This document summarizes the results of a survey of 1,201 Gen Z students aged 16-24 in Australia. It finds that students value education and teachers, but struggle with excessive technology use and its impact on mental health. Most students see hybrid learning as ideal and believe lifelong learning is important for career success. Key desires for future careers include purpose, values alignment, community, and flexibility. Communication and collaboration skills are best developed in the classroom.

1. 94%
of students greatly
value having access
to an Australian
education
70%
strongly/somewhat agree
they can think of at least
one teacher who has
made a massive positive
difference to their life
82%
struggle with spending too
much time on technology
74%
want to go off social media but
haven’t because they would miss
out on knowing what is happening
in the world around them
65%
agree social media is having a
negative impact on their mental
health
THE TOP ASPIRATIONS FOR VALUES-DRIVEN GEN Z
TOP FIVE CHALLENGES FACED BY
TODAY’S STUDENTS
STUDENTS APPRECIATE
THEIR EDUCATION AND
VALUE THEIR TEACHERS
THE SCREEN DILEMMA
Own their own home
72%
67%
Full financial freedom and independence
67%
Excel in their career
66%
Travel and see the world
65%
Pursue interests and hobbies
Not having enough money to live comfortably
65%
61%
Being stuck in a job they don’t enjoy or find fulfilment in
54%
Not reaching their full potential
48%
Not finding love
47%
Never being able to buy their own home
TOP FIVE HOPES TOP FIVE FEARS
High pressure to do well in
exams and assessments
72%
Navigating their own
mental wellbeing
63%
Preparing for unknown
careers
62%
Navigating loneliness and
social isolation
58%
Juggling work with study
57%
Understanding today’s students
Extremely/very challenging

2. 70%
of students see their ideal
learning situation as hybrid
74%
believe life-long learning will
be essential for them to
future-proof their career
81%
feel at least somewhat equipped
by their education to thrive in the
workplace in the decade ahead
Which learning environment has best helped you develop the following competencies
Future proofing students
HYBRID LEARNING
IS THE WAY OF
THE FUTURE
FUTURE PROOFING
CAREERS
KEY DRIVERS FOR CHOOSING A POST-SCHOOL EDUCATION PROVIDER
COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND COLLABORATION
ARE BEST DEVELOPED IN THE CLASSROOM
Methodology
Research and infographic by McCrindle – mccrindle.com.au
Online survey of 1,201 Gen Z students aged 16-24
In field 1-19th April 2021
For the full report go to
educationfuture.com.au
Having purpose and
meaning in their work
72%
Work aligns with their
core values
68%
A workplace that is a
community of strong
social connections
65%
Work they do has a
positive impact on the
world around them
64%
Workplace flexibility
64%
Adaptability 2x more likely to be developed more online
53%
25%
More online
More in the
classroom
KEY DESIRES FOR FUTURE CAREERS
Extremely/very important
Availability
53% Location
48% Reputation
43%
Family
35% Flexibility of
course structure
33%
Personal organisation 1.5x more likely to be developed more online
49%
32%
Communication skills 1.9x more likely to be developed more in the classroom
56%
30%
Collaboration skills 1.9x more likely to be developed more in the classroom
54%
28%