The fate of free education: Has an expiration date been set for the cornerstone of our society?

This question does not bode a distant future or remain merely a theoretical "maybe". A very real reality awaits us right around the corner. If decision-makers continue down the same path, we can say goodbye to Finland as the civilized country as we know it.

Today, October 15th, is The Day for Free Education. A year ago, I was also sitting at my computer writing a blog text on this exact same topic. With almost a smile on my face, I reflected on the importance of higher education in fostering innovation and societal development, and how free education is the only means that truly safeguards accessible higher education regardless of one's background.

To many of us, it might seem completely self-evident that a higher education degree should be free, and that one should be allowed to change their mind about their studies. However, the discourse in the media, among decision-makers, and through the proposals advancing in legislative drafting demonstrates that Finnish society as a whole does not agree on safeguarding free education. Public debate is flirting with the ideas of charging for a second degree as well as charging tuition fees. The Government bill to allow degrees to be completed through open higher education has moved in June from the consultation round into preparation, where it is estimated to be ready for submission to Parliament in early November.

During the consultation round, we issued our statement on The Universities Act. Despite practically all stakeholders in the education sector opposing the proposal when it came to light in the spring 2025 mid-term budget review, the Government has decided to proceed with the matter. Summarizing from numerous flaws and deep concerns, it can simply be stated that the impact assessment of these measures is severely inadequate and undermines the foundation of equal higher education. We do not yet know how the draft has evolved in preparation, but one thing is certain: the dark cloud over free education has not gone away, but rather it continues to darken.

Enabling fee-based open education leading to a degree will not solve our societal and economic problems. Thousands of study places will not magically open up for young people. Fee-based degrees will not smooth young people’s path into higher education or increase the proportion of highly educated young adults to 60 percent by 2040, despite the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Vision for higher education and research harboring such dreams. There is much talk about lowering thresholds and supporting accessibility, but these proposals do not speak in favor of it.

Ahead of us lie university degrees with two types of students: those who have been accepted to free degree programs and those completing their degrees for a fee through the open university, possibly paying up to over 10 000 euros for their degree. It is completely absurd that to some this sounds accessible and equal.

A lot can truly happen in a year. This is why The Day for Free Education is deeply important to us students, and it is crucial that every one of us recognizes it. At least today, we get to enjoy and be happy about the opportunity that has been offered to each of us. An opportunity that does not look at a bank account balance but one we have earned through our own hard work.

Are we the last ones for whom this opportunity is truly guaranteed? Is free education facing an expiration date? We do not want this, nor will we accept it. Students next year, ten years from now, and decades into the future must also have the right to the same free education as we do. That is why we must defend free education now!