Thursday 16 May 2013

Not a good budget for mature students

Unfortunately, it looks like my post of a couple of weeks ago was prescient - in the latest budget, the government have announced they are removing student loan eligibility for the over 65s and placing limits on those over 40. (source: Stuff.co.nz)  Yet they're investing money into attracting overseas students to come and study in New Zealand.

Yes, I know overseas students bring money into the country while they're here, but then they go back home, and the benefit of their education goes to their home country.  Meanwhile mature students miss out, despite being the very people who, thanks to family and other commitments, are most likely to stay here after they graduate and give New Zealand the benefit of their education.

Apologies for the rant!  And apologies for my recent hiatus - things have been a bit chaotic round here, but hopefully I'll be able to get back to regular posts again soon.