Students are calling on universities and polytechnics to follow an initiative offering free study next year to anyone who loses their job in the economic downturn.
UCOL, which has campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui and Wairarapa, says anyone made redundant after 1 September 2008 will be able to take any course it is offering next year, without paying fees, as long as they meet entry requirements.
The college says the offer covers normal tuition fees apart from students' association fees and any programme-related costs.
The polytechnic will also allow anyone who cannot find a job 16 weeks after completing the course to enrol in another free programme.
Union of Students' Associations president Liz Hawes says it is a great gesture to help people broaden their skills, and she hopes other polytechnics and universities will follow suit.
