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University Funding

9 May 2017

Q. Do you approve or disapprove of the following changes to university funding proposed by the Federal Government?

  Total approve Total disapprove   Strongly Approve Approve Disapprove Strongly disapprove Don’t know
Reducing funding to universities by $2.8 billion 28% 56%   7% 21% 33% 23% 15%
Increasing student fees by $2,000 – $3,600 for a 4-year degree 30% 60%   7% 23% 32% 28% 11%
Requiring students to begin repaying loans once their salary reaches $42,000 instead of $55,000 47% 44%   14% 33% 24% 20% 10%

56% disapproved of the proposal to reduce university funding by $2.8 billion, and only 28% approved. Those most likely to disapprove were Greens voters (80% disapprove), ALP voters (69%) and those with a university degree (65%). Those most likely to approve were Liberal/National voters (45% approve) those aged 65+ (40%) and males (34%).

60% disapproved of the proposal to increase student fees, and only 30% approved. Those most likely to disapprove were Greens voters (84% disapprove), ALP voters (73%) and those aged 18-24 (71%). Those most likely to approve were Liberal/National voters (51% approve) and those aged 65+ (46%).

47% approved of the proposal to require students to repay their loan earlier, and 44% disapproved. Those most likely to approve were those aged 65+ (68% approve), Liberal/National voters (67%) and other party/independent voters (57%). Those most likely to disapprove were Greens voters (68% disapprove) and those aged 18-24 (59%).

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