K P Gregory1, S M Matthew2, J A Baguley3. 1. Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 2. College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, WA, USA. 3. Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the course-related and other costs involved in obtaining a veterinary education in Australia and how these costs are met. The study also aimed to identify sociodemographic and course-related factors associated with increased financial stress. METHODS: Students from seven Australian veterinary schools were surveyed using an online questionnaire. A total of 443 students participated (response rate 17%). Responses to survey items relating to finances, employment and course-related costs were compared with sociodemographic factors and prior research in the area of student financial stress. RESULTS: Respondents reported spending a median of A$300 per week on living costs and a median of A$2,000 per year on course-related expenses. Over half of respondents received the majority of their income from their parents or Youth Allowance (56%). A similar proportion (55%) reported that they needed to work to meet basic living expenses. Circumstances and sociodemographic factors linked to perceived financial stress included requiring additional finances to meet unexpected costs during the course; sourcing additional finances from external loans; an expected tuition debt at graduation over A$40,000; being 22 years or older; working more than 12 hours per week; living costs above A$300 per week; and being female. CONCLUSION: The costs involved in obtaining a veterinary education in Australia are high and over half of respondents are reliant on parental or Government income support. Respondents with certain sociodemographic profiles are more prone to financial stress. These findings may have implications for the psychological health, diversity and career plans of veterinary students in Australia.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the course-related and other costs involved in obtaining a veterinary education in Australia and how these costs are met. The study also aimed to identify sociodemographic and course-related factors associated with increased financial stress. METHODS: Students from seven Australian veterinary schools were surveyed using an online questionnaire. A total of 443 students participated (response rate 17%). Responses to survey items relating to finances, employment and course-related costs were compared with sociodemographic factors and prior research in the area of student financial stress. RESULTS: Respondents reported spending a median of A$300 per week on living costs and a median of A$2,000 per year on course-related expenses. Over half of respondents received the majority of their income from their parents or Youth Allowance (56%). A similar proportion (55%) reported that they needed to work to meet basic living expenses. Circumstances and sociodemographic factors linked to perceived financial stress included requiring additional finances to meet unexpected costs during the course; sourcing additional finances from external loans; an expected tuition debt at graduation over A$40,000; being 22 years or older; working more than 12 hours per week; living costs above A$300 per week; and being female. CONCLUSION: The costs involved in obtaining a veterinary education in Australia are high and over half of respondents are reliant on parental or Government income support. Respondents with certain sociodemographic profiles are more prone to financial stress. These findings may have implications for the psychological health, diversity and career plans of veterinary students in Australia.
Authors: Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe; Derrick Adu Asare; Abigael Omowumi Emikpe; Ludwig Albert Nortey Botchway; Richard Abeiku Bonney Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-07-14 Impact factor: 3.752
Authors: Vinayak K Nahar; Julia K Wells; Robert E Davis; Elizabeth C Johnson; Jason W Johnson; Manoj Sharma Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-01-18 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Jelena Ilić Živojinović; Dušan Backović; Goran Belojević; Olivera Valčić; Ivan Soldatović; Janko Janković Journal: PLoS One Date: 2020-03-24 Impact factor: 3.240