International student “shocked” at transport fares

- JOHN ROSS,

The Australian

From:

CATHERINE Nguyen knew there were surprises in store when she left her native Vietnam to study at the University of Melbourne. But she didn’t know the vagaries of the federal system would cost her $56.50 a month.

“I have a few friends [who studied in] Queensland and Adelaide and they said they had concession fares, so I was surprised when I discovered that Victoria is different,” said the 20 year-old second year commerce student.“I thought all students are going to have the same concession fares. I was quite shocked that international students are excluded.”

Initially, transport fares weren’t a huge issue because Ms Nguyen lived within walking distance from campus. But when inner city rent proved too expensive and she moved to Kensington – a half hour tram trip away, including a change of line – she found the $113 monthly ticket took a big chunk out of her living budget of less than $150 a week after rent.

Her Australian friends pay under $60. “I really think it’s not fair. International students feel excluded and discriminated [against].”

Universities Australia CEO Glenn Withers said inequitable transport arrangements for international students perpetuated feelings of being treated as “cash-cows”.

“The NSW and Victorian governments continue to be their own worst enemy in a key aspect of the international education that so benefits their states,” said Dr Withers.

“International education is a number one export for these states. The students are taxpayers, contributing hugely to GST and income taxes without other drain on services provided only to permanent residents.”

Dr Wither said voters would respect state “vision and leadership” over the issue. “It is still much needed alongside a wide range of other recent positive actions that are providing a solid foundation for quality and excellence in international education.

“The travel concession issue is a symbolic one that these states must fix, as their counterparts have already done.”

Council of International Students Australia president Arfa Noor said concessions were also a safety issue for international students.

“They do all sorts of things to save money, and you can’t blame them. They walk home at night; they change trains to a less safe route. Some of them try to evade fares.”