On Tuesday, some Australian university students got access to a new payment. The Commonwealth Prac Payment is available to eligible teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students. It will provide A$331.65 a week during compulsory professional placements, to help with living and study expenses. This could include travel, accommodation, uniforms and lost income from other employment. But […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
A new ‘prac payment’ has just kicked in. But it ignores many uni students
Doctorate: The invisible costs of the thesis, between overwork and anxiety
A true intellectual journey, the doctorate can also, due to the precariousness it entails, become a veritable daily obstacle course, lastingly weakening young researchers both psychologically and economically. A look back at the lessons learned from a survey of 15 career paths in the humanities and social sciences. With Le Vacataire , published in 2025, economist Thomas […] … learn more→
Why the traditional college major may be holding students back in a rapidly changing job market
Colleges and universities are struggling to stay afloat. The reasons are numerous: declining numbers of college-age students in much of the country, rising tuition at public institutions as state funding shrinks, and a growing skepticism about the value of a college degree. Pressure is mounting to cut costs by reducing the time it takes to earn a degree from four years […] … learn more→
Global rankings fuel hype, but students have more to consider when choosing a uni
At this time of year, many year 12 students are seriously turning their minds to the future. Should they go to university next year? If so, which one? June is also the start of the global ranking season. Last week saw the release of the QS Quacquarelli Symonds 2026 world university rankings, amid reports of a […] … learn more→
Why college women suffer more intensely from imposter syndrome
Being a man or a woman, and how we have learned to be one or how the society in which we live has taught us to be one, influences how we deal with success. For example, some people, faced with success, suffer from what psychologist Pauline Clance defined decades ago as “imposture syndrome.” It causes them to […] … learn more→
What to expect from an Online MRA degree: Cost, tme & opportunities
Going for a graduate degree’s a big swing—time, cash, and grit are all on the line. But for pros juggling jobs and ambitions, online programs are a game-changer, offering flexibility to learn without hitting pause on life. The Master of Research Administration (MRA) is picking up steam, training folks to master research funding, compliance, and […] … learn more→
What is the purpose of a doctorate? What the history of the university’s highest degree teaches us
In the world of degrees, the doctorate occupies a special place. Not only is it the highest academic degree, but it not only certifies the mastery of skills, but also demonstrates the ability to produce new knowledge. How did it gain recognition in the job market? As a cost-saving measure, the 2025 finance law abruptly […] … learn more→
Trump administration’s conflicting messages on Chinese student visas reflect complex US-China relations
President Donald Trump appears to have walked back plans for the U.S. State Department to scrutinize and revoke visas for Chinese students studying in the country. On June 11, 2025, Trump posted on his social media platform TruthSocial that visas for Chinese students would continue and that they are welcome in the United States, as their presence “has always […] … learn more→
The hidden bias in college admissions tests: How standardized exams can favor privilege over potential
At first glance, calls from members of Congress to restore academic merit in college admissions might sound like a neutral policy. In our view, these campaigns often cherry-pick evidence and mask a coordinated effort that targets access and diversity in American colleges. As scholars who study access to higher education, we have found that when these efforts are paired with pressure to reinstate standardized tests, they […] … learn more→
Assessment in the age of AI – unis must do more than tell students what not to do
In less than three years, artificial intelligence technology has radically changed the assessment landscape. In this time, universities have taken various approaches, from outright banning the use of generative AI, to allowing it in some circumstances, to allowing AI by default. But some university teachers and students have reported they remain confused and anxious, unsure about what […] … learn more→
