Details
- Publication date
- 31 March 2018
- Author
- European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE)
- Geographical scope
- European Union
- Finland
- Level of education focus
- Higher education
- School education
- Vocational education and training (VET)
- Thematic areas covered
- Educational attainment and participation in education
- Investment in education, economic impact of education
- Monitoring and quality assurance
Description
This report analyses the effects of recent budget cuts in Finland on access to and quality of secondary and higher education. While access has largely remained stable due to degree quotas and municipal co-financing, the quality—particularly in vocational education—may be declining due to reduced per-student funding.
The funding model is shifting toward output-based financing, rewarding degree completions rather than educational inputs or quality. There is concern that such models incentivize quantity over quality, potentially lowering academic standards.
Despite Finland’s relatively high teacher pay, learning outcomes have been declining, as evidenced by falling PISA scores and cognitive test results. Access to higher education is further constrained by stagnant intake quotas, potentially exacerbating socioeconomic inequality. Changes to student aid policies may also influence access, but the long-term effects remain unclear.
Author
Allan Seuri
Cite as
Allan Seuri (2018). 'Impact of Finnish budget cuts on access and quality of education', EENEE Ad hoc Report 1, 2018
