The Finnish government has proposed significant changes to the tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students, aiming to implement full tuition charges for these students. The proposal suggests amending the Universities Act and the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, ensuring that students from outside the EU/EEA pay the actual cost of their education when enrolling in programs taught in languages other than Finnish or Swedish.
This move is part of a broader strategy to improve the financial stability of higher education institutions and to incentivize international students to stay in Finland after completing their studies. According to Finland’s Minister of Science and Culture, Sari Multala, the goal is to encourage these students to contribute to the Finnish economy by remaining in the country post-graduation.
Additionally, the government has proposed introducing an application fee for non-EU/EEA students. This fee is intended to filter out low-quality applications, which have been causing administrative challenges for universities. By implementing this fee, Finland aims to reduce the burden on its higher education institutions, ensuring that only serious and qualified applicants pursue education in the country.
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Further changes include requiring students who have entered Finland on a study permit to continue paying tuition fees even if they switch to a work permit. This ensures that the financial contributions to the education system remain consistent, regardless of changes in the student's residency status.
The proposal also touches on commissioned education, requiring all higher education institutions to clearly outline the rights and obligations of participants in any contracts or agreements related to such education. This is aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness in the provision of commissioned education services.
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While these new regulations primarily target non-EU/EEA students, the Finnish government has made it clear that certain exemptions will apply. For instance, individuals who hold temporary protection in Finland will not be subject to these full tuition fees.