The two charts illustrate the primary motivations for studying among students of various age groups and the level of support they receive from employers in terms of time off and financial assistance.
Overall, younger students are more likely to study for career-related purposes, while older students tend to pursue education out of personal interest. Additionally, employer support is highest among the youngest age group and declines with age.
In the first chart, it is clear that nearly 80% of students under the age of 26 study to advance their careers, with only about 10% studying for interest. This trend reverses in the over-49 age group, where approximately 70% study for interest and only around 20% for career purposes. The 40–49 age group shows an equal distribution, with both motivations cited by about 40% of students. The shift from career to interest as the primary reason for studying becomes more evident with increasing age.
The second chart shows that employer support is most generous for those under 26, with around 65% receiving assistance. This figure steadily decreases with age, reaching the lowest point—just over 30%—in the 30–39 age group, before slightly increasing for older students.