The Student Union of the University of Lapland (LYY) is disappointed with the decisions made at Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government’s mid-term budget session, which will impose massive cuts of €117.7 million to the core funding of higher education institutions. At the same time, the government has outlined granting degree-awarding rights to open universities, which in practice creates a paid pathway to degrees in Finland. Through these actions, the government is undermining the foundation of educational equality in Finland. 

The government has branded its mid-term session decisions as a “growth session,” but from the perspective of higher education, it is rather a dismantling of the foundation for future wellbeing. One-time investments in increasing student intake are superficial corrections that do not compensate for the permanent cuts to universities’ core funding. Education requires stable and predictable funding — not short-term fixes. 

“The government talks about raising the level of competence but acts to the contrary. Without sufficient and long-term core funding, the quality of education will deteriorate, the level of competence will fall, and Finland’s future success will be at risk,” says Mariel Tähtivaara, Chair of the LYY Executive Board. 

By granting degree-awarding rights to open universities, the government is opening a paid backdoor to degree education. In the future, the wealthiest will be able to purchase a degree without going through the traditional student selection process. This development stands in stark contrast to Finland’s long-standing goal of ensuring free and equal education for all. 

“Education is the key to Finland’s success. Instead of gradually making education subject to fees and cutting funding, Finland must invest in higher education with determination and for the long term,” demands LYY. 

LYY calls on the government to take concrete actions to safeguard education — not to implement cuts that jeopardize Finland’s future. 

LYY demands concrete actions from the government to safeguard education — not cuts that threaten Finland’s future. 

For further information: 

Mariel Tähtivaara 
Chair of the Executive Board 
puheenjohtaja@lyy.fi 
+358 45 1379026