This paper presents an exploratory analysis of the funding mechanisms for higher education across sixteen countries which builds upon existing work on educational institutions, educational outcomes, and welfare regimes. We focus upon the current financing dilemma within the Irish higher education system, seeking potential solutions within an…

In this paper I argue that in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-2009 young people, certain populations of young people in particular, are being made to bear a heavy burden, carry significant responsibilities for re-imagining their lives as a enterprise--an enterprise in which an "investment" in education and training…

The Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) has been advanced as having many desirable properties. These have been discussed largely from the theoretical perspective, and with the individual rather than the family as the reference point. This paper explores whether HECS is working the way it was intended. Is it having undesirable or…

In a period of student loan scandals and U.S. financial market instability impacting on the cost and availability of student loans, this paper looks at alternative models of higher education funding. In this context, it also considers the level of financial support that the government should provide to higher education.

There have been many changes to the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) since its introduction in 1989. The most significant of these is possibly the reforms announced in the 2003 Federal Budget, which allow universities to increase the contributions required of students by up to 25%. This paper considers the distribution of deferred HECS…

Outlines design issues involved with introducing an income-contingent, college student-loan program and describes the solutions adopted by Australian and New Zealand governments. Uses dynamic microsimulation to simulate the likely future repayment profiles for two Australian ICL schemes and assesses the proportion of total debt repaid. (19…

The new Australian Higher Education Contribution Scheme allows students to either pay a standard tuition charge on enrollment or defer payment until they are earning at least the current average taxable income. At that point, they incur a debt to the government for the amount deferred and repayment rate is based on income. Conceptual bases and…

Two possible types of loans for undergraduate study are outlined (loans to cover fees only and loans for living costs), and suggested repayment schemes and need analyses are given. Some notes are given on the administration of such a program. (MSE)