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, career aspirations and personal circumstances.
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 pay full fees and an extra 25% on our HECS debt.
We call on the Senators of the Australian Parliament to support student choice. Why should we be disadvantaged 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 all about choice.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
February 13, 2015
February 6, 2015
I am honestly overwhelmed by the momentum building behind this effort because I never imagined so many people felt the same way. The credit for this energy belongs entirely to every single one of you who decided this issue was worth speaking up about.
January 21, 2015
I really never expected to see 100 people step forward to support this cause. It is honestly overwhelming to see so many others who feel as strongly as I do about this unfairness.
Reached 100 supporters
January 21, 2015
January 18, 2015
I am truly overwhelmed by the number of signatures appearing on this page lately. If we can reach that next milestone before the upcoming discussions begin it would put us in a much stronger position to be taken seriously.
401 Comments
I think it is unfair that the government is supporting students in public education systems and not equally supporting privately educated students. 25% interest is ridiculous, we will have to work for over 10 years just to pay our study fees back.
Private higher education institutions are usually far more flexible and work with smaller class sizes - without access to these benefits specifically, it would not be possible for me to finish my degree. Please reform higher education!
I should not be disadvantaged for choosing an institution that offers me an online option to earn a degree. I have family responsibilities that require me to study online. I thought government wanted to encourage mums to return to the work place.
I choice to study with a non-university higher education provider because I wished to study in a Christian environment and as a single mum with a special needs child this small college was compassionate to these needs the way larger universities were unable to be.
Just because I chose to study a global recognized Degree, that was unavailable at other non private institutes, does not mean I should suffer a financial penalty, especial when my chosen industry already suffers from a lack of government assistance in this country!
Unfair, Unjust and Un-Australian attitude towards an equal opportunity for everybody.
Why should be different treatment between Public and Private Universities?
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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, career aspirations and personal circumstances.
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 pay full fees and an extra 25% on our HECS debt.
We call on the Senators of the Australian Parliament to support student choice. Why should we be disadvantaged 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 all about choice.
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
February 13, 2015
February 6, 2015
I am honestly overwhelmed by the momentum building behind this effort because I never imagined so many people felt the same way. The credit for this energy belongs entirely to every single one of you who decided this issue was worth speaking up about.
January 21, 2015
I really never expected to see 100 people step forward to support this cause. It is honestly overwhelming to see so many others who feel as strongly as I do about this unfairness.
Reached 100 supporters
January 21, 2015
January 18, 2015
I am truly overwhelmed by the number of signatures appearing on this page lately. If we can reach that next milestone before the upcoming discussions begin it would put us in a much stronger position to be taken seriously.
401 Comments
As I wanted a Christianity based degree I had to choose a private higher education provider as a public education provider in this religion does not exist. Please do not penalise me for my religious conviction. Best regards, Denyse Tomlin
I think it is unfair that the government is supporting students in public education systems and not equally supporting privately educated students. 25% interest is ridiculous, we will have to work for over 10 years just to pay our study fees back.
Private higher education institutions are usually far more flexible and work with smaller class sizes - without access to these benefits specifically, it would not be possible for me to finish my degree. Please reform higher education!
I should not be disadvantaged for choosing an institution that offers me an online option to earn a degree. I have family responsibilities that require me to study online. I thought government wanted to encourage mums to return to the work place.
I choice to study with a non-university higher education provider because I wished to study in a Christian environment and as a single mum with a special needs child this small college was compassionate to these needs the way larger universities were unable to be.
Just because I chose to study a global recognized Degree, that was unavailable at other non private institutes, does not mean I should suffer a financial penalty, especial when my chosen industry already suffers from a lack of government assistance in this country!
Unfair, Unjust and Un-Australian attitude towards an equal opportunity for everybody.
Why should be different treatment between Public and Private Universities?
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As I wanted a Christianity based degree I had to choose a private higher education provider as a public education provider in this religion does not exist. Please do not penalise me for my religious conviction. Best regards, Denyse Tomlin