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University Students' Financial Literacy Levels: Obstacles and Aids

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  • Michelle Cull
  • Diana Whitton

Abstract

In the last decade, the increased complexity of, and levels of access to, financial products and services, together with rising household debt and the funding of an ageing population, have prompted the State to place increased focus on financial education, with the dual objectives of regulating to enhance market efficiency and mitigating social welfare issues attributed to poor financial decisions. Financial literacy is crucial for young adults as they embark on life events involving major expenditure and debt, particularly for university students who have already accrued a debt based on Higher Education contribution scheme liability and who are making labour market decisions. This paper investigates the determining factors of personal financial literacy levels among a sample of university students at different stages of study and across diverse study areas including business, education, arts, humanities and the sciences; with some interesting findings for policy makers. It also provides indicative evidence of students' preferred method of learning more about personal finance to facilitate the effective design of personal financial literacy programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle Cull & Diana Whitton, 2011. "University Students' Financial Literacy Levels: Obstacles and Aids," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 22(1), pages 99-114, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecolab:v:22:y:2011:i:1:p:99-114
    DOI: 10.1177/103530461102200106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Paul Gerrans & Richard Heaney, 2019. "The impact of undergraduate personal finance education on individual financial literacy, attitudes and intentions," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 59(1), pages 177-217, March.
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    7. Steffen Westermann & Scott J. Niblock & Jennifer L. Harrison & Michael A. Kortt, 2020. "Financial Advice Seeking: A Review of the Barriers and Benefits," Economic Papers, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 39(4), pages 367-388, December.

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