Students with Delayed Transition to Higher Education: An Often Overlooked Group

For the higher education system to be socially equitable, it is commonly agreed upon by European higher education policymakers that the student body should mirror the social structure of the population (EHEA, 2020). Many countries have created alternative routes to higher education, allowing students to enrol alternative credentials to complete traditional upper secondary education or to complete secondary education and start higher education later in life. Such measures have also improved the social mix of the student population. This paper takes a closer look at the background of students with delayed transition to higher education, particularly in Austria, Lithuania, and Romania, using the EUROSTUDENT VII microdata set (Cuppen et al., 2023). Data shows that 23% of students in Austria, 11% in Lithuania and 10% in Romania enter higher education two years after leaving school at the earliest (excluding international students). While these groups show specific characteristics in each country, overall, it is less likely for them to study abroad, and they more frequently report financial issues. Furthermore, students with a delayed transition to higher education are less likely to have parents with a university degree. However, they devote more time to their studies and are happier with their academic environment. The paper further shows educational regulations and policy measures in Austria, Lithuania, and Romania that can affect the situation of students with delayed transition.