New research reveals university students' rent is higher than their incomes

26 August, 2022

By Jack Horsnell

A recent national student wellbeing inquiry revealed that two-thirds of students do not have enough money to buy food and other basic necessities. Photo: The University of Auckland.

New research has revealed that the cost of rent for New Zealand university students is higher than their incomes. 

Auckland University researchers analysed the financial data of 730 students over six months last year. 

They found that the median income for students, including wages, student loan living costs and allowances, was $801 a month, while the median cost of rent for students was $803 a month.

"The median income they're earning is the same as what they're paying in rent, and that becomes a problem because how else are they paying to eat?" said Auckland University researcher Dr Sereana Naepi.

The research also found that credit card debt was common among students, with the median credit card debt being over $1700.

A recent national student wellbeing inquiry revealed that two-thirds of students do not have enough money to buy food and other basic necessities. 

When the students were surveyed, the debt they owed to StudyLink was a median of $24,000 for course fees, $17,000 for living costs, and $4000 for course-related costs.

Green Party Tertiary Education Spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick is calling on the government to consider universal student allowances. 

"Bold action to introduce a universal education income, address fee increases and require meaningful support for our students is the only way to make sure they can survive."

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