The financial strain on students due to the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted student organisations to explore the idea of an universal student allowance. Craccum talked to students to see what their opinion was on the matter.
Yasmin, 19, Studying Design/Arts:
“I think that implementing a universal student allowance would decrease the amount of financial pressure felt by students. Right now, we have a course related costs loan which just adds more debt, making the situation worse. Many students struggle to maintain a good work-life balance, so adding another commitment, like a job, increases the amount of pressure on students.”
“Full-time students are expected to do 40 hours of work towards their courses a week, the same as a full-time worker. With a job, the amount of time spent working (either on university work or paid work) is ridiculously high, because of this it’s tough for students to have a good amount of sleep to keep healthy, whilst having enough time to socialise. This harms students’ mental health, and is worse for students who have disabilities and health conditions.”
“A universal education income would be beneficial for all students, not just financially but mentally as well.”
Jaggar, 22, Studying Medicine:
“The COVID-19 pandemic is crippling for thousands of New Zealanders. This is a time of extreme hardship for many Kiwis, and students are not disconnected from that, but giving handouts to all students is not the answer.”
“Not all students need financial assistance, but if the Studylink and COVID-19 financial support is not enough then I am all for helping those who are affected. To provide more handouts on what is already a straining economy, with increasing debt, will come at the expense of New Zealanders who may be more in need than the students.”
Callum, 19, Studying Commerce:
“Universal allowances would be, by far, the best help a student could get.”
“I myself am not eligible for the student allowance but, I have a student loan that I use to cover my course fees, and all other costs that I have to cover, for say course related costs. Though there are ‘course related costs loans’, I personally would prefer not to have one, as it would just add to a mountain of debt that will be weighing over me my entire degree.”
“By having a universal allowance I would be able to focus more on my studies without having to worry about any extra costs. I do personally believe this will benefit us as young people trying to benefit their education and survive at the same time.”
David, 19, Studying Mechanical Engineering:
“The bill will end up costing way too much money which will eventually come back to all of us in tax in the near future.”
“There are roughly 400,000 domestic tertiary students currently in NZ, if the government pays out $50 a week for 1 month, that’s an extra $80 million the government is paying. ‘Education is the key to recovery’, yes, in the long term when we all graduate and provide benefits to society.”
“I personally think, in times like this, asking the government for more money is a selfish thing to do. To my understanding, you can get out over $200 in student living cost a week and an allowance on top of that if you’re qualified. That is more than enough for the majority of the student body. I am not against a case by case consideration, but giving out free money to people who are not in need is an insult to taxpayers.”
