No

Im currently trying to start a masters degree. Throughout my time as a student the costs were always upfront. So I knew what the year would costs down to tuition, supplies, and travel. America and England are more expensive than NZ for study, so I could be worse. Under $1000 for a science course that involves use and guidance through lab equipment/tech, multiple renowned professors, tutors, and exam and assignment markings and processes, it works out pretty well. The student debt, for me, becomes more problematic when you are struggling with the cost of living crisis, increasing the timeframe…  Read more to obtain a house deposit, and when you decide to go overseas and have interest on the debt. To help reduce the debt, students who take out a living costs payment should have access to the student allowance earlier on. Maybe this happens in second year, after your free tuition year, and if certain criteria of grades and attendance are met. A student receiving C’s in esoteric subjects shouldn’t have access to this. It is living in this country, with high food, petrol, and rent that make it harder to be a student. Which has been increasing since lockdowns and COVID.