Political parties, hit the brakes on cuts affecting students before you drive the generation of experts off a cliff

Aalto University Student Union (AYY) considers the set of measures presented by the Ministry of Finance to be in conflict with the generational promise. The proposed measures would undermine the opportunities available to young people and future generations to pursue higher education and build their future, at a time when young people’s faith in the future is already at an all-time low. 

The measures under consideration include abolishing study grants and introducing tuition fees for all higher education students. The list also includes freezing the university inflation index and reviewing the future of the entire higher education network, with even the possible closure of higher education institutions being raised. In addition, restricting the FSHS service network, reducing state funding, and abolishing the meal subsidy would be harmful decisions for students, whose livelihoods and wellbeing have already deteriorated significantly.

It is evident from the proposed measures that the entire education path, as well as opportunities for higher education and the development of one’s own expertise, would become more difficult as financial risks are shifted even further onto individuals. Even bringing such measures into the discussion is concerning, as they are likely to further undermine young people’s faith in the future. 

‘We students understand the challenges facing public finances and the importance of balancing and strengthening public finances in order to preserve the welfare state for future generations. However, balancing public finances must not automatically mean cuts affecting education and students’, points out Joona Lipponen, Chair of the AYY Board.

Cutting from education can often seem more tempting on paper than other savings measures, as it generates savings quickly. However, the harmful effects may not become apparent for years to come. For example, abolishing financial support for students could increase their reliance on loans or delay their graduation if they have to work alongside their studies. It could also delay their hopes of starting a family. At the same time, the fear of falling into debt by having to rely on loans or pay tuition fees could raise the threshold for pursuing higher education. When higher education entails even greater financial risks for individuals, more and more people are forced to consider whether pursuing higher education is even possible or financially beneficial. This is in direct conflict with Finland’s higher education objectives. Finland is already lagging behind both its own objectives for raising the level of education and those of its peer countries, and we cannot afford to lose a single expert. 

Finland’s success has long been built on equal opportunities. Free and accessible education, wellbeing, and subsistence are key pillars of a welfare state, and they must not be compromised. Finland needs more from its decisionmakers than yet another list of savings measures. We need an agreement among political parties on the fundamental pillars of the welfare state that we are not willing to give up, along with a long-term plan to safeguard them. 

If we want to preserve faith in the future, we must not send young people the message that the solution is to make education more difficult, expensive, and uncertain. The most effective way to strengthen young people’s faith in the future is to invest in education, not to undermine its accessibility.

Further information 

Joona Lipponen 

Chair of the Board