METKA gave an opinion on the fees charged for the activities of universities of applied sciences and universities. The request for an opinion concerned an increase in the maximum fee for open higher education at universities and universities of applied sciences from the current €15 to €45 per study credit.
METKA does not support increasing the maximum fee for open higher education. Open universities of applied sciences should not be a bypass for those in a better financial situation. An increase in the maximum fee would mean an increase in fees from €900 to €2,700 for a year of studies (60 credits), therefore making open UAS inaccessible to people from all socio-economic backgrounds. Although the previous increase was made nine years ago and small increases are justified when prices are rising in general, a sudden tripling of the price is too much. In 2015, the fees were increased from €10 to €15. A moderate increase to e.g. €20 would be justified. The tripling of fees will further increase the financial dependence on the spouses or parents of open UAS students.
Universities of applied sciences will be able to decide on lower prices or completely free offering also in the future. However, as limited companies who are facing cuts in state funding for education, universities are under greater pressure to raise funds, so an increase in fees is also very likely at Metropolia.
Universities currently receive state subsidies to finance open studies. At the same time, higher education is facing significant cuts in the coming years. This will shift more and more open fees from the state and the university to the student and move closer to tuition fees.
You can read the whole opinion in Finnish from Lausuntopalvelu.
This post is also available in Suomi.