an ever-expanding
global environment.
AUCC
Trends in Higher Education | Volume 1. Enrolment | 23