NZUSA Hits At Bonded Bursaries

By Hugh Rennie

The pamphlet briefly presents a point by point statement on the obligations of studentships, their financial value, and on other ways in which a university education may be financed.

"As a prospective university student." the pamphlet states, "you will find a studentship financially irresistible. At this stage of your career, teaching Is one of the few professions you know much about, and the alternative to a studentship is a Fees and Allowance Bursary at less than half the monetary value. We believe, however, that there are compelling reasons why you should be wary of accepting a studentship."

The pamphlet then emphasises that a student leaving secondary school is in a poor position to choose his vocation in life before he has commenced on a university education, and proceeds to consider the Parry Report recommendations on the abolition of bonded bursaries.

Itemising the repayments required if a bursary is forfeited, and the emancipating effect which university life has on student interests, the pamphlet emphasises that with increases in fees and allowance bursaries the extra money required to be found by students is not too great for it to be earned during the long vacation.

"With personal sacrifice in the long vacations you can remain free to choose a career of your choice," the pamphlet emphasises, and warns against being misled by suggestions of teaching jobs available at the student's old school. It also suggests that students may find Training College an anti-climax, or even a stultifying influence, after the free atmosphere of university.

The effect of the pamphlet, which expresses views long held by students but previously little publicised will be interesting. It should appeal to most secondary school students, who may well finally do what the pamphlet does not in fact suggest—spend one year at university on fees and allowance bursary before deciding whether or not to accept a bonded bursary.