One in seven university students regularly go without food and other necessities because they cannot afford them.
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That’s what the latest national financial survey of Australian university students has found, prompting the National Union of Students (NUS) to call on the government to increase support for Newstart and Youth Allowance.
The Universities Australian Student Finances Survey 2107 surveyed more than 18,500 university students about their cost of living and day-to-day financial reality.
It found a significant proportion are doing it tough - with students from poorer backgrounds, Indigenous and regional students hardest hit.
Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson said financial hardship is hurting students’ education, with many students deferring studies or reducing their course load for financial reasons.
“Students studying full-time are only living on $18,000 a year — that’s well below the poverty line,” Ms Jackson said.
NUS president Mark Pace said there were countless students who forfeit food or experience homelessness while they study.
“One in a million students choosing between food on the table and their education is too many, let alone one in seven,” Mr Pace said.
“There hasn’t been an increase to Newstart in real terms for 24 years. The single rate of Newstart is $278 per week, when we know essentials, such as rent and food cost $433.”
The survey also shows the vast majority of university students support themselves through paid work.
A spokesman for the University of Wollongong said there was a range of ways UOW assists students to be financially sustainable while studying.
“The wellbeing of students is UOW’s highest priority and the university has many initiatives, programs and services in place to help students be financially sustainable while studying and to assist any student facing challenges in student life,” the spokesman said.
In terms of direct financial assistance, UOW recently reviewed its Equity Scholarships and is implementing a tiered model of financial support aimed at simplifying processes students use to request financial support that ensures financial support is provided to students with the greatest need.
There is a free financial counselling service on campus as well as accommodation and housing assistance.
More services offering students assistance can be found on UOW’s website.