Students at Australia’s University of Canberra are getting a new student card backed by one of the country’s big four banks that can be used to make purchases across the campus and beyond. The contactless PayPass card can be used to make purchases under $100. Contactless readers have already been installed at retailers, cafes and other outlets at the university.

The new cards have other uses as well. Students can use them as traditional cards for identification, to access secure areas of the campus, to borrow library books and make photocopies. The cards can be pre-loaded with up to $1,000 for making purchases, with a maximum limit of $100 per transaction.

Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker said the cards’ introduction was part of a wider program to upgrade the University of Canberra’s facilities, including renovations and the introduction of high-tech communications hubs.

”We’re almost at full capacity and demand on enrolments are at their highest point ever,” added Parker.

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