The hardest month of the year has come to an end and we welcome February. The students have started to have the exam answers reported in Ladok and the study grant comes into the account. For many, the turn of the year has not been a time for exams, but has been marked by pandemics and quarantine. What SFS has stated is 1) if the examination takes place physically, it needs to be supplemented with more regular examination opportunities so that those who have symptoms do not feel compelled to take the exam anyway, and 2) CSN needs to consider the extraordinary situation so that the student does not get stuck.
Several students are currently worried about their financial situation. Of course, the economy is often hanging over us, but in these times it becomes even more stressful. For many, the higher education credits need to be taken not only to secure the education but also to guarantee a roof over their heads and food on the table. This is how the systems are currently set up: a requirement for paid higher education credits to live in student housing and to receive study grants.
SFS report: The limits of the study grant
The study grant system is a basic prerequisite for an open and equal university. SFS's general principle is that the study grant must fully cover students' actual expenses and enable a reasonable standard of living. The student financial aid system must also be adapted to lifelong learning and enable studies throughout life.
Last week, SFS published the report Limits of the study aid. The report describes and evaluates how the student financial aid 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, the Liberals, and Daniel Riazat, the Left Party. The former stated that a holistic approach needs to be taken to the student financial aid system, the latter highlighted other aspects during the studies that affect the student's situation.
Because it is the case that there are several parameters that affect the students' study situation and the opportunity to take on, complete and complete studies at a university or college and leave with a degree. The student's finances are a central part and CSN should contribute to enabling studies, but finances can also be a stress factor when points need to be taken. Learning can be particularly neglected in the current situation where pandemics and infection are spreading. In order for the students to receive funding, however, points must be taken, but what happens when this cannot happen?
If you become ill or need a baby
As a student, it is important to report your absence to CSN when you are unable to study due to illness or miscarriage. If this is done, CSN can take this into account when testing the study results. In addition, the weeks with study funds that are used are not counted. This applies not only to covid-19, but also other diseases. CSN has further information about this here.
If the study results are not enough
CSN has gathered information here about what applies when the study results are not enough. CSN writes that: “If you have not passed enough credits or courses, then you need to read in what is missing in order to receive study grants or study start support again. In some cases, we may take into account special reasons, such as if you have been ill or if your studies have been affected by the corona pandemic. ”
The free amount is abolished
The government has decided that the exemption amount for study grants will also be abolished during the spring, up to and including 30 June 2022. This will enable more students to work alongside their studies and, above all, to relieve care. Several students have worked to provide vaccinations against covid-19, and they have also covered for the loss of disease that exists in other sectors. It is good that the tax-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 tax-free amount that regulates what income a student may have in addition to his studies. Basically, SFS is positive about a tax-free amount because it is a guarantee that it will always be possible to finance their studies with study grants and without the need for a side income. We believe that the study grant should cover the student's costs and that work alongside studies should be an opportunity but not a compulsion to be able to conduct studies.