Statement: The student financial crisis is deepening - Every fourth UAS student struggles with livelihood

According to the Finnish student health and wellbeing survey (KOTT, 2024), financial difficulties among higher education students have increased in recent years. Currently, one in four university of applied sciences students reports their financial situation as extremely tight or uncertain. The results are deeply alarming and have significantly worsened compared to the previous KOTT survey.

The financial situation of higher education students has been a major topic throughout this year. During the current government term, student finances have been significantly weakened. Cutting the general housing allowance and transitioning to the student financial aid housing supplement system has made the situation worse.

"When students' financial situation is this alarming, necessary changes must be made to easing the situation. The primary task of students is to study, not to work alongside their studies due to financial pressure. This often leads to burnout, and delays in graduation," says Henna Suhonen, chair of the board.

We met with the prime minister during their visit to the Lahti campus on October 1st, the same day the concerning findings about the wellbeing of UAS students, especially their financial situation, were released. The prime minister asked us what the most pressing concern for students is right now. The answer was unanimous: the financial situation. On behalf of our students, KOE’s representative council member and  Lahden Muotoiluinstituutin opiskelijayhdistys ry’s chair of the board Katariina Hyytiäinen, strongly conveyed this concern to the Prime Minister.

We, Student Union KOE, demand action to improve the financial situation of higher education students. The comprehensive reform of student financial aid must address the financial struggles of students and ensure the improvement of their livelihood.

The KOTT survey (The Finnish student health and wellbeing survey) is conducted every four years. You can review the results of the 2024 survey here. The results are currently available only in Finnish.

More information:

Henna Suhonen

Chairperson of the board

henna.suhonen@koe.fi

050 502 0634