The REAL Party would restore students incomes to the same level as the incomes of the unemployed. This would be independent of their parents income. The income allowed before the allowance is abated would be increased but the allowance would reduce as Natural Dividend increased.

The REAL Party does, however, believe that the benefits to society of institutional tertiary education are subject to different valuation by different cultures and different individuals. Many tax-payers feel there are better things they could do with their money than make a contribution to a type of education predominantly used by the children of the more comfortably off.

The REAL Party would not increase the amount of State funding of tertiary education institutions and would maintain the system of student loans. The REAL Party would monitor the repayment of loans and ensure that it is not too great a burden on graduates.

It is not inappropriate for students to move to other parts of the country to attend tertiary education institutions so differential funding of these institutions does not cause inequity problems. The REAL Party would encourage tertiary institutions in their search for private and industry contributions to their funds so that fees can be kept as low as possible.

The fees subsidy will remain until the Natural Dividend has been sufficent for long enough to allow students to save up for their tertiary education. The REAL Party will consult with students and staff about changes to eligibility for fees subsidy.