Part-Time Bursary

The Association strongly disagrees with the Committee's recommendation that the part-time bursary be abolished. The overall contention of the Parry Committee that full-time study should be encouraged (although, as has been pointed out their bursary recommendations do not take this contention to its logical conclusion) is supported by NZUSA. However, many students in New Zealand who study part-time do so not from choice but because they can not afford to attend with the present low bursary assistance or because the demands of professional training and the university curriculum force them into full-time employment.

We are satisified that if the Higher School Certificate bursary was raised to the adequate level recommended by the Association the number of those in the first category will be reduced. Nevertheless many other part-time students will still be unable to break away from the restrictions at present imposed on them by their professional organisations.

NZUSA considers that these students must not be penalised for circumstances beyond their control.