Media Release - Dunedin - it's all debt here

Dunedin – it’s all debt here!

The latest research commission by the New Zealand University Students’ Association (NZUSA) shows that students studying in Dunedin are the most indebted in the country (Income and Expenditure Survey, 2005). Average student debt amongst Dunedin College of Education, Otago Polytechnic and University of Otago students is $18,949. The single most indebted students in New Zealand are at the University of Otago who, on average owe $23,432.

“What we see here are the combined and outrageous effects of excessively high tuition fees and living costs borrowed from the student loan scheme” said Steven Sutton, president of the Otago University Students’ Association. “A majority of Otago students live away from home and are forced to borrow money for necessities like food and rent.”

The research shows that the single largest weekly expense for Dunedin students is accommodation with a staggering $99 on average being spent on accommodation per week. “This makes a mockery of the idea that Dunedin is a markedly cheaper place to live and study than elsewhere around the country” said Rachel Dibble, president of the Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association. “Students’ cannot “get over it” and it is not a “smart move” when debt is increasing and student poverty is a reality” said Ms Dibble.


Ends.

For more information contact:

Rachel Dibble Steven Sutton
OPSA President OUSA President
Phone 021 1294 203 Phone 021 274 0217