Some Otago University students are feeling hard done by after realising they're being paid less to do a job - simply because they're students

There are two pay scales for Research Assistants at the university - one for students and one for professionals.

Student Laura Starling says it's not a case of professionals having more skills - some times students are more qualified.

It can mean a PHD student is paid two dollars less than a person with a master's degree who hasn't furthered their study.

She says students who are out of pocket are taking their concerns to the university's Human Resources department.