Dropout, i.e. resignation from studies, is a phenomenon that affects both Polish and European universities. Understanding its causes can help improve the higher education system, increase the number of graduates and better adapt study programs to students' needs.
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The Information Processing Center – National Research Institute (OPI PIB) has published the results of research on students' withdrawal from undertaken fields of study.
“Analyzes conducted on data obtained from the POL-on system indicate that in the years 2012–2020, over 1.3 million commenced courses of study resulted in being removed from the student list. This represented 40% of all study episodes undertaken by students,” wrote the OPI PIB report. Most withdrawals occur already in the first year of studies – in some universities this rate reaches even 60-70%.
“It is worth bearing in mind that educational failures are an inevitable consequence of the selectivity of the system and prove the attention to the quality of education. Therefore, the dropout phenomenon should not be assessed only through the prism of its negative consequences. Even a short period of study can bring benefits to students in the form of acquired knowledge and skills, or support in deciding what career path they should choose,” said Dr. Eng. Jarosław Protasiewicz, director of OPI PIB.
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It was also noted that the decision to resign from studies does not mean a definitive abandonment of education. As the director of OPI PIB emphasizes, “a significant number of students who experienced dropout ultimately pursue higher education or decide to pursue vocational courses.”
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Minister of Science and Higher Education, Ph.D. Eng. Marcin Kulasek, whose opinion is quoted by RMF FM, points out that dropping out of studies and decreasing the number of listeners is a multi-level loss. Not only students themselves lose, but also universities (the fewer students, the less money), but also the Polish economy, which suffers from a lack of qualified staff who could drive innovation.
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The authors of the report indicate that the lowest withdrawal rate was recorded in medical and artistic fields – 29%. “These are fields that require large time and financial investments already at the recruitment stage, which may motivate students to complete them,” the report says. In turn, most resignations concern science (51%) and humanities (47%).
According to the study, the reasons for resignation can be divided into institutional and individual. The first group includes, among others: level of studies, organization of classes, university infrastructure or fees. Individual reasons include lack of interest in the field, personal problems, the need to work or study away from home. Many withdrawal decisions are made in the first two semesters, indicating disappointment with the reality of college compared to prior expectations.
