As most people are aware, the Austudy allowance students get is insufficient to cover the weekly cost of living, especially for those living alone.  Since it isn't enough, students are forced to find work.  Although a variety of scholarships are available, not all students are eligible or are awarded them.  If tertiary students are forced to work to cover the costs of living, their ability to produce high quality academic work is hampered and thus, chances of success in comparison to wealthier individuals is reduced. Why do students need to excel academically? Yes, it is possible to engage in part-time work while studying and not have the best grades.  But the reality is, most employers these days in certain professions, do not only require a degree, they require an honours or a postgraduate degree also. The academic performance provides a gauge for measuring competency for the work he or she intends to apply for.  Secondly, scholarship  applicants are expected to have graduated with first-class honours to be eligible.  Finally, if the student is super-smart and talented, academic excellence will be the most likely path to a high paying job.  Increasing Austudy allowance is most sought after by at least 95% of all full-time students.  If they receive at least $500 per week on Austudy, then the costs of weekly living and of study is mostly covered, with the student having to deal less with issues such as horrible bosses, threatening house share mates, and pesky debt collectors, whose potentially abusive behavior towards the student could have a tremendous impact on the student's ability to perform well.  Increased Austudy payments not only eases the pressure off from students, it also results in better graduate outcomes.