SFS, together with the Swedish University and College Association, SUHF, has submitted a joint letter to the government about the need for support for student influence. This is due to the announced cuts that are pending in the state's funding for the country's student unions and SFS.
In a letter to the government, SFS and SUHF warn of the harmful effects that will result from the government's proposed budget cuts in support for student influence. The government has previously announced cuts of SEK 20 million from 2026. In the letter, we also suggest that the government proceed with the University Chancellor's Office's proposal to implement a three- or four-fold increase in support.
Since the abolition of the student union requirement in 2010, state support for student influence has been provided to the country's universities and colleges to finance the student unions' work with student influence. The idea was that the support would ensure that student unions can participate in the universities'
quality work even though the number of members and member income decreased. When the reform was implemented, support was cut to a third of what had previously been proposed.
The letter points out that the levels of financial support were already insufficient to cover the actual costs of effective student influence, something that has also been emphasized in previous evaluations by UKÄ. SFS and SUHF now call on the government not only to cancel the planned cuts but also to increase the allocations to strengthen student influence.
Jacob Färnert, SFS chairman, on the need for funds for student influence:
"It is crucial that the government reconsiders this decision, which risks weakening student influence. Student influence is a central part of the quality work of higher education institutions and contributes to improving operations. A strong financial foundation is necessary for student unions to continue to play an active role in the development of higher education in Sweden."
Read the full letter below.