Arts degrees to cost $50,000 until at least 2027 despite Albanese reform promises, vice-chancellor says

The delay in reforming the job-ready graduates scheme will hurt lower socioeconomic and female students most, critics say. Photograph: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

Students will be paying $50,000 for arts degrees until at least 2027, says one university vice-chancellor, despite the Albanese government labelling the controversial job-ready graduates scheme (JRG) that included an increase to some fees a “failure” and promising to reform it.

The Morrison government program increased the price of university degrees including arts, humanities and law, while reducing the cost for Stem degrees including mathematics and essential worker degrees including teaching and nursing.