National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences – SAMOK is disappointed with the government’s decision to once again target savings in higher education. In its supplementary budget proposal, the government suggests a total savings of 2.9 million euros in the funding for universities of applied sciences and universities. These savings would partly replace the 7.8 million euros that were previously planned for business support for the film production sector.

“Basic funding for higher education has already been subject to significant cuts this year. Haven’t we learned anything from previous education cuts? Cuts to education are direct cuts to the quality of education and student guidance. When the goal is to raise the level of Finnish skills, this is a completely wrong approach,” says SAMOK’s Chairperson Julia Väänänen.

From the previously decided savings for the Ministry of Education and Culture’s administrative sector, 16.9 million euros will be directed to the funding of universities of applied sciences in 2026. In addition, the government decided during its mid-term review to reduce funding for higher education by 30 million euros.

The reduction in basic funding for universities of applied sciences has a direct impact on education and the resources available for teaching. As resources decrease, the amount of teaching will be reduced and implementations made lighter, which directly affects students’ competencies. The selection of available courses and methods of implementation has already narrowed, making graduates’ skills more one-sided.

“Students have the right to high-quality education that truly provides a solid foundation for working life. It is sad that the value of human capital is not reflected in the government’s policies. Education provides long-term benefits to the state and society, but in this economic panic, there seems to be no understanding of this,” says SAMOK board member Elina Liekkinen, responsible for education policy.

SAMOK thanks the government for its proposals to fund study vouchers for young people who have been left without a place to study, with 18.6 million euros, and for increasing the number of study places by 11 million euros for 2026, although it should be noted that this does not compensate for the cuts in basic funding. In the study voucher experiment, as part of raising the education level, it is important to specifically consider young people from vocational education who wish to continue to higher education, as this group is significant in helping Finland reach its target of a 50% education level. SAMOK strongly opposes the government’s proposal to raise the education level by enabling paid degree programs at open universities, seeing it as a threat to the principle of free higher education in Finland.

For more information:

Julia Väänänen, SAMOK Chairperson
Tel. 050 389 1000
[email protected]

Elina Liekkinen, SAMOK Board Member
Tel. 050 360 9376
[email protected]