Academic vs the 'real' world: a profile of undergraduate accounting student circumstances in affording scholarship

RIS ID

24493

Publication Details

Rudkin, K. M. & De Zoysa, A. (2008). Academic vs the 'real' world: a profile of undergraduate accounting student circumstances in affording scholarship. In L. Khim Sen, M. Ang Chooi Hwa, H. Amin, M. Japang, J. Woryanta Taunson, O. Ai Yee, E. Schlicht & E. Anoruo (Eds.), Proceedings of Applied International Business Conference 2008 (pp. 1079-1085). Malaysia: Labuan School of International Business and Finance, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

Abstract

Australian universities have large numbers of international student enrolments in accounting courses.They offer both domestic and international students the same professionally accredited accountingcurriculum, with additional literacy components added where a deficit is identified. However, stillindustry need is not met. A survey of undergraduate accounting students from a regional Australianuniversity was done to ascertain the amount of paid work undertaken by undergraduate accountingstudents, the reasons why they seek paid employment and their subsequent pattern of work hours.Specifically differences in the financial needs and employment opportunities between domestic andinternational undergraduate accounting students are examined. This study found that for the majority,the sources of funding used to support students tertiary accounting studies differed between domesticand international enrolments. While international students were most dependent upon their familiesfollowed by savings and employment to finance their studies, domestic students were most reliant uponemployment followed by family and savings to fund their studies. Both international and domesticstudents indicate their primary reason for undertaking paid work is to cover their educational expenses.

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