Incentives to study maths and science

Students who are considering applying for degrees in maths and science will be able to benefit from a range of incentives and initiatives due to prolonged skill shortages in these fields.

Of most concern is the shortage of science and maths teachers in Australian secondary schools.

A survey conducted by the Australian Council of Deans of Science in late 2006 found that seventy-five per cent of secondary schools were finding it difficult to recruit qualified mathematics teachers, and things have not improved, with a documented decline of tertiary students completing degrees in these areas.

In response to the shortages, the Federal Government, state governments and universities around Australia are offering some convincing incentives for students to take up degrees in maths and science. Some of the key benefits include:

• Lower HECS contributions

The Australian Government has made maths and science National Priority areas in an attempt to improve the situation, capping the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) student contribution rates at $4355 in 2011.

These fee cuts make maths and science courses significantly cheaper in comparison to other degree areas, with humanities students paying up to $5400; computing and engineering students spending up to $7800; and law, medicine and commerce students coughing up almost $9000 in 2011.

• Scholarships to complete graduate-entry teaching programs
  

In addition, graduates may benefit from government scholarships to complete graduate-entry teaching programs.

The Baillieu Victorian Government , for example, made an election promise in 2010 to award scholarships to 400 science graduates (100 per year over four years) to study a one-year diploma of education.

The NSW Department of Education and Training also offers a Teacher Education Scholarship Program that provides scholarships to train students as teachers in secondary maths and science. Over four years, 2011 scholarship recipients will receive $23,000 to spend as they please.

• Classroom mentor initiatives

Science and maths students and graduates also have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the classroom as ‘mentors’ through initiatives such as the Federal Government’s ‘Scientists in Schools’ and ‘Mathematicians in Schools’ programs, which aim to inspire primary and secondary school students to engage with science and mathematics.

Mentors around Australia are paired up with a teacher and their class of students in flexible partnerships, allowing them to act as role models and providing students with a fresh approach to maths and science.

Universities and state governments are also providing similar initiatives to boost students’ participation in maths and science to address the current problems at their root.

• Extra support for teachers

State governments are also investing in specialist maths and science teaching facilities that will make life easier for teachers easier and maximise the learning of their students. In Victoria, three specialist centres are set to open in government secondary colleges in 2011.

So, if you are a maths or science enthusiast considering taking up a rewarding career in the classroom, it might be worth considering taking on a degree in maths or science. You can do your bit for Australia while reaping some generous government rewards at the same time.

For more information on the mathematics study field, click here .

For more information on the science field of study, click here .