A 17-year-old regional Victorian says cost of living pressures and the rental crisis are making her reconsider enrolling at a Melbourne university.The Australian Universities Accord has recommended more income support for university students.
"With the rising cost of living unstable accommodation, I might not be able to go to higher education for the next few years, because I might have to pick up a full-time job to support our family," the 17-year-old said."The problem isn't a debt that we're paying off in 10 years, 20 years, et cetera, it's the day-to-day bills," she said.
"When a person is struggling to pay for shelter or heating then the prospect of optional study can feel beyond reach," VCOSS chief executive Juanita Pope said.Ms Pope said fee-free courses and study loans could reduce the cost of further education, but they did not make it completely free. The Commonwealth also offers students who need to relocate from regional locations for full-time tertiary education a Tertiary Access Payment, which ranges from $3,000 and $5,000.Natalie's mother, Cassandra, wants to support her daughter's dream, but her options are limited.The matter later went to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal , which ruled in the family's favour; however, they are still waiting for the order to be implemented completely.