What do our graduates say about the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS)? - A pilot report on compliers and defiers

Abstract

This report contains the results of a pilot study of 30 graduates in Canberra. The primary aim of the study is to obtain a snapshot of the beliefs and attitudes toward the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) held by a snowball sample of Australian graduates who recently received their tertiary degrees. This report is based on data collected primarily through questionnaire surveys and personal interviews. A structured questionnaire was used. Four focus group discussions were held to capture detailed information on this issue. All groups included no more than 3 to 4 graduates in addition to the researcher who acted as a facilitator. The focus group participants spoke enthusiastically about their perceptions of the HECS. A copy of the pilot questionnaire appears at the end of this report, together with some comments made by the participants. Finally, some issues that were raised during the focus group discussions are mentioned.