Students on scholarships less likely to succeed, show figures

While 52% of students without a scholarship obtained a Bachelor’s degree within four years, only 38% of the students on a scholarship reached the same level. At university colleges, the figures were 48.5%  and 42%, respectively.

According to Soens, the figures indicate that students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to graduate and get a good job. A common explanation for this phenomenon is that many students on scholarships follow tracks in secondary school that don’t ideally prepare them for higher education.

But further figures do not support this reasoning, said Soens. “81% of university students on scholarships have a background in general education [ASO], compared to 83% of the students not on a scholarship,” she said.

Rather, said Soens, the difference could be attributed to how many students on a scholarship must work alongside their studies. “That could explain a lot,” she said.

That would require heavier investments in scholarship to ensure that the students don’t have to work and can focus on their studies. “Background would not necessarily determine their futures if we ensure enough contact hours with lecturers, accessible study assistance and the right financial support,” Soens said.
Photo courtesy KU Leuven / Rob Stevens