Financial aid for students in Finland – why it’s good? The University of Applied Sciences Students in Finland - SAMOK Riina Kasurinen

System secures constitutional right of civilisation: regardless your wealthy you can educate yourself.

Basics Financial aid consist of: –Study grant 336,76€ –Housing supplement 201,60€ –Student loan 400,00€ 64 months max Income max 660€ /1970€ per month Study progress demand 5 points month / 20 points per at least from taken aid months

Reform 120 m budget cuts –Study grant 250,28€ –Housing supplement -> general housing subsidy –Loan up to 650€ –64 -> down to 54 …not an real ”reform”

So what went wrong? ? Main question is: is the constitutional right still there?

Best parts Loan guarantee Part loan refund Flexibility in multiple degrees Need of progressing in studies Flexibility in case of illness, pregnancy etc.

How things should be? Ability to study full time – student grant weighted – no obligation to take loan Encouraging to graduate on schedule Encouraging to get work experience Flexible to different life situations

Meal subsidy on current expense level Income border should be tided to wage index Basic income as a solution?

Thank you! Questions? Riina Kasurinen