This report examined the prevalence and impact of financial hardship on Australian university students. It evaluated the effectiveness of existing financial support services and identified barriers that prevent students from accessing essential assistance. It recommends that government funded payment schemes be enhanced, and that universities should expand and enhance their emergency and non-monetary support services.

The Albanese Government has promised to cut 20% of outstanding student debt. This paper assesses the potential short- and long-term impact of the policy by simulating what might have happened had such a cut been implemented in 2012 instead of 2025.

To sustain a strong research workforce and maintain competitive research standards, this report argues Australia must implement policies and resources that attract and support talented PhD candidates.

This paper examines the impact of the rising cost of university education on young people, finding that student contributions have increased significantly in recent decades, outpacing both inflation and graduate salary growth. This trend has led to a substantial increase in student debt with negative consequences for graduates' future prospects.

Tertiary education students have three main sources of financial support ­– their families, the labour market and government payments. This paper explores how COVID-19 affected these sources of student finance.