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Kiwis Studying Across the Ditch Receive Double Standard
New Zealanders Studying Across the Ditch Receive Double
Standard
The New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations
(NZUSA) has labelled recent changes for New Zealand students
in Australia as a double standard.
The Australian
Government yesterday announced their Higher Education Reform
Package, including removing the ability for New Zealand
students to pay domestic fees in Australia.
‘There exists a double standard when Australian students are entitled to domestic fees here in New Zealand, yet New Zealanders no longer will get the same entitlement in Australia’, says NZUSA National President Jonathan Gee.
‘New Zealanders will be left short-changed as a
result of these changes, forking out thousands more dollars
to study in Australia.’
New Zealanders studying in
Australia will however still be eligible to access the
Australian student loan scheme so they do not have to pay
their fees upfront.
‘While we’re concerned that the fee rises will result in the ballooning of student debt, the situation presents a stark reminder of how unfair our own loan scheme is here in New Zealand.’
Part of the Reform
Package includes reducing the repayment threshold, meaning
graduates will have to start repaying their loan once they
start earning over $42,000, as opposed to the previous
threshold of $55,000. Repayment is progressive, starting
from 1% in the dollar.
‘Australia’s new repayment
threshold is still over two times higher than in New
Zealand, where graduates must pay 12% in the dollar for any
income over $19,084, just two-thirds of minimum
wage.’
NZUSA urges the New Zealand Government to call on
Australia to restore access to domestic fees for New
Zealanders studying across the ditch.
We also call upon
Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Hon
Paul Goldsmith to investigate a fairer loan repayment system
so low-income graduates have a chance
succeed.
ENDS
NZUSA - New Zealand Union of Students' Associations
We stand for opportunity, for all.
NZUSA is the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations, the national body that represents New Zealand's students' associations and the interests of New Zealand's 400,000 students at universities, polytechnics and in trades training.
We conduct original research, advocate to Government and through the media, and support New Zealand's students' associations to be more effective on behalf of their members. We advocate alongside Te Mana Akonga – The National Māori Students' Association, and Tertiary Women New Zealand – The NZUSA Women's Caucus.
Since 1929, we've believed in a society rich in opportunity, where anyone from anywhere can become any thing. We support accessible, affordable quality public tertiary education.
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