Higher Education and the Minerals Boom: A View from the Regions

This paper examines the impact of the minerals boom to date on the demand for higher education in Central Queensland, and the sustainability of higher education providers in high economic growth environments. Several datasets were used to examine changes in the demand for higher education among specific student groups within the region, the impacts upon currently enrolled students, and some of the potential consequences for regional employers and long-term regional competitiveness. It identifies challenges facing higher education providers operating in such environments and the policy implications of these challenges for government.