1 in 3 uni students experience serious financial hardship. Could concession cards for all help?
The peak body for Australian universities says the measure would ease cost-of-living pressures for students.
A recent report reveals that one in three university students in Australia face serious financial hardship, a problem exacerbated by soaring living expenses. Universities Australia, a peak body for Australian universities, suggests that all domestic students should be eligible for concession cards and additional discounts to alleviate the mounting cost-of-living pressures.
Currently, concession cards are only granted to certain groups like pensioners, people with disabilities, and veterans based on specific income or age criteria. While some domestic students are eligible for concessions through programs like Health Care cards, Austudy, ABSTUDY or Youth Allowance, enrolling in university alone does not automatically qualify students for these discounts.
Eligibility for public transport discounts also varies between states. The research shows that food insecurity is a prevalent issue among Australian students, with many reporting skipping meals and worrying about food shortages. Financial difficulties have driven about 82-90% of students to experience yearly financial stress. While the government has taken steps to help, such as erasing $3 billion in student debts and increasing rent assistance, these measures do not fully address the financial distress many students face.
Expanding concessions to university students will require additional funding, but the federal government's 2024 Australian Universities Accord aims to boost tertiary education qualifications to 80% by 2050, necessitating further support for students.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
