All of Finland’s universities are in favour of shortening the times that students spend at their studies, and promoting better planning of studies.
However, there is some disagreement over plans to mandate a seven-year limit to the right to study.
Most universities consider the proposal to be too radical, preferring to rely on guidance counselling to encourage the expeditious completion of studies in other ways. Others reject the method as too soft, calling instead for mandatory fees as an incentive.
The proposal would