Actually I don't have a problem with education being provided free or heavily subsidised (HECS) by the state as I think it is in the countries best interests to have educated citizens.
The problem with this though is that it has led to the development of many "mickey mouse" degrees and also some "mickey mouse" students.
By the above I mean courses that teach things that have little, if any, practical application in the real world, and students who are only studying to collect a study allowance and avoid needing to find a job.
Degree and diploma courses which are not relevant to the countries needs and/or do not lead to a career for graduates should not be paid for by the government. Also, students should need to meet strict performance and attendance guidelines so that money is not wasted on people who are either not interested or not capable of completing the course they have enrolled in.
