Education to Year 12 is virtually free for all students who attend Public schools. Going on to Tertiary education is a choice! If you choose to continue to study, you should pay.
Most of these students are over 18 and able to vote, thus, are seen by society as "Adults". Hence, they need to make Adult decisions regarding their futures. Paying HECS debts is not new.
These students know full well which career paths (Degrees) are overloaded and should structure their choices to areas whereby on graduating they have a far greater likelihood of attaining a Job/Career in which they can earn very good salaries. Paying back the debt once earning over 53k is not unreasonable considering their earning potential.
Both my daughters attended Uni and both have now paid off their debt through sheer hard work whilst at Uni and from their salaries after starting in their chosen careers. Thankfully, both realise it was a PRIVILEGE to be able to gain Higher Education which has allowed them to earn high paying incomes. Something they were both prepared to PAY for.
Most of these students are over 18 and able to vote, thus, are seen by society as "Adults". Hence, they need to make Adult decisions regarding their futures. Paying HECS debts is not new.
These students know full well which career paths (Degrees) are overloaded and should structure their choices to areas whereby on graduating they have a far greater likelihood of attaining a Job/Career in which they can earn very good salaries. Paying back the debt once earning over 53k is not unreasonable considering their earning potential.
Both my daughters attended Uni and both have now paid off their debt through sheer hard work whilst at Uni and from their salaries after starting in their chosen careers. Thankfully, both realise it was a PRIVILEGE to be able to gain Higher Education which has allowed them to earn high paying incomes. Something they were both prepared to PAY for.