Debatt ● Jennifer J. Infanti
The Unseen Impacts of Tuition Fees and the Erosion of Diversity
The implementation of current government initiatives threatens to disrupt and, quite simply, bring an end to an invaluable ‘pipeline’ of talented and productive individuals in Norway.
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Tusen takk, Jens Bartnes, for your dedicated advocacy on behalf of students. As a staff member responsible for an international Master of Science (MSc) study program in global health at NTNU, I wholeheartedly share your concerns.
I engaged in this debate about tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students with my colleague Kam Sripada in May, when the fees were still under government discussion. Fast forward to the present and the aftermath of the hasty introduction of these substantial fees in June has significantly impacted NTNU’s global health MSc program. The first-year cohort this year, comprising six students, none of whom are fee-paying, marks a 70 % reduction in enrollment compared to previous years.
Now, the future of the program beyond the current academic year remains uncertain and tenuous, with no student intake slated for August 2024.
The government’s introduction of one hundred annual scholarships is a starting point, but its impact on increasing non-EU student enrollment will be negligible. However, the repercussions at NTNU alone are poised to be profound. The global health master’s program here has been a linchpin for recruiting talented individuals into our PhD programs and catalysing research activities. Alumni from the program, from diverse countries of origin, are currently working on PhD research projects spanning critical health sector strategies to address issues such as domestic violence in Nepal, the cost-effectiveness of digital technology in mental healthcare provision in Norway, and opportunities for mHealth solutions to enhance the detection of neonatal jaundice in low-resource contexts of Mexico, among many other topics of local and global significance.
The implementation of tuition fees, alongside parallel government initiatives enacted and under discussion, threatens to disrupt and, quite simply, bring an end to this invaluable ‘pipeline’ of talented and productive individuals in Norway.
Beyond the classroom, my concerns are about the broader implications of these changes for the vitality of our nation. Diversity is not just a buzzword; it stands as a cornerstone for fostering problem-solving, global competence, innovation, and other crucial elements contributing to the development of sustainable economies.
Given that the moral arguments for free or ‘needs-blind’ education struggle for traction in this debate, let me underscore the economic imperatives associated with facilitating and supporting non-EU/EEA students in Norway. The exclusion of these students from pursuing degrees jeopardises the attractiveness of Norwegian universities. A vibrant and diverse international student population is essential for making our institutions globally competitive and appealing to talented students, which nurtures environments of academic excellence. Moreover, a globally competitive education system contributes to shaping a diverse and skilled workforce in Norway, which is relevant for multiple sectors, including some facing critical shortages now, such as health and IT.
A vibrant and diverse international student population is essential for making our institutions globally competitive and appealing to talented students, which nurtures environments of academic excellence.
Jennifer J. Infanti
In addition, as international students pursue education, they engage in part-time employment, contributing to Norway’s tax revenue and the local economy. Their presence stimulates various sectors, including accommodation, transportation, and retail. Furthermore, they play a notable role in the global economy, with many contributing not only through their studies but also by sending remittances to their families back home. These financial contributions are crucial for the economic development of many low- and middle-income countries, in some countries surpassing foreign development aid in overall contributions to GDP. Indirectly, this positively impacts education attainment, healthcare access, and other health outcomes.
In today’s interconnected world, these positive effects resonate globally. The absence of peace and prosperity in any part of the world perpetuates conditions that can lead to conflict, instability, and unrest.
In the spirit of Jens Bartnes and the Norsk studentorganisasjon’s impactful conclusion – «Stipender er bra, men gratisprinsippet er bedre…Heldigvis er det aldri for seint å snu.» (“Scholarships are good, but the principle of free education is better... Fortunately, it is never too late to turn back.”) – I urge my academic colleagues at NTNU and throughout Norway to amplify student voices.
We must fortify our commitments to fostering an education system in Norway that promotes diversity, accessibility, inclusivity, excellence, and global collaboration for a more equitable and prosperous future.
