Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students.Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students.Discuss these views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.

In most countries, due to the restricted places available at universities and colleges, enrolment in tertiary courses is currently based on the applicant’s previous academic and non-academic performance. While limiting access to higher education to the brightest minds is likely to reap some benefits on society and the economy, education is, nevertheless, a public good which every individual can take advantage of.

On one hand, intelligent people are the ones who will gain the most from a degree. This is because they are less likely to fail and drop out at some stage of their course. As such, minimal wastage of their time and resources is made. Moreover, those who barely pass their exams experience difficulties in securing a decent position after graduating from universities since their bleak results seem to be a reflection of their weaker capabilities and skills. In a way, they are better off pursuing vocational courses where they are more likely to succeed. Therefore, by targeting particular individuals, universities and colleges contribute in building a strong workforce in an effective and efficient manner.

However, restricting education to a particular group of talented people may seem unfair and perpetuate inequalities within society in the long run. Indeed, those at the higher end of society usually have the financial means to invest in their own education, thus, are the ones most likely to attend college. Furthermore, some students are late bloomers. Hence, though performing poorly at school, they may later on display some hidden talent at university as they find a particular field or method of study more appealing. Thus, by opening its doors to everyone, universities provide an equal chance to each adult to succeed in life.

To conclude, I believe that society can advance at a faster pace when university places are open to all students. Though this is mainly based on an equity and fairness ground, our economy may also gain an advantage when a higher proportion of the population holds a tertiary qualification.