The government's cuts have hit student unions hard - new report from SFS shows
On January 1, 2026, the government reduced the state grant to student unions by a third. The reduction has already had major consequences, according to a new report by the Swedish National Union of Students (SFS). All student unions in the survey are negatively affected.
Many student unions describe that they have been forced to prioritize financial survival over student influence. Staffing cuts, higher workloads and increased stress have become common consequences. Half of the student unions state that the cuts have led to a deterioration in educational coverage.
– Student unions are required by law to conduct education monitoring. Our investigation shows that the government does not provide student unions with sufficient funds to fulfill this mission. This is very serious. Without active student influence, both the quality of education and Sweden's competitiveness deteriorate, says SFS chairman Rasmus Lindstedt.
Other negative effects that emerge are that student unions have had to cut back on their student welfare work and support for students. Many describe challenges in recruiting new committed students.
SFS finds it deeply concerning that the reduction in government funding has had such major negative consequences in such a short time. This shows that the student unions were already seriously underfunded before the reduction.
– It is outrageous to see how the reduction affects the students who are currently fighting for better education and study conditions. Student influence must be sustainable over time and the government's reduction creates increased stress and pressure among young people – whose commitment instead needs to be protected and strengthened, says Rasmus Lindstedt.
To stop this negative development, SFS has developed two proposals. We urge the government to:
- Index the state grant to student unions so that it is not eroded over time
- Increase government funding for student unions
Read more about the results and the situation of student unions in our newly released report.