Those of sufficient means could enjoy the privilege of knowledge but the rest had to accept their lot, apart from a small number who might earn scholarships or grants.
Many will argue yesterday's announcement is a step back to those days.
The reality is tertiary education is quite accessible in this country, although critics will argue that will change under what has been proposed.
As someone who has had and paid off a student loan, I know the system can work, and make things attainable that otherwise wouldn't be. I also know some people try to use the system to their advantage and not for what it was intended.
With economic conditions demanding fiscal prudence and burgeoning student debt, it is understandable the Government would want to limit the amount lent and also recoup loans as quickly as possible.
The great dilemma is that in the modern age, in order to secure a good, viable, long-term career, often tertiary education isn't desirable, so much as a must.
But further disadvantaging those who are already battling hardly seems a good solution.
It will be interesting to see, when the changes are fully explained on May 24, how the Government intends to mitigate any deterrent effect they may have.
