The hardest month of the year has come to an end and we welcome February. Students have started to have their exam results reported in Ladok and the study funds are coming into their accounts. For many, the turn of the year has not been a time for exam cramming but has been characterized by the pandemic and quarantine. What SFS has stated is 1) if exams are held physically, it needs to be supplemented with more regular exam opportunities so that those who have symptoms do not feel forced to take the exam anyway, and 2) CSN needs to take into account the extraordinary situation so that students do not end up in a pinch.
Many students are currently feeling worried about their financial situation. Certainly, the economy is often hanging over us, but in these times it is even more stressful. For many, the university credits need to be taken not only to gain access to education but also to guarantee a roof over their heads and food on the table. That is how the systems are currently set up: a requirement for paid university credits to live in student housing and to receive student loans.
SFS report: The limits of student funding
The student funding system is a basic prerequisite for an open and equal higher education institution. The general principle of SFS is that the student funding should fully cover students' actual expenses and enable a reasonable standard of living. The student funding system should also be adapted to lifelong learning and enable studies throughout life.
Last week, the SFS published the report The limits of the study fund. The report describes and evaluates how the student finance system has developed for different groups of university students since the reform in 2001. In connection with this, a panel discussion was held with Maria Nilsson, Liberal Party, and Daniel Riazat, Left Party. The former stated that a holistic approach needs to be taken to the student finance system, the latter highlighted other aspects during studies that affect the student's situation.
Because there are several parameters that affect the students' study situation and the opportunity to undertake, complete and complete studies at a university or college and leave with a degree. The student's finances are a central part and CSN will help to make studies possible, but finances can also be a stress factor when credits need to be taken. Learning can be particularly neglected in the current situation where the pandemic and infection are spreading. However, in order for students to receive funding, credits must be taken, but what happens when this cannot happen?
If you get sick or need to take a bath
As a student, it is important to report your absence to CSN when you are unable to study due to illness or injury. If you do so, CSN can take this into account when reviewing your study results. In addition, weeks with study funds are not counted as used. This applies not only to covid-19, but also to other illnesses. CSN has further information about this here.
If the study results are not enough
CSN has collected information here about what applies when the study results are not sufficient. CSN writes that: "If you have not passed enough credits or courses, you need to complete the missing credits in order to receive student funding or study start support again. In some cases, we can take special reasons into account, for example if you have been ill or if your studies have been affected by the corona pandemic."
Exemption amount abolished
The government has decided that the free amount for student loans will be abolished also during the spring, until June 30, 2022. This will enable more students to work alongside their studies and, above all, to relieve the burden on healthcare. Several students have worked on giving vaccinations against covid-19, and they have also covered up for the loss of illness that exists in other sectors. It is good that the free amount has been temporarily abolished, but it is of great importance that it is not a permanent solution.
An obstacle to lifelong learning is the allowance that regulates what income a student may have outside of their studies. Basically, SFS is positive about an allowance because it guarantees that it will always be possible to finance their studies with study funds and without the need for a side income. We believe that the study funds should cover the student's costs and that working outside of studies should be an opportunity but not a compulsion to be able to pursue studies.