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The level of the study grant must be increased by at least 100 euros per month
The level of the study grant is stuck in the 90s. It is impossible for students to cover their basic living costs with the study grant. Increased food and electricity prices along with the rapid increase of interest rates are further weakening the financial position of students. Students are the only group of people forced to get into debt to pay for food, electricity bills, rent and public transport tickets.
The cuts made to student aid in 2017 have led to the student loan stock doubling during the last five years. Many students also finance their studies by working, which slows down their study progress. Working and studying at the same time leaves very little time for recovery and increases the possibility of burning out. A sufficient and predictable subsistence would promote student wellbeing and maintain their study ability.
Students’ subsistence must be developed to ensure that it enables full-time studying for the entire duration of studies. Taking out a student loan and working must be voluntary choices – not a necessity to secure one’s livelihood.
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Funding for education must be secured
The keys to the solutions to modern challenges lie with research, science and education. To help universities meet the expectations, goals and obligations placed on them, their operation must be secured through sufficient funding.
The level of basic funding for universities must be raised to a Nordic level and competition for funding between universities dismantled. The funding for universities must account for the quality of degrees and teaching better than it does at present, and the funding indicator for the number of completed degrees must be removed. Increases in the number of student places at universities must be funded in full. The focus on allocating the student places must be on Uusimaa, where the current number of places does not correspond to the pressure exerted by the number of applicants.
Student wellbeing and study ability must be supported by the University. More resources should be allocated for guidance and support services for students. Guidance, support and wellbeing projects for students are made permanent and a sufficient number of personnel ensured through funding. High-quality teaching means that teachers have time for students.
Implementing these measures requires financial commitment. Investments in education and science have been much discussed, but despite this, we have only witnessed year after year of cuts. Now is the time to take action and make an investment in our common future.
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HYY’s election programme
HYY’s election programme includes more details on the goals we are advocating in these parliamentary elections.
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6.3.2023
The parliamentary elections are drawing near – what does this mean for students?
16.2.2023
Get your organisation involved in influencing matters!
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Advance voting in the parliamentary elections is 22–28 March and the election day on 2 April.
All Finnish citizens who turn 18 by the election day, 2 April 2023, are entitled to vote for the candidate and party of their choice and thus influence the direction of Finnish politics. Everyone also has the right to try to influence the candidates, highlight issues they consider important and, for instance, visibly support ideas, candidates and parties of their liking regardless of whether they have the right to vote.
Here are detailed instructions for voting in advance and on the actual election day, including instructions on what happens at the polling station.
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Find your nearest advance polling station or your own polling station for election day here.
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The student movement’s collective election campaign
Every student in higher education must be guaranteed the opportunity to study without income insecurity or scarcity. Investing in students’ success is an investment in our future.
Many students live below the poverty line, even if they are taking out full student loans or working while studying. Since 2017, student loan debt has doubled and the purchasing power of study grant has weakened by around 100 euros. The rising cost of living and brutally rising interest rates are still eating into students’ livelihoods.
This is unsustainable. Having an appropriate income is essential for future professionals to be able to cope, survive at work and have a good mental well-being. Student incomes must be strengthened. This benefits the whole country and the future.
A 100 euro increase in study grant is needed. Let’s raise students above the poverty line!
More information: https://www.instagram.com/poiskoyhyysrajalta/
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The University of Helsinki’s election campaign
At the University of Helsinki, our mission is to solve global issues and create the preconditions for a better future. To build a better world, we need education opportunities for young people, an ambitious science policy and long-term funding.
More information: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/innovations-and-cooperation/decision-makers/researchmatters