Full-time students are entitled to a maximum of $377 per fortnight if they are classed as independent and receive no help from their parents.

Single, unemployed people without dependents can receive up to $462.80 per fortnight in NewStart allowance - or $4461 more each year. These figures do not include rent assistance.

According to the Centrelink website, the government gives added incentive to students aged over 25 who take up full-time study if they have been unemployed for an extended period of time. They can be eligible for up to $457 a fortnight.

Most full-time university students are either required or encouraged to spend 38-hours per week attending lectures, tutorials and study, which means any part-time work must be on top of these hours.

Deakin's pro vice chancellor (academic), Professor Phillip Clarke, said the system, whereby a student receiving Youth Allowance receives less per fortnight than those on unemployment benefits, was simply unfair.

"There's no doubt whatsoever," Professor Clarke said.

"If students have to work that must clash with the opportunity to study. "It could be argued that students don't need to work, but there are some from different backgrounds who do need to and (being forced to work) does run the risk of advancing their lower socio-economic status."

A south-west education advocate says instead of comparing allowances for unemployed and students the real focus should be on the divide between regional and metropolitan students.

Toni Jenkins, of South West Local Learning and Employment Network, said regional students were being forced to work to help pay for University when they should be given a choice.

A Canberra university study, conducted in 2001, found students who study full-time and did not have to support themselves with a part-time job received better university results than those who had to work to support their studies.

Professor Clarke said there was some advantages to working part-time, particularly if the job related to the student's area of study.

"Working part-time, especially if it relates to your study discipline, can have long-term benefits," Professor Clarke said. "Employers want to hire someone who has had some relevant work experience."

"The demands and disciplines of work can enrich your studies and is a very important part of getting a job."