FOTO: Robin Røkke Johansen

Tuition fees leed to a higher quality of education and more highly motivated students, according to the recent EU commision report «Efficiency and equity in european education and training systems». Furthermore, if compensated for by scholarships and student loans to less privileged students, the introduction of a tuition fee system does not contribute to social inequality.

These conclusions worry both the Student Parliament and the Norwegian Students’ Union.

- Rather, tuition fees do contribute to greater class distinction, Student Parliament leader Lina Johanne Strand says.

Strand and Norwegian Student Union leader Jens A. Maseng both view the commision’s positive appraisal of tuition fees as part of an international trend. Maseng wants the Norwegian government to voice its concern pertaining to the report.

- Education for all is one of the cornerstones of any democracy. Imposing tuition fees will contribute to the reinforcement of unfortunate social inequalities, Maseng says.

Commodification of education

Maseng is further incensed by the way in which the EU equates economic capacity with quality of education and research. He also thinks that viewing education merely as a tool to help reach economic goals, and not in a broader societal perspective, is too narrow-minded.

Strand points out the growing tendency to view education as a commodity, instead of as a public service offered by society. She feels a hypothetical tuition fee will result in knowledge being reserved for those able to afford it, a development that would threaten the principles of equality Norwegian society is founded on.

- We must fight for this principle, Strand says.

Price hike in studies abroad

Another problem that might follow in the wake of the EU report, is that Norwegian students abroad may experience a price hike if tuition fees are introduced in the EU. Maseng demands that the government reimburse such fees through the Lånekassen (Norwegian govermental student loan and stipend provider), something they are alread in the process of doing, according to Christian Myrstrand, president of the Association of Norwegian Students Abroad. The Lånekassen will be able to offer additional financial support to students in Germany if they find themselves needing it in the wake of a tuition fee introduction.

- To us, it's important that the Norwegian government gives students the opportunity to continue their studies if tuition fees are introduced. Going to the EU must not become an opportunity only for students with a strong economic background, Myrstrand says.