University education changes lives, increases social capital

New research has found that a university education is associated with a wide range of benefits for Māori and Pacific graduates, their families and communities, including reducing labour market inequalities and increased civic participation.

A July 2017 report from the Graduate Longitudinal Study New Zealand reveals that, at two years post-graduation, Māori and Pacific graduates’ employment and income outcomes were comparable to those of other New Zealand graduates, suggesting that success in university study reduces ethnic disparities in labour market outcomes.

The research also found that higher education may reduce differences in voting behaviour, resulting in increased civic participation amongst Māori and Pacific graduates. The report highlights the high levels of unpaid work undertaken by Māori and Pacific graduates, while juggling financial commitments.

The Graduate Longitudinal Study New Zealand (GLSNZ) is a longitudinal project investigating the outcomes of 8,700 graduates from New Zealand universities. Funding for the 2014 follow-up study was provided by the universities through Universities New Zealand.

Link to further information (GLSNZ): New evidence of personal and social benefits of university education for Māori and Pacific Peoples