One app for all your study abroad needs
In recent discussions about higher education funding, a growing opinion suggests that university students should bear the full cost of their studies. Supporters of this view argue that university education primarily benefits the individual rather than society. While there is no doubt that graduates often enjoy better career prospects and higher earnings, it is also important to consider how educated citizens contribute to social and economic development. The essay on ‘‘University Students Should Pay the Full Cost for Their Own Study Because a University Education Benefits Individuals Rather Than Society’ will examine both perspectives before presenting a reasoned conclusion.
University Students Should Pay the Full Cost for Their Own Study Because a University Education Benefits Individuals Rather Than Society. : Sample Structure 1
Introduction:
Introduce the topic by summarising the argument that students should fully fund their university education since it benefits them individually. Clearly state your opinion—whether you agree, disagree, or partially agree.
Paragraph 1 (Viewpoint of Supporters):
Present the view of those who support the idea, explaining that a degree offers better job opportunities and personal success, which primarily benefits the individual.
Paragraph 2 (Societal Benefits of Education):
Counter the above point by arguing that university graduates, such as doctors, teachers, and engineers, contribute to the overall development of society through their skills and services.
Paragraph 3 (Need for Financial Support and Equal Opportunity):
Explain why access to education should not depend solely on financial capacity. Argue for scholarships and support for deserving students to promote fairness and talent development.
Conclusion:
Reaffirm your position that university education benefits both individuals and society. Emphasise that financial support for deserving students is essential to build a skilled and balanced workforce.
Sample Essay 1
Many people argue that university students should bear the full cost of their education because they are the primary beneficiaries of a degree. However, I strongly disagree with this viewpoint, as higher education not only enhances personal development but also plays a vital role in the progress of society as a whole. Therefore, I believe deserving students should be supported through scholarships and financial aid.
Some people assume that a university degree only benefits individuals by helping them secure better jobs and higher incomes. While that is partially true, the broader contribution of educated professionals to the country must not be overlooked. For example, when a deserving student receives a scholarship to study medicine, the outcome is not only a successful doctor but also a professional who can save lives, improve public health, and serve the community. Similarly, graduates in engineering, education, or scientific research contribute to innovation, infrastructure, and human capital development, all of which are essential for national growth.
Turning higher education into a commercial venture would have severe consequences. Education should be a right, not a privilege reserved for the wealthy. If students are forced to pay the full cost, many capable and driven individuals from poor backgrounds will be denied opportunities. This limits the potential of a country’s talent pool. On the other hand, if universities focus on merit and offer financial aid to deserving students, they can create a skilled workforce driven by passion and competence, not just the ability to pay.
Moreover, government investment in education is not a waste but a long-term contribution to the country’s future. By funding higher education for deserving students, the government ensures the development of responsible citizens who give back to society in various ways. These individuals are more likely to engage in community service, uphold democratic values, and contribute to economic and social progress.
In closing, I once again emphasise the importance of providing free education to deserving students. This will help create skilled professionals who not only achieve personal success but also contribute to society and improve the quality of life for everyone.
Lexical Resources
| Word | Synonyms | Antonyms |
| Bear the cost | Pay, finance, cover expenses | Trained labour pool, competent professionals |
| Primary beneficiaries | Main receivers, key gainers | Marginal gainers, less affected |
| Personal development | Self-growth, individual progress | Stagnation, decline |
| Vital role | Crucial part, essential function | Minor role, unimportant part |
| Commercial venture | Profit-driven initiative, business activity | Non-profit effort, public service |
| Privilege | Special right, advantage | Burden, disadvantage |
| Denied opportunities | Untrained labour, amateur group | Granted access, provided opportunities |
| Skilled workforce | Trained labor pool, competent professionals | Avoid cost, subsidise, receive aid |
| Community service | Civic duty, public contribution | Self-serving activity, individual interest |
| Quality of life | Living standard, well-being | Hardship, poor conditions |
Get Your IELTS Writing Score Checked For FREE
University Students Should Pay the Full Cost for Their Own Study Because a University Education Benefits Individuals Rather Than Society. : Sample Structure 2
Introduction:
Present the topic by highlighting the debate on who should bear the cost of university education. Clearly state your position that students should pay for their studies because the benefits are mostly personal.
Paragraph 1 (Main Argument – Personal Benefit):
Explain that individuals pursue higher education to gain personal advantages like better career prospects and income. Provide examples showing the gap between individual gain and limited societal benefit.
