AS FAMILIES, pensioners and jobseekers are hit with all sorts of cost saving measures by both the federal and state budgets, some high school leavers across the Southern Downs are reconsidering their future in tertiary education.

Those considering university will be some of the hardest hit, if the Federal Budget goes through the senate in full. But despite the warnings and the possibility of uni debts of up to $100,000, Warwick students are still determined to follow their dreams.

Former Warwick State High student Holly Woodford counts the proposed uni fee changes as just another hurdle on the way to her goal of becoming a doctor.

"I am determined to further my education skills - sure this is going to make it more difficult but it's what I want to do," she said.

The 18-year-old has focused on earning a place at James Cook University and working towards a career in medicine ever since she graduated from high school.

After training as a lab assistant in Derby Hospital in Western Australia for the past six months, Holly is more determined than ever.

"I'm keen to learn and to get a job I am going to enjoy," she said.

"I don't think money should get in the way of people eventually helping people."

If Holly is accepted into James Cook University, she hopes to support herself through government assistance and pay it back when she has a job.

"I will pay for it in the end and I think it will be difficult to add living costs on top," she said.

"It's not going to be particularly easy.

This 'whatever it takes' attitude is similar for Assumption College Year 12 student Kimberly Thorne, who hopes to study business at a city university.

"There are doubts around the money factor now, if the budget changes pass," she said.

Though Kimberly is still sure she will earn a degree, she isn't as certain about her dream in the big city.

"I'm not sure whether to move to Brisbane or whether it's better money-wise to just travel to Toowoomba," she said.

"I'll see where I'm sitting financially at the end of the year."

Judy Holmes, who has been a liberal voter all of her life said the university cuts by the Commonwealth were a bad move for the party.

"The student is at the very start of their voting lives, once a pattern is established they are very hard break," she said.

"They have been hitting the wrong pockets."