Would you be able to pay for your child’s education?

Today, 24 October, we celebrate the Day for Free Education. Education is for everyone, regardless of socio-economic background or other factors. This year we want to bring attention to this by asking the question “Would you be able to pay for your child’s education?”. 

It is not news that it has become much more expensive to study and live in Finland. For many, balancing studies, work and free time is a large economic burden and many worry about their finances daily. Many choose to work alongside their studies and/ or take loans to finance their everyday lives, but at the same time more and more people worry about if they will be able to pay back their loans. 

Imagine a future where you have barely managed to finance your own studies. You have a job but also must pay back your student loan. At the same time, you might be thinking of buying or renting a place to live and you also need to buy the things you need in everyday life. Aside from this, you might have other loans and expenses, such as a car and insurance. Would you then in addition be able to save tens of thousands of euros for your child’s education? 

This situation is already common in other countries. We have long been proud of our free education in Finland and have seen it as a sign of equality in society and an opportunity for social mobility. However, we are moving more and more towards a reality where education is not in fact free. The rounds of cuts and the introduction of tuition fees have been relevant this year and continue to be discussed.  

Not all careers are guaranteed job opportunities right after graduation and many are also not the highest paid. This creates a situation where you, already during your studies, are forced to consider your future and the possibility of creating a family and life. Today we have about 118 900 children in Finland that live in low-income families. What does it mean for equality in society and for social mobility if none of them have access to higher education due to financial reasons? 

We want to bring attention to the importance of competency in society and everyone’s right to study and work with what they are interested in. Studies and future working life must not depend on your parents’ finances. On the Day for Free Education, we therefore encourage everyone to take a moment and think about the role of higher education in Finland, and to rejoice in all that free education means. A strong society with economic growth and social security starts with having educated and competent citizens. It is therefore imperative that we continue to cherish our free education and all the good it means for our future.  

Amanda Byskata 

The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University