One in three uni students experience serious financial hardship. Could concession cards for all help?

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Published: 2026-09-15T12:42:44.757Z • Permanent link

The peak body for Australian universities, Universities Australia, has called on the federal government to introduce concession cards and further discounts for all domestic university students. The move comes after a report revealed that one in three university students experience serious financial hardship. The report, which was commissioned by Universities Australia, found that 32% of students struggle to make ends meet, with 12% facing extreme hardship. The report's findings are based on data from the Australian Government's National Student Safety and Wellbeing Survey.

The report's lead author, Dr. Patricia Forsyth, a senior lecturer in education at the University of Melbourne, stated that the findings were "disturbing" and highlighted the need for greater support for students. "We know that many students are struggling to pay for living expenses, textbooks, and other essential costs," she said. "Introducing concession cards and further discounts could make a significant difference to these students' lives." The report's recommendations are set to be presented to the federal government later this year.

Universities Australia has also highlighted the need for greater support for students from low-income backgrounds. The organization's chief executive, Paula Conboy, stated that the organization was "committed to working with the government to find solutions" to the problem. "We believe that every student deserves access to quality education, regardless of their financial circumstances," she said. The government has already introduced measures to support low-income students, including a range of scholarships and grants.

The issue of financial hardship among university students has significant implications for the AI & Tech Ecosystems domain. Many students who experience financial hardship are forced to drop out of university, which can have long-term consequences for their career prospects and earning potential. This can also have a negative impact on the economy as a whole, as students who are unable to pursue higher education may be less likely to contribute to the workforce. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have all partnered with universities to provide scholarships and other forms of support to students from low-income backgrounds.

The issue of financial hardship among university students also has significant implications for research communities. Many researchers rely on students to assist with their work, and those who experience financial hardship may be less likely to be able to participate in research projects. This can have a negative impact on the quality and diversity of research, as well as the career prospects of researchers. The Australian Government has already introduced measures to support researchers, including funding for research infrastructure and personnel.

The issue of financial hardship among university students is not unique to Australia. Many countries around the world are grappling with similar issues, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. In some countries, such as the United States, the issue of student debt has become a major concern, with many students graduating with significant amounts of debt. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the issue of financial hardship among university students is often linked to broader social and economic issues, such as poverty and inequality.