One of the main stumbling blocks has been removed from tertiary education with the introduction of fees-free study for the first 12 months for eligible students.
The Government has made good on its 100-day promise of delivering the first year of fees-free post school training and education and industry training from January 1 next year.
Also from New Year's Day, Student Allowance rates and the maximum amount students can borrow for living costs will increase by $50 a week. Where the rate reflects the living costs of two adults, the increase will be $100 a week. Student Allowance recipients will not need to do anything to access the increased rate.
A second year of free study will be introduced by 2021 and a third year by 2024.
The issue of being able to afford programmes, as well as the costs of living, has long been a worry for many students.