Universities in Australia have become unaffordable for graduates. 68% of university students struggle with tuition fees due to inflation and job loss ‘The guardian’ states that Australia is considered one of the most expensive countries to study in. Young people are forced to balance out studies at university, work, and finances at the same time.  

University students are faced with financial challenges, which is one of the most common issues these students struggle with. As they try to stabilise their studies with part time jobs, they also have to manage their finances. While the yearly income of an average university student is $22,000, the foundation courses for universities in Australia range from $20,000 to $45,000 per year. Similarly, the average weekly salary of a university student in Australia is $500 to $900. According to the Guardian Many of these students’ salaries go towards paying their expensive tuition fees at university, leaving them with “only enough for one meal per day.” 

Despite Australia’s diverse community and high numbers of international students, there is little support for them. At RMIT University, there are over 26,000 international students studying. In addition, international students who do not hold an Australian passport are required to pay ‘up to 400 per cent more than Australian citizens when it comes to higher education.’ This makes university overwhelmingly unaffordable. 

These problems are detrimental to university student’s learning and put unnecessary pressure on them. So, how can we solve these problems? 

We, 4 the Future party, aim to lift pressure off students by introducing government funded university fees – even for international students and not just Australian citizens.  Australia is a diverse country’, that welcomes international people from all over the world. Government funded universities would make travellers and international students more inclined to come to study in Australia. They would not have to worry about fees and paying money, which would encourage them to study. The amount of fees that the funds cover will vary from course to course. However, these funds will remove pressure and make university more affordable. 

‘4 The Future’ supports these young students with financial stability, by providing support to students. This also applies to non-Australian citizens; they will pay the same amount as everybody else. Our policy aims to reduce fees and pressure on students, which will help Australia’s future.