Student Enrolments in Higher Education in Western Australia: Some Observations on Trends over the Period 1973 to 1983. A Discussion Paper.

College enrollment trends were examined with attention to participation of women and youth, part- and full-time study, and qualifications of entering students. Findings include the following: in 1973 there was only one university in Western Australia, and the colleges sector consisted of five teacher training institutions and one institute of technology; in 1983 the colleges had amalgamated into one multi-campus college of advanced education and another university had been founded, making a total of four institutions in higher education; student enrollments increased by 65 percent; in 1973, 55 percent of university students were in the 17-21 age group, but by 1983 only 47 percent were in this age group; part-time enrollment in the college sector increased from 41 percent to 56 percent during the decade, while the percentage (38%) of part-time students in the university sector remained about the same; and part-time enrollment by women has increased notably. Data for the 1973-1983 period are provided on: enrollments by 17-21 year olds by sector and sex; male students as a proportion of total enrollments by sector and institution; part-time enrollments by sector and institution; full- and part-time enrollments; and the numbers of students beginning college directly from school. (SW)