HECS
‘It looms over you’: WA students stagger under debt as cost of living soars
On average, students in Western Australia pay more than $20,000 for a degree – more than students in the eastern states – and it’s taking them decades to repay.
- by Holly Thompson
Latest
Opinion
Property prices
The harshest truth about our housing crisis? There’s no silver bullet
Senator Andrew Bragg says growing university debts are keeping young Australians out of the housing market. But his proposed solution ignores the root of the problem.
- by Shane Wright
Degrees that lead graduates to the biggest pay packets revealed
Students have been urged to consider potential earnings compared with the cost of their university degrees and long-term HECS debt.
- by Daniella White
Coalition proposes relaxation of HECS, lending rules to help home buyers
The federal opposition says banks need to take more risks or there will be a whole group of people unable to own a home.
- by Paul Sakkal and Millie Muroi
Opinion
University
As a year 12 student, I dream of doing an arts degree. The price could be a lifetime of debt
I’ve been working towards studying arts for two years. But now as I prepare my university preferences, the reality of how much debt I could be saddled with has me thinking twice.
- by Saria Ratnam
Exclusive
University
‘Debt until death’: Vice chancellor attacks soaring fees as degrees hit $50,000
The cost of every degree for 2025 has been revealed. A university boss says young people are being priced out of their dreams.
- by Daniella White
Feeling overwhelmed by uni applications? Here’s what year 12 students need to know
Your key questions answered, from when to put in your course preferences to how to change them.
- by Josefine Ganko
How the changes to higher education debts will affect you
How will the changes to HECS indexation actually work? And how much do you stand to benefit? Here’s a quick guide.
- by Rachel Clun
We asked these Australians what they thought of the budget. This is what they told us
We spoke to people about their thoughts and concerns ahead of, and immediately after, the budget. Here’s what they had to say.
- by Olivia Ireland, Josefine Ganko, Jessica McSweeney, Jim Malo, Alex Crowe, Megan Gorrey and Cara Waters
How the budget affects you – from students to retirees
Young or old, single or married: this is how the 2024 budget will impact your life.
- by Rachel Clun and Olivia Ireland
Opinion
University
Labor’s paid placements are a slap in the face, not a saving grace
The plan to pay students $319 a week for placements is a start, but just because something is better than nothing doesn’t inherently make it good.
- by Victoria Devine