The attitudes and aspirations of Australian high school students regarding postsecondary education and work were examined in a survey of more than 7,000 students in grades 10-12 in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. The students' intentions were strongly influenced by socioeconomic background, geographical location, and gender. Difference in socioeconomic background, which was measured by the highest level of education achieved by parents, was the major factor in students' perspectives. Approximately 90% of students reported preferring to undertake tertiary education after school rather than entering the workforce. Approximately two-thirds of the sample wanted to attend a university, and only one-quarter wanted to attend technical and further education (TAFE). One-third of students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds expressed a preference for TAFE, compared with only 14% from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Only 14% of students attending private high schools intended to enroll in TAFE. Rural/isolated students generally considered postsecondary education less relevant. Females, young people from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, and those living in urban areas were more likely to intend to enroll in a university course. Discussions of the definition and measurement of socioeconomic background and location, the study data collection strategies, and results are appended. (Contains 41 tables/figures and 34 references.) (MN)