Media Release; It some cases, it's not the size that matters

The National Student Debt has now hit a massive nine billion dollars

“Nine billion dollars in student debt is staggering. Student debt is a serious threat to our society and can no longer be ignored,” said Richard Mitchell, President of the Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association (OPSA)

“Student debt is making it increasingly difficult for graduates to own their own home, is delaying graduates from having children, and hindering New Zealand’s future” stated Mr Mitchell

A recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report commented that the current system does not address to the full extent the financial barriers students face in accessing Tertiary Education

“There are two simple ways to alleviate the student debt problem. First, introduce a universal student allowance. Second, bring back free education. It’s that simple”, says Mr. Mitchell

Today students will be active on campuses around the country promoting the detrimental effects of the nine billion dollar student debt crisis.

OPSA urge the government to recognise the effects the student loan scheme is having on students and graduates and immediately move towards introducing a universal student allowance and free education