I received a degree from the UK free of fees BUT in those days the Uni system wasn't the free for all it is now. Entry wasn't open to all and sundry. Nursing, for example, hadn't been elevated to degree status. Nowadays almost anyone with at least 1 neuron can get into uni. Kids seem to have less commitment to their initial degree and chop and change course which is thankfully at their own expense. Courses such as nursing are now degree courses. I agree that paying for a degree isn't a bad thing. As Pyne points out the average student HECS loan is $16K. That is bugger all. I believe it is paid from pretax dollars but will stand corrected on this point. Furthermore EVERYONE can get the loan. The debate about rich kids is crap. Rich kids with mean parents have to pay HECS fees. I am making my kids pay because I don't believe in handouts and I believe if you have to work for something, it creates focus.
