A majority of sixth-form pupils preparing for university say they are worried about finding a job after graduation, and many are deterred from higher education by cost, according to a survey commissioned by Brunel University of London.
Employment anxiety and cost shape choices
The survey of students in Years 12 and 13 found that almost eight out of 10 prospective undergraduates are concerned about securing employment after completing their degree, while 55% of those opting not to go to university cited tuition fees and student loans as a reason.
As they prepare to receive A‑level results, the pupils expressed strong practical priorities: 90% said a work placement as part of a degree was important, and nine out of 10 of those planning to attend university expect to work or plan to work part‑time to fund their studies.
Living at home, flexi‑boarding and part‑time work
The survey indicates changing patterns in student living arrangements. Only 71% intend to move away from home for university; the remainder prefer to live with family. Among those staying at home, nearly six in 10 said they would be "extremely" or "somewhat" interested in flexi‑boarding arrangements that allow students to stay on campus some nights.
- 71% plan to move away to university.
- 90% rate work placements as important.
- 55% of those rejecting HE cite cost concerns.
AI fuels unease about future work
Concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) are prominent. The survey found that only 20% of respondents view AI as positive for society, while around 75% agreed strongly or somewhat strongly that "AI is likely to make it much harder for graduates to find jobs." More than six in 10 said universities should provide support on AI.
"This snapshot survey of sixth‑form attitudes to life after school provides an invaluable insight into the big issues facing young people today: how they will find a job, what skills they should develop to stand a better chance of getting that first job in a market where AI is having a detrimental effect on entry level posts and, finally, is higher education worth the investment?" said Professor Andrew Jones, Vice‑Chancellor and President of Brunel University of London.
Implications for policy and practice
The findings highlight three interlinked pressures shaping decisions at the point of transition from school to higher education: financial barriers, the demand for employability skills, and technological disruption. For policymakers and universities, the survey underscores the need to:
- strengthen access to affordable study and transparent information on student funding;
- embed high‑quality work placements and career preparation into degree programmes; and
- support students to understand and use AI responsibly while developing skills that complement automation.
The results also point to demand for more flexible campus living models. Institutions considering how to broaden participation may need to factor in the preferences of students who wish to remain at home but still access some on‑campus life.
Survey snapshot
The Brunel‑commissioned survey, reported by Brunel University of London, gathered responses from pupils in Years 12 and 13. Key responses are summarised below.
| Issue | Share of respondents |
|---|---|
| Worried about getting a job after degree | ~80% |
| Would work or expect to work part‑time while studying | 90% |
| Cost deterring from higher education | 55% (of those rejecting HE) |
| View AI as positive for society | 20% |
While this is a snapshot of attitudes among a cohort of English sixth‑formers, the themes resonate beyond the UK. South Africa faces its own challenges around graduate unemployment, the affordability of tertiary study and the pace of technological change. For learners, parents and educators here, the survey serves as a prompt to prioritise clear careers advice, meaningful work experience and frank conversations about the cost and purpose of higher education.
