Students who want to become eligible under the changes will be forced to defer university for two years instead of one.

Students will have to earn at least $19,532, working full time at least 30 hours a week, for at least 18 months after leaving school.

Year 12 Edward John Eyre High School student Scott Groenland wants to go to university to study teaching, but it now all depends on the youth allowance changes.

He said he didn't want to defer uni for one year, let alone two years because he would lose knowledge from high school.

"It's not very fair because everyone had it before, and then we have to work that much harder to get what other people got," he said.

Year 11 students Adam and Hannah Wittwer both aspired to go to university and study in the health area, and were aware of the changes.

With Hannah wanting to be a podiatrist, she would usually only be able to defer for one year.

"It's stupid of the Government to think that rural kids can make their own way without any support," Adam said.

He said if the changes were to go ahead, then the Government should consider bringing more courses to regional universities to prevent them from moving away from home.

Adam and Hannah both said it would also be hard trying to work during school if they needed to save money for university.

Existing payments meant full-time students paying rent could earn $400 a fortnight.

Those studying could also earn a further $236 before losing any Youth Allowance payments.

Proposed changes are set to begin January 1, 2010.