The 2017 Universities Australia Student Finances Survey showed those from a rural background face more financial hardship when pursuing higher education and experience higher living costs.

National Union of Students President Mark Pace said the survey of more than 18,500 students revealed one in seven, or 15 per cent, were going without food and necessities because they could not afford them, a figure that jumps to 19 per cent for those who completed school outside urban centres. 

“One in a million students choosing between food on the table and their education is too many, let alone one in seven,” Mr Pace said.

“There hasn’t been an increase to Newstart in real terms for 24 years. The single rate of Newstart is $278 per week, when we know essentials, such as rent and food cost $433. “The government must prioritise increasing income support to allow students access to higher education and the enormous opportunities it provides.”

Despite being more likely to receive government assistance and having a higher median income than their city counterparts, regional students faced significant shortfalls between their income and expenses. 

Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson said financial hardship was impacting students with almost two-thirds saying their financial situation was a worry. 

“For many, the amount of work they need to do to support themselves financially comes at a cost to their studies,” she said. “Many students are trying to get rent and bills paid, and some are trying to keep food on the table for their own children, while juggling paid jobs and their studies. Our students should have the basic financial security and stability to perform at their best.”