Summer is still in full swing, but at the SFS office we are starting to get back to work after the break. Break is a privilege that few students have the opportunity to have. For most, summer jobs start when the semester ends in June. But like everyone else, students need to recover – hope you have had it!
Admission notice for the fall
In July, both a first and second acceptance letter came, something that both I and City has commented in the media. The large increase in the number of applicants to the country's higher education programs that occurred during the pandemic has now returned to pre-pandemic levels. Nevertheless, 257,000 have been admitted to this fall's programs.
Increased student funding for 2023... or?
Big news for students is that the study grant for 2023 will be increased due to inflation. This is happening now because the price base amount, against which, among other things, study grants and pensions are inflation-adjusted, is raised due to this year's high inflation. Concretely, this means approximately SEK 1000 more per month for a student who withdraws the entire study allowance. 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 study allowance. That is, that the students' actual purchasing power increases.
There is much evidence that students' purchasing power is going in the opposite direction. The National Institute of Economic Research forecasts continued rising inflation during the autumn.. There is therefore a great risk that autumn inflation will have time to eat up the increase in student funding that will take place at the turn of the year. The Riksbank's increased policy rate also partly affects students, as Rising mortgage rates are driving up rents on second-hand apartmentsIt 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 things easier for students financially would be to increase the student loan's share of the price base amount. This has already happened on four occasions since the current system was introduced in 2001. Not doing so now, when we are facing the highest inflation in 40 years, would be reprehensible. In difficult economic times, those with the smallest financial margins must be prioritized.
The election campaign begins
We are heading towards election campaign times and this is not least noticeable in the proposals that the parties are putting out 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. It is certainly a welcome proposal, since it would make it easier for students financially in a financially difficult time. But only during the summer months, and at the earliest next summer. It is nothing that helps the students here and now.
However, we are looking forward to an exciting political autumn. You haven't forgotten to check out SFS election compass?
The closest thing to being on time is SFS's annual housing report, which examines students' housing situation before the start of the semester. Keep an eye out for it!