SAMOK demands immediate investments in students’ financial support to strengthen their economic situation. The results of the Eurostudent 9 student survey, published yesterday, show that the financial situation of students has deteriorated even further: according to the survey, every second higher education student has experienced at least some financial difficulties.
“It is particularly worrying that financial difficulties have become more common across all student groups between 2022 and 2025. This trend has continued for far too long, and it must come to an end,” comments Executive Board Member Suvi Savola.
The study also investigated how financial difficulties affect students’ daily lives. Among universities of applied sciences (UAS) students, 24 percent felt that financial problems had affected the progress of their studies. More than 80 percent of respondents who experienced financial challenges fully or somewhat agreed that their mental health had suffered due to these difficulties. Many students struggling with financial hardships also felt they lacked the resources to take care of their health, for example, by eating a balanced diet. SAMOK is concerned about how the capacity to study will be secured in the future.
“Students should not be required to choose between completing their degree and maintaining their health. Well-being is not a privilege, but a fundamental right. Students must be guaranteed an income level that allows everyone to take care of their own health and well-being,” Savola states.
The recent survey results also show that the tightened financial position of students has affected how they use their time. Working students now spent more hours of their week on work than on their studies. Of the UAS students who responded, 35 percent felt that working had slowed down the progress of their studies.
“The results show that solutions must be provided immediately. If financial challenges undermine the capacity to study, it will continue to impact the lives of current students even after graduation. Every policymaker should now ask themselves what kind of future they want to build for Finland and for future professionals,” Savola demands.
The data collection for the Eurostudent 9 student survey was carried out in spring 2025. More information about the study and its results can be found here.
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Suvi Savola
Board member