Summer is still in full bloom, but at the SFS office we are starting to get started after the holiday. Time off is a privilege few students have the opportunity for. For most, the summer job starts when the semester ends in June. But like everyone else, students need recovery - hope you've had it!
Admission notice for the autumn
In July, both a first and second acceptance notice came, something like both I and City have commented in the media. The large increase in the number of applicants to the country's higher education programs that took place during the pandemic has now returned to pre-pandemic levels. Nevertheless, there are 257 admitted to the autumn's courses.
Increased student funding for 2023... or?
Big news for students is that the tuition fee for 2023 will increase as a result of inflation. It is now happening because the price base amount, which includes a. student funds and pensions are inflation-adjusted against, is increased as a result of this year's high inflation. Concretely, this means approximately SEK 1000 more per month for a student who withdraws the entire study grant. We see the increase for next year as a sign that the system is working, but the increase should not be mistaken for a real increase in the student aid. That is to say, that the students' actual purchasing power increases.
There is much evidence that students' purchasing power is going in the opposite direction. The Norwegian Economic Institute forecasts continued rising inflation during the autumn. There is therefore a great risk that the autumn's inflation will have time to eat up the increase in the student aid which takes place at the turn of the year. Even the Riksbank's increased policy interest rate partly affects students, then rising mortgage rates drive up rents on second-hand apartments. It is fundamental that the size of your or your family's wallet should not determine your opportunities to study further.
One way to actually make it easier for students financially would be to increase the student aid's share of the price base amount. It has already happened on four occasions since the current system was introduced in 2001. Not to do it now, when we are at the highest inflation in 40 years, would be reprehensible. In difficult economic times, those with the least financial margins must be prioritized.
The election campaign begins
We are moving towards election campaign times and this is not least noticeable in the proposals that the parties come up with almost daily. During the summer, the Social Democrats announced the election promise of free public transport during the summer for the country's young people and students. Certainly, it is a welcome proposal, as it would make it easier for students financially in a financially difficult time. But only during the summer months, and next summer at the earliest. There is nothing that helps the students here and now.
However, we are looking forward to an exciting political autumn. You didn't forget to check in SFS electoral compass?
Closest in time is SFS's annual housing report, which examines students' housing situation before the start of the semester. Look out for it!