Student Motivations and Challenges in Higher Education

This white paper presents findings from a global survey conducted by Anthology, which gathered insights from over 5,000 higher education leaders and students across 11 countries. The report focuses on understanding the motivations, preferences, and challenges faced by students in higher education. It outlines the primary reasons students enroll in university, highlighting practical motivations such as the necessity of a degree for their field and the potential for higher earning potential. Additionally, it discusses the varying motivations between first-generation and continuing-generation students. The paper also details the significant challenges students encounter, particularly in managing mental health and academic workload. It emphasizes the importance of universities recognizing these challenges to enhance student support systems and improve retention and graduation rates. Furthermore, the report provides actionable recommendations for universities to refine their communication and support services to better align with student needs and expectations.