Extramural students condemn scholarship cuts

Extramural students condemn ignorant scholarship cuts.

Massey University Extramural Students’ Society condemns the recent budget announcement that $98 million dollars worth of tertiary scholarships will be axed.

“This is a ridiculous time to be cutting scholarships. More than ever tertiary students are depending on scholarships to give them access to education” says Ralph Springett, President of EXMSS.

“Decisions like this demonstrate the Government’s ignorance of the financial plight of many students.’ says Springett. “Worse still, the cuts specifically affect low income earners and areas where there is a skills shortage.”

The Step Up scholarships for low income earners and the bonded merit scheme, for subject areas where there is a national skill shortage, as well as Top Achiever scholarships, were cut in last week’s budget.

“I take great exception to the Government using the budget to smoke screen this decision. Thousands of Kiwi’s trying to get ahead will be affected every year. The Government need to support, not hobble, these people” says Springett.

ENDS

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