Griffith graduates have slammed the proposed increase in university fees and lowering the income level you earn before having to pay back student debts.
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The federal government has announced that university fees will rise by up to 8 per cent. Moreover, graduates will have to pay back students debts (HECS) as soon as they start earning $42,000 a year, down from the current $55,874.
We spoke to three Griffins directly affected. Businesswoman Katie Lucantonio, who says she won’t go on to further studies due to the changes. Recent graduate Jenna Storrier, who will have to start paying back debts immediately. And current student Madison Penrith, who will be paying the higher fees.
Katie Lucantonio, 32, Bachelor of Engineering at University of Western Sydney
It's downright disgraceful. We are going like the Americans and becoming a mini-America.
It's short-term gain with long-term consequences. University is already expensive enough, they already took away the higher discounts that gave students incentive to pay up front. Now they are raising fees even more with a lower payback threshold, which is a recipe for disaster.
The costs of living at university adds to the burden of rent, food, text books etc. Many people say "oh you don't need a uni degree" but if you want doctors, nurses, specialists and engineers etc., you have to go to uni.
I wanted to do my PHD next year but I very much doubt that now due to the fees.
Jenna Storrier, 24, Bachelor of Art and Law at the University of Canberra
I am already working two jobs to make ends meet, as the cost of living in Canberra is so high. In addition to working at a law firm, I also work at Coles.
The amount they are lowering it to almost minimum wage, therefore almost everyone will have to pay it back straight after university. Also, costs of living are rising and the amount of HECS debt required for long degrees makes it even harder to pay back.
Madison Penrith, 18, Bachelor of Psychology at University of Canberra
It costs enough already to go to university with accommodation, cost of living, textbooks and other equipment, along with HECS.
Increasing the course fees its only going to result in less people being able to go uni which will increase competition for jobs that don't require a degree.
This will then effect unemployment rates with people not being able to obtain the qualifications via university.
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