Student Retention Peer Mentoring Student Support Personalised Support Hybrid learning

The Future of Higher Education isn't a Place - It's a Pathway

Lyndin Francis

The Future of Higher Education Isn’t a Place—It’s a Pathway

Recent research from Instructure and Times Higher Education in the State of Higher Education 2025 (ANZ) report highlights three transformative shifts in higher education across Australia and New Zealand—shifts that directly impact how we support, retain, and empower students.

At Vygo, we see these changes unfolding in real time as we partner with institutions responding to learner needs with agility, empathy, and innovation.

3 Urgent Shifts Reshaping the Sector

1. Flexible, Hybrid Learning Is Now Expected—Not Optional

💡 Only 44% of Australian universities currently offer hybrid learning, even though 45% of students say it’s their preferred mode.

Hybrid learning isn't just a COVID-era adaptation—it’s becoming the dominant expectation. Students are demanding study options that fit around jobs, family, and location. Institutions that lean into short courses, microcredentials, and stackable learning will gain a significant competitive edge.

2. Cost-of-Living Pressures Are Reshaping Pathways

💡 74% of students are concerned the cost of living will negatively affect their studies.

Learners are reassessing their options: full degrees may be delayed, shortened, or abandoned in favour of microcredentials or work-integrated alternatives. Budget-conscious students are choosing study models that are faster, more affordable, and outcome-oriented.

3. AI Is Embedded in the Classroom—But Support Hasn’t Caught Up

💡 Only 54% of students feel prepared for an AI-driven future—yet 74% of educators believe they are preparing them well.

There’s a clear confidence gap between educators and students when it comes to AI readiness. While tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Google Translate are widely used, institutional frameworks and support systems are still catching up. AI literacy, ethical use, and student-centric policy are now critical focus areas.

💬 Why This Matters for Student Support

At Vygo, we believe institutions must adapt to these changes not just with content delivery, but with connection. We can enable universities to:

✅ Build hybrid-friendly communities with peer mentoring and guided onboarding

✅ Support non-traditional learners with flexible engagement touchpoints

✅ Reduce attrition caused by isolation, economic stress
or support structure

✅ Foster AI readiness through structured, ethical environments where both students and staff are empowered to engage with AI tools under shared institutional guidance.

Whether it’s through onboarding journeys, program-aligned mentoring, or tailored student services, we’re helping institutions meet learners where they are—across life stages, modalities, and ambitions.


4 Strategic Takeaways for Higher Ed Leaders

  1. Close the gap between hybrid demand and delivery—your students already prefer it.

  2. Invest in microcredentials and flexible pathways that offer immediate ROI to learners.

  3. Bridge the AI confidence divide with policy, staff training, and student support tools that have AI built in.

  4. Make student support visible, flexible, and accessible—especially for at-risk, low-SES, or remote learners.

References

  • Instructure & Times Higher Education. The State of Higher Education 2025: Australia & New Zealand.

  • Student and educator data collected July–August 2024.


Ready to Lead, not Lag?

The most future-ready institutions aren’t just reacting to trends; they’re investing in new models of belonging, access, and retention.

📥 Want a tailored demo of how Vygo can help your team respond to these trends?

👉 Send me an email at lyndin.francis@vygoapp.com
👉 Or DM me directly on LinkedIn