A U S T R A L I A N U N I V E R S I T I E S ’ R E V I E W - The tertiary debate - A case study analysis of factors considered when applying for university entry by traditional age school leavers in Brisbane

Oct 15, 2026

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This study analyzes factors shaping university choice among traditional-age school leavers in Brisbane using a systems perspective. A Bayesian Network models interacting influences to represent and quantify how students and universities perceive student decision drivers. The case study compares similarities and differences across university perceptions, student expectations of relevant considerations, and the actual choice process. Results outline the range of insights obtainable, including identification of important factors and scenario assessment that illuminate what ultimately tips decisions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Study aims and decision-making context

Prior modelling approaches and limitations

Evidence from external-factor and reputation-focused studies

Australian studies and remaining gaps

A U S T R A L I A N U N I V E R S I T I E S ’ R E V I E W The tertiary debate A case study analysis of factors considered when applying for university entry by traditional age school leavers in Brisbane Fiona Harden, Gabrielle Davis & Kerrie Mengersen Queensland University of Technology Many interacting factors contribute to a student’s choice of a university. This study takes a systems perspective of the choice and developsa Bayesian Network to represent and quantify these factors and their interactions. The systems model is illustrated through a small study of traditional school leavers in Australia, and highlights similarities and differences between universities’ perceptions of student choices, students’ perceptions of factors that they should consider and how students really make choices. The study shows the range of information that can be gained from this approach, including identification of important factors and scenario assessment. Introduction Although there has been international interest in the decision making process that traditional aged students undertake in their choice of university, most theoretical and conceptual approaches to modelling choice of university are based on the assumption that prospective students think rationally and make careful, objective analysis of available universities when making their choice. This study aims to reveal the relationship between the factors that make a university appealing to prospective students, those factors that are considered important by the universities themselves and those few factors that actually tip the scales in the final decision. Due to an increase in competition and decline in resources supplied by the government, universities in many countries, including Australia, are under constant pressure to increase the number of applicants to their institution. Although in the past, student equity, engagement and the access to technology have been among the top priorities of tertiary education institutions, the recent flattening in student demand is now making obvious the increasingly crucial need of the organisation for a system- atic model demonstrating proven and concrete factors that influence school leavers’ choice of university. Although studies have explored this process, most have failed to provide a conceptualised, mathematical model, or have not provided an appropriate scope of study. Chapman (1981), for instance, reports a systematic model to aid universities to develop more sophisticated marketing strategies by modifying their institutional descriptionsand targeting of recruitment literature. Chapman’s model is created on the basis that students’ college choice is influenced by a set of student characteristics in combination with a series of external influences and the college’sown fixed characteristics. Although effective, it is relatively open ended and so fails to provide a detailed guide to interested universities. In addition, the study itself does not move beyond the creation of this model and fails to report any kind of extended study to test the effectiveness or demonstrate the usage of the model. A study by Beswick (1973) provides good insight into the external factors affecting a student’s university choice. The study’s survey revealed not only that course offerings tended to dominate the decision making process, but also that mothers were actually the most influential people vol. 56, no. 1, 2014 The tertiary debate Fiona Harden, Gabrielle Davis & Kerrie Mengersen 39 A U S T R A L I A N U N I V E R S I T I E S ’ R E V I E W reported to affect the process. Apart from its age, a limitation of this study is that it only sampled students from three tertiary education institutions, making it potentially unrepresentative. Moreover, the focus was on the decision making process in terms of student support and guidance, rather than university marketing. Catley (2004) measured the relative significance affecting prospective und

FAQs

What approach does the study use to examine university choice?

It uses a systems perspective and develops a Bayesian Network to represent and quantify interacting factors and their relationships.

What does the study compare in its case study analysis?

It compares universities’ perceptions of student choices, students’ perceptions of what factors should matter, and how students actually make choices.

Which issues motivated the study’s focus on a systematic model?

Competition for applicants and declining government-supplied resources create pressure for universities to understand and model concrete factors influencing school leavers’ decisions.

Oct 15, 2026

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