There are more than 100,000 students in Australia who choose to study with a non-university higher education provider.

We choose these learning institutions because they suit our educational goals and career aspirations.

The degree we receive is of equal value to its equivalent at a public university.

But we are penalised for this choice.

As a student studying with a private higher education provider, we cannot access government financial support. Unlike students who study at public universities, we are required to 25 per cent administration fee for HELP assistance.

We call on the Senators of the Australian Parliament to support student choice. Why should we be discriminated against simply because of where we choose to study?

Education is about increasing opportunity for all.

We urge you to pass the government’s higher education reforms so that all students may have access to government-supported places regardless of where they choose to study.

After all, it’s my degree. It’s my choice.