Lifelong learning is essential for addressing global issues of employment, but it also facilitates personal growth for the individual student. The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) states that universities “have a unique capacity to develop skills and broaden knowledge, and the potential to mobilise educational resources and provide learning opportunities for diverse populations”. Higher education institutions can take actions to ensure an environment that supports lifelong learning.

The lifelong-learning model goes beyond knowledge and skills gained through formal learning, extending to competencies obtained through non-formal and informal education. In addition to those skills gained through work experience, education or training, lifelong learning can also cover personal skills and competencies such as language skills, social skills, organisational skills and qualifications, etc. This model for individual learning requires an increase in public and private investment. However, unless the government takes more direct action to assist citizenship education, education will continue to support inequality. Emphasis is also placed on two other aspects: the initiative of local government and on-the-job learning opportunities promoted by universities.

Information, guidance and advising systems facilitate access to learning and promote equal opportunities for students. In addition, they can motivate potential ones who are interested in non-degree courses to improve skills or learn something new. Universities can promote the information on their websites to attract potential students. For example, universities can build internet portals or apps that will offer information on lifelong learning to partners to recruit potential local students through induction.

Making education easy to access is the only way to ensure equal opportunities and access to learning for all people (for example, through shifting government funding). Part-time study, online learning, and flexible pathways are among the ways that universities can offer accessible lifelong education. For example, proximity to learning is particularly important if the aim is to increase workforce participation for women and may include providing means and resources for them to reconcile professional and family life. Universities can also link their supply to local needs.

In-demand skills, such as qualifications in information technology, foreign languages, technological culture, and social skills, can drive a lifelong-learning programme. Learning to learn has also become a focus due to the rise of artificial intelligence. Through offering a continuation of educational opportunities, universities give citizens a pathway for achieving their learning and career objectives.