STOP DROPOUT: A Best Practice Study on the Prevention of Student Dropout in Times of Skills Shortages

B&C Private Foundation

A high-quality university education is a decisive prerequisite for economic growth, labor market development, avoiding the shortage of skilled workers, economic and social innovations and political stability. High drop-out rates are associated with high costs from both an individual and an economic perspective. The diversity of the student population has increased significantly – not least due to the growing number of students who come from families with no university experience, are employed or do not come to the university within two years of obtaining their higher education entrance qualification. It is precisely these so-called non-traditional students who have a significantly higher risk of dropping out.

Universities are testing various measures to counter dropouts and extended study periods. This projects final report offers options and suggestions for such solutions and organisational innovations. Drawing on theoretical concepts and based on an extensive literature review, it identifies the design principles, types and categorisations of measures that can prevent dropouts and promote academic success. Internationally proven measures include outreach programmes (collaboration between universities and schools), summer courses, transition programmes, mentoring, tutoring, learning communities, service learning and research orientation in the first phase of study.

In addition, 51 best-practice measures from universities and higher education institutions in the USA, Australia and Europe – which are comprehensively and consistently documented and scientifically validated – are described; these are also suitable for implementation at Austrian universities. Particular emphasis has also been placed on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.