Yahoo Lifestyle $20,000 in HECS wiped and $183 cost-of-living allowance for these Aussies
HECS debts are about to be indexed again, which means they are getting bigger. But there's a way to get $20k taken off yours.
Growing HECS debts are a problem for many Australians, both young and old. There are calls for indexation to be held, or for student debts to be wiped altogether, but one select group are being offered a $20,000 lifeline.
Queensland Police are using a raft of new incentives, including paying off $20,000 of university debt, to bolster their number of recruits. And Police Minister Mark Ryan said it's working, with a 200 per cent increase in applicants since a recruitment drive started last year.
"University graduates seeking a challenging and rewarding career are being urged to consider a role in policing, as 400 successful applicants will receive up to $20,000 paid off their HECS debt for degrees in criminology, social work, counselling or other relevant human services upon graduating from the Academy," a statement from Ryan's office said.
"Applicants who hold a tertiary degree may also be exempt from sitting the QPS Entrance Assessment."
Other benefits include free accommodation at the police academy, a $183 cost-of-living allowance and a "boosted training salary" of approximately $53,700 a year. Plus, it's free to apply.
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“There are 20,000 reasons for university graduates with specified degrees to consider a career with the Queensland Police Service," Ryan said.
“We are putting the call out to everyone who has a relevant degree to consider a challenging and rewarding career with Queensland Police.”
Acting Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said 215 recruits had already graduated this year, with more than 300 expected to do so before the end of June.
“The high number of recruits in training at our academies is a testament to the great incentives, combined with the assurance of a fulfilling career as a Queensland Police officer," he said.
Who is eligible to have $20,000 HECS fee cleared?
Not every applicant will be able to benefit from the $20,000 HECS offer. Only 400 recruits will get the payment, once they've graduated from the academy.
Recruits need to have completed a tertiary degree in the following:
Criminology
Social Work
Counselling
Human Services
You can find more out about how to apply here.
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