Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen wants foreign degree students attending Finnish universities and polytechnics to start paying for tuition. Vanhanen underlines that education is big business around the world, and that fee-based tuition is something that could be implemented in Finland. "At the moment we're giving our education away to thousands for free. This of course employs teachers, which is a good thing, but we're lagging behind the times if we can't see the potential harboured by global education markets," said Vanhanen speaking at the Laurea Polytechnic in Vantaa. Vanhanen believes Finns should seek out both international dimensions and contacts in the education realm. "My vision is that one day this praised Finnish education know-how will also sell a product called "education for those with purchasing power around the world," added Vanhanen. Vanhanen underlined that Finland's country-wide network of institutions of higher learning has significantly impacted Finland's success as a nation, and has moreover spread affluence to the different corners of the country. SAMOK Slates Vanhanen's Notions
The Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, SAMOK, has criticised Vanhanen's statements on instituting fees for foreign students. The students' union says it is namely Finland's free higher education that is its best asset.
SAMOK reiterates the findings of a survey from a few years ago which found that 70 percent of Finland's foreign degree students would not have come to Finland would tuition fees have been in place. SAMOK underscores that free education, at all levels, is the cornerstone of Finland's welfare state.
