While it is impossible to predict how far annual tuition fees will rise if deregulation is implemented, it is possible to establish likely minimum and maximum values for tuition fees within each subject area. In this model, you may select any value between this minimum and maximum. The default setting is the average of this minimum and maximum.

We have set the minimum within each subject area as current domestic fees plus the amount necessary to compensate for the decreased government contribution under the proposed deregulation. In the table below, these figures are listed in the 5th column entitled "Minimum Student Contribution" and are calculated as the sum of the 2nd and 3rd minus the 4th column. We have set the maximum within each subject area as the difference between current ANU international fees and the government contribution. Note that international fees at the ANU may be higher than at other universities. These figures are listed in the 7th column entitled "Maximum Student Contribution" and are calculated as the difference of the 6th and 4th column.

Note that while domestic tuition fees are capped by the difference between ANU international tuition fees and the government contribution, the ANU administration is free to raise international tuition fees, in which case the Maximum Student Contribution numbers would be higher.

In the current regulated system, student debt is indexed by the inflation rate. The default value in this model is set as 2.77% which is the 10-year average of the quarterly inflation rates. The current inflation rate (as of 7 June, 2014) is 2.9%. The following graphic illustrates how the inflation rate has varied since 1969.

The historical data for the inflation rates was obtained from this government webpage. The spreadsheet can be downloaded here.

Under the proposed deregulated system, student debt will accumulate interest. This interest rate is determined by the 10-year treasury bond rate. The interest rate will be capped at 6% if the 10-year treasury bond rate exceeds 6%. The default value in this model is set as 5.0% which is the 10-year average of the monthly 10-year treasury bond rates. The current 10-year treasury bond rate (as of 7 June, 2014) is 3.77%. The following graphic illustrates how the 10-year treasury bond rate has varied since 1969 with the red line indicating 6%.

The historical data for the 10-year treasury bond rates was obtained from this government webpage. The spreadsheets can be downloaded here and here.