Paragraph 2 (Economic Burden on Government):
Argue that funding university education for all students can strain government budgets, reducing funds for essential public services like healthcare and basic education.
Paragraph 3 (Student Accountability):
Emphasise how students who pay for their education show more commitment and responsibility, leading to better academic and career outcomes.
Conclusion:
Reaffirm your viewpoint that students should fund their own higher education. Conclude that this promotes accountability, protects government resources, and positions education as a valuable personal investment.
Sample Essay 2
Many people believe that higher education serves the personal interests of students more than those of society. As a result, they argue that university students should cover the full cost of their studies. I support this idea to a large extent, as the immediate benefits of university education mostly go to the individual rather than the community.
To begin with, most people attend universities to secure well-paying jobs and stable careers. The degree they earn helps them access professional opportunities, promotions, and financial success. These personal achievements are usually far more significant than the indirect benefits society might receive. For example, a business graduate may work for a multinational company, earning a high salary and enjoying personal growth, but the benefit to society is minimal in comparison. Hence, when the rewards are personal, the financial responsibility should be as well.
Another point to consider is that funding higher education for everyone puts a heavy burden on public finances. Governments already invest a large portion of their budgets in basic education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Expecting the state to also cover the cost of university for all students could reduce funding for these essential areas. If students pay for their own education, it can ensure better quality services across the country without compromising government resources.
In addition, students who invest in their education often value it more. They tend to be more focused, responsible, and determined to succeed. This attitude is sometimes missing in students who receive free education without understanding its actual cost. Paying for one’s own study not only teaches financial discipline but also increases commitment toward academic and career goals.
In closing, I once again stress that when students are the direct beneficiaries of university education, it is fair for them to bear its cost. This approach encourages accountability, protects public funds, and ensures that higher education is treated as a valuable investment rather than a free service.
Lexical Resources
| Word | Synonyms | Antonyms |
| Higher education | University education, Tertiary education | Primary education, Elementary education |
| Personal interests | Individual goals, Self-benefit | Public interest, Common good |
| Cover the cost | Pay for, Bear expenses | Avoid cost, Receive free |
| Financial success | Economic gain, Wealth | Financial failure, Poverty |
| Burden | Load, Strain | Relief, Ease |
| Public finances | Government budget, State funds | Private funds, Individual capital |
| Accountability | Responsibility, Answerability | Irresponsibility, Unaccountability |
| Commitment | Dedication, Devotion | Neglect, Indifference |
| Valuable investment | Worthwhile asset, Long-term gain | Wasted expense, Poor investment |
| Direct beneficiaries | Primary recipients, Main gainers | Indirect recipients, Unaffected parties |
Word Meaning
| Word | Meaning |
| Higher education | Education beyond high school, typically at colleges or universities |
| Personal interests | Goals or benefits that relate to an individual’s own needs or desires |
| Cover the cost | To pay for the total expenses of something |
| Financial success | Achievement of wealth, income, or economic stability |
| Public finances | Money managed by the government to fund services like education and health |
| Burden | A heavy responsibility or pressure |
| Multinational company | A large business that operates in multiple countries |
| Government resources | Funds or assets owned and managed by the government |
| Financial discipline | Ability to manage money responsibly and wisely |
| Accountability | The state of being responsible for actions and outcomes |
Explore
University Students Should Pay the Full Cost for Their Own Study Because a University Education Benefits Individuals Rather Than Society. Sample Structure 3
| Section of Essays | Sample Structure |
| Introduction | Begin by presenting the general topic and the common belief that university students should bear their educational expenses. Clearly state your disagreement and introduce your main argument that both individuals and society benefit from university education. |
| Body Paragraph 1 | Present the opposing view by explaining that some believe only individuals gain from university. Refute this idea by providing examples of how educated individuals, like doctors and engineers, contribute significantly to society. Highlight that scholarships should support capable students who will benefit the country. |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Argue that education should not be commercialised. Emphasise that many governments allocate budgets to support education. Explain how financial barriers can deny deserving students opportunities and why entry should be based on merit, not money. |
| Body Paragraph 3 | Support the idea that students from disadvantaged backgrounds should have equal access to higher education. Discuss how free education encourages merit, produces skilled professionals, and avoids the dilution of quality due to fee-based admissions. |
| Conclusion | Restate your viewpoint that universities should continue offering scholarships to deserving candidates. Reinforce the idea that free education creates competent professionals who serve the community and improve overall quality of life. |
Sample Essay 3
Many people claim that college graduates should be responsible for covering their own educational costs. They contend that an individual gains more from attending university than does the community or the country. However, I truly feel that it benefits both people and society, so universities should keep awarding scholarships to deserving applicants rather than to everyone.
