The rhetoric in any fee rise that no poor student need worry about not being able to afford a university education if they are good enough, is not reassuring any more. You have to be almost destitute by the criteria set to qualify for assistance. Many sandwich-class students have to tighten their belts and bear the brunt of these fee hikes by increasing their debt burden, to be repaid for many years after they graduate and start work.

The twin whammy of a hostel fee increase simultaneously with the university fee hike can only double the hardship of undergraduates. If it becomes too expensive to live in hostels, the vibrancy of the University Town concept will take a direct hit as there will be less critical mass to create buzz. It will be cheaper to rent a room in an HDB flat outside.

The universities should see if they have been too free-spending in non-essential areas before clamouring for more money from students. Any savings should be passed on to students as a fee reduction.

Dr Lim Boon Hee