Federation University students are among the losers from Tuesday’s federal budget after Treasurer Scott Morrison confirmed changes to fees and HECS-HELP.
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Under the new measures, students can expect to pay an extra 1.8 per cent of top of their current fees over four years, with a maximum increase of $3600 on a standard, four-year course.
Students will also be forced to begin paying back their HECS-HELP sooner, with repayments set to begin at $42,000 per annum as opposed to the current rate of $51,957.
Third year psychology student Amy Rickard said the changes would force new graduates like herself to compete for higher paying jobs, which may force regional students to look for jobs in other cities or states.
“It will cut a lot of job opportunities out because I can’t afford to support my family by myself as well as start paying back debts at such a low income,” Ms Rickard said.
FedUni deputy vice chancellor Andy Smith said the changes would have a greater impact on mature aged students who may reconsider their enrollment.
