Sixty per cent of students will be expected to have gone on to further study or professional work within 15 months of graduating under plans confirmed by the English regulator.
The Office for Students has announced long-awaited thresholds that higher education providers need to meet to avoid investigations, and possible sanctions, as part of its drive to increase quality in the sector.
Starting next week, the “minimum expectations” placed on providers will include a target of at least 80 per cent of those studying full time for a first degree continuing with their studies, 75 per cent completing their course and 60 per cent either continuing to further study, finding work or being engaged in “other positive outcomes” – such as setting up their own business, travelling or taking on caring responsibilities – by the end of the 15-month period.
