SAMOK believes that developing the social security and student financial aid systems is essential if the national level of expertise is to be raised.

SAMOK proposes that the government’s spring goverment’s budget framework session results in decisions that improve the usability of student financial aid. The current system fails to support students during changing life circumstances: for instance, the tightened regulation on the number of aid months and the transfer of students back to the student housing supplement make it harder to complete degrees. More students now require aid months for summer studies due to the difficult employment situation. Delays in studies can also lead to unreasonable penalties: insufficient progress can result in the termination of aid, which remains in effect until the student has completed 20 credits.

“Following the changes made to social security, it is essential to improve students’ access to and use of student financial aid. Studying must be an option that is always financially viable to choose,” reminds Board Member Suvi Savola.

Losing student aid can prevent studying entirely. For example, university students applying for or receiving unemployment benefits have been advised to discontinue their studies under the threat of losing the benefit, and the basic component of social assistance has been reduced due to prolonged studies.

SAMOK has proposed restoring the total number of student aid months to 64, easing the criteria for discretionary aid months, and making it easier to return to the aid system. This could be achieved by allowing students to demonstrate full-time study through other means, such as a written report or by completing 5 credits.

Increasing the viability of studying is also about improving student loan security. In 2024, the median loan for graduates from universities of applied sciences rose to €18,687, and an increasing number of people are worried about their ability to repay. Student loan security must therefore be strengthened by reducing the emphasis on loans and by increasing the income limits for interest assistance and the number of payment installments. The conditions for the student loan compensation should also be eased so that illness alone is a valid ground for extending the study period entitling a student to the compensation.

“We want a clear message to be sent to future and current students that the government believes in them. The best way to strengthen faith in the future is through decisions that reinforce the trust that even those who stumble will be helped,” says Board Member Suvi Savola.

For more information:
Suvi Savola, Member of the Board, SAMOK
+358 50 360 9376
[email protected]