First, some narrow-minded people claim that this tendency exclusively benefits students. In actuality, it benefits both society and people individually. Assume, for instance, that a medical school offers a scholarship to a deserving applicant. After graduating, he or she will be a highly qualified doctor or health professional with the ability to save the lives of thousands of people and contribute to society. The same is true for any other occupation, including those of an engineer, educator, or researcher. Universities should develop the capabilities of deserving students who are eager to work hard and succeed, developing skilled professionals who can execute their jobs well and benefit the country.
Additionally, education must never be turned into a business. A significant amount of the budgetary allocations of many governments around the world have been set aside for education. Regardless of their economic status, a candidate should be given the chance to pursue higher education if they are motivated and deserving. That will enable people to land their dream jobs while having poor financial circumstances.
On the other hand, if colleges charge a price for each entry, many intelligent individuals from disadvantaged families will be denied opportunities. Additionally, university graduate programmes can only produce talented professionals if the applicants are enthusiastic and driven. If they just apportion seats based on fees, the course will have a mixture of worthy and unworthy students, limiting the opportunity for other possible candidates.
In closing, I once again stress the need for institutions to continue to offer deserving students free education. This will produce highly competent professionals who can help others and enhance our quality of life.
Lexical Resources
| Word | Synonyms | Antonyms |
| University education | Higher education, tertiary education | Primary education, basic education |
| Deserving students | Meritorious students, eligible candidates | Undeserving students, unqualified candidates |
| Scholarships | Grants, fellowships, financial aid | Tuition fees, student loans |
| Financial barriers | Economic obstacles, cost-related hurdles | Financial support, affordability |
| Skilled professionals | Trained experts, competent workers | Unskilled workers, amateurs |
| Personal development | Self-improvement, individual growth | Stagnation, decline |
| National growth | Economic progress, development | Recession, stagnation |
| Commercial venture | Profit-driven model, monetised system | Public service, non-profit initiative |
| Capable and driven | Motivated and talented, ambitious | Disinterested, unmotivated |
| Equal access | Fair opportunity, inclusive admission | Discrimination, inequality |
Word Meaning
| Word | Meaning |
| University education | Education provided at college or university level after secondary school |
| Deserving students | Students who have earned or are worthy of support due to merit or effort |
| Scholarships | Financial awards given to students to help pay for education |
| Financial barriers | Economic difficulties that prevent access to education or services |
| Skilled professionals | Workers who have been trained and have expertise in a specific field |
| Personal development | Improvement in individual skills, knowledge, and personal qualities |
| National growth | Overall progress in a country’s economy, infrastructure, and human capital |
| Commercial venture | An activity undertaken with the intent to earn profit |
| Capable and driven | Able and highly motivated to achieve goals |
| Equal access | Fair opportunity for everyone to use or benefit from something |
In conclusion, the belief that university students should pay the full cost for their own study because a university education benefits individuals rather than society overlooks the wider role of education in national development. While individuals gain personal advantages, society also benefits from skilled professionals who drive progress and innovation. Therefore, supporting deserving students through financial aid is not just fair, it is essential for building a more capable and equitable society.
Explore other IELTS Writing Tasks from Here
FAQs
Ans: Many argue that university mainly benefits individuals through higher income and better career options, so students should bear the financial responsibility.
Ans: Educated graduates contribute to social services, healthcare, research, and economic development, indirectly benefiting society through their professional roles.
Ans: High education cost may discourage talented but poor students from pursuing education, leading to unequal opportunities and a loss of skilled professionals.
Ans: Some believe government funding for university education is a burden on taxpayers, especially when students gain private benefits. Others might feel it is a long-term investment that strengthens national progress.
Ans. Yes, paying for education can increase motivation and accountability. However, it should not prevent deserving students from accessing opportunities due to financial limits.
We hope this blog on the topic ‘University Students Should Pay the Full Cost for Their Own Study Because a University Education Benefits Individuals Rather Than Society’ helped you learn something new. If you are planning to study abroad, preparing for the IELTS exam is a key step in your journey. For expert guidance, call us at 1800 572 000.
60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!
