Australia's young people have bold dreams for the future but many fear goals such as career success and financial independence might be out of reach, the country's biggest youth study shows.

Almost 14,000 youngsters aged 15-19 were asked about their hopes, aspirations and concerns as part of Mission Australia's 2014 Youth Survey.

Uncertain future: Sophie Hawkshaw, 19, right, and Hannah Meegan, 17. Credit:Dallas Kilponen

More than 80 per cent of those surveyed said they wanted a good job and financial independence but only about 60 per cent felt they were achievable goals.

The gap between aspirations and realistic expectations has been identified as a cause for concern, Mission Australia chief executive Catherine Yeomans said.