University student groups want the Government to reconsider the scrapping of the fees-free study scheme. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed it'll end at the Budget, with 2026 being the final year students are eligible. 

Victoria University of Wellington Student Association President Aidan Donaghue says it's being binned as the cost of living bites. 

"There's huge opportunity costs...we can't work full time while also studying. So energy, heating, groceries, fuel - those are all just compounding on students as they try and better themselves." 

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