It’s a tough question that every educated person in politics and academia should take seriously: “Why do they hate us so much?” This came from a young graduate student in the humanities, looking for insight from Graeme Turner, a professor known for his critiques of Australian universities.
Once, pursuing a doctorate in the humanities was seen as a noble journey. Students devoted their time to mastering arts and knowledge, contributing to an informed society. However, now it often feels like a battle. Success is measured by numbers—like how many articles are published or grants received—rather than the true value of the knowledge gained.
Many academics in the humanities have faced job cuts, leading to an overreliance on underpaid casual staff. As research funding shrinks, applying for grants has become a frustrating lottery. In a startling shift, the cost of an arts degree in Australia has skyrocketed to $50,000, creating a barrier that pushes many students away. In 2024, there were about 12,000 fewer students in culture and society programs than a decade earlier. This drop has cut the number of people studying creative arts by a third.
The neoliberal mindset has taken hold, driving concern for cost over curiosity. Many young people from families who once seized educational opportunities now struggle under the burden of student debt. As Senator Jacqui Lambie pointed out, educational policies should not limit opportunities for talented individuals, especially in rural areas.
Around the world, the attack on the humanities isn’t new, but it feels more intense. Universities often act like businesses, prioritizing profit over learning. Large campuses may look great but don’t address the shrinking budgets in essential fields like the humanities.
This dynamic isn’t limited to Australia. In the U.S., academic freedom is threatened as professors avoid expressive criticism for fear of backlash. This deals a heavy blow to education’s mission—to broaden minds and build better societies.
Moreover, as we witness global crises, the insights of moral philosophers and humanists are more relevant than ever. The foundational studies of philosophy, literature, and history are vital for understanding our world. They are also the very disciplines that are increasingly contributing to AI developments today. While AI has the potential to transform many sectors, it relies heavily on knowledge originated from the humanities and social sciences.
The impact of the Morrison government’s policies, particularly the Job Ready Graduates scheme, put further strain on universities. Labor opposed these policies, advocating that they limit student choices. Though the current government has acknowledged these issues, meaningful changes have been slow. The corporate model has too often taken precedence over educational values, creating a difficult environment for scholars and students alike.
Despite these challenges, the pandemic showed us that when there’s a will, funds can be found. It’s time to rethink how we value arts education in Australia. Reducing the financial barrier for humanities degrees could unleash a new wave of creativity and thought that is crucial for our nation’s future.
Julianne Schultz, a prominent academic, emphasizes the importance of advocating for change in higher education policies. The dialogue continues, and there is hope that the humanities can regain their rightful place in our educational system.
For more on this issue, you can read articles from [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/28/open-letter-to-australian-government-university-fees-jrg-scheme) and [The Conversation](https://theconversation.com/top-australian-writers-urge-albanese-to-abolish-job-ready-graduates-calling-their-humanities-degrees-life-changing-261743) that delve deeper into these critical topics.
