SAVAGE cuts of up to $29 million in Victoria University TAFE funding announced in the state budget will make it harder for students from low-income and migrant families to get training.
More than $100million has been cut from fee subsidies for courses in the 2012-13 state budget, forcing TAFE providers to hit students with big fee increases or close courses and cut jobs.
Funding used to help TAFEs offer services such as libraries, counselling services and learning support has also been cut.
VU says it will lose up to $29million. The university estimates funding rates will be cut from $6.50-$10 per student to less than $2 for some courses in business, hospitality, retail, process manufacturing, events, fitness and sport.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Dawkins said students would pay more for education.
VU has invested $60million in its sports science centre and a 120-seat training restaurant and function centre as part of a recent $2.7million upgrade to its hospitality training facilities.
Asked if the cuts could affect hospitality and sports science, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Anne Jones said the university was assessing the impact of the reduced funding but was keen to find ways to continue to deliver courses.
Fees for some courses, such as a diploma in fitness, may have to increase from $2000 to about $8000 to remain viable, she said.
