Students pay more, Unis get less (access media release & discussion paper here)
28 January 2003
New research shows students pay more and universities get less, while government pockets the difference
The Federal Government provided Australian universities with approximately $1,200 less per student in 2001 than it did in 1996, at the same time as students and their families contributed an additional $1750 to the cost of their education per year, according to new research released by the National Tertiary Education Union on Tuesday.
Organisations representing staff and students at Australian universities said the findings show an emerging trend in which universities get fewer resources, while students and their families make up the difference by paying higher HECS fees. They show that for government-subsidised places at universities since 1996:
- In real (adjusted for inflation) terms universities received approximately $1200 less per student in 2001 through government operating grants.
- The net contribution of government for student-subsidised places was reduced by $2300.
- The contribution students make to the cost of government-subsidised places through HECS fees has increased by $1750 per year.
“What these figures reveal is that students are paying more for their education and universities are getting far less from the government, while Canberra pockets the difference,” said Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU President.
“This is putting the higher education sector under real strain and causing problems for both students and staff. $1200 less per student may not sound like a lot, but it represents roughly 20 hours of tutorials per student or one full time professor for each 100 enrolled students.”
“These figures show that the government is currently pocketing a whopping $2300 for each student funded place, a total reduction of close to a billion dollars in real funding in 2001,” said Daniel Kyriacou, National Union of Students President. “The total cuts to university funding could have funded an additional 50,000 student places. “
According to a recently released government report, students already owe some $9 billion in HECS loans, double what they did in 1997, and the government’s higher education review, the results of which will be public in the next few months, is widely expected to introduce higher fees in the form of “top ups” to HECS.
“Although the government might wish to argue that students should pay a contribution to the cost of their education, it is unreasonable that they pay more for less as rocketing student to staff ratios and cut backs in essential equipment and services undermine the quality of university education,” said Dr Allport.
"Postgraduate coursework students are feeling the heat from this situation, including the financial impact of huge reductions in the number of HECS-liable places available since 1996. Two thirds of postgraduate coursework students now pay full fees for their degrees," commented Benjamin McKay, President of the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations.
“University staff are also dealing with the impacts of reducing government funding, including longer working hours, growing stress levels and declining job security,” said Dr Allport.
For information and comment:
Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU President: 0419 349 064
Benjamin McKay, CAPA President: 0425 823 144
Daniel Kyriacou, NUS President: 0411 606 808
A summary of the briefing paper can be accessed in the Discussion Papers section of the NTEU website, also at www.unistudent.com.au and www.capa.edu.au
The Research Paper can be accessed in the Submissions section of the NTEU website