COST OF UNIVERSITY DEGREE DOUBLES UNDER HOWARD GOVERNMENT
July 19 2004
The latest student data released by DEST, revealing that fewer school leavers are choosing to enter university, is proof that the increasing cost of a degree is deterring many potential students from entering higher education, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) said on Monday.
“Is it any wonder that fewer high school students are going on to university given that the cost of a government subsidised university place has almost doubled under this Government,” said Andrew Nette, NTEU Policy and Research Coordinator.
“Analysis by the NTEU shows that in 2003 dollar values, an average student was paying $4,413 per year for a government subsidised place compared to only $2,276 in 1996, an increase of $2,137 or 94%” (see NTEU Research Report).
“For a four year degree this represents an increase of over $8500.”
“This increase does not even factor in the 25% increase in HECS fees that many universities are introducing from next year, which will cause costs to escalate even further.”
“At the same time as the Government has required students to pay more for their university degree, it has been reducing the level of funding universities receive to educate these students.”
“The NTEU's analysis shows that in 2003 dollar values, universities received $1,740 less per government subsidised place in 2003 than they did in 1996, a real cut of 13%.”
“The DEST figures underline the consequences of the Government’s higher education policy. Students are finding university less attractive because of increasing costs, and universities are finding it more difficult to educate students because of decreasing resources.”
“Students have been asked to pay more for less, no wonder they are reconsidering whether to attend university or not.”
For further information and comment:
Andrew Nette, NTEU Policy and Research Coordinator, 03 9254 1910 or 0438 026 277
Paul Kniest, NTEU Policy and Research Officer, 03 9254 1910 or 0418 170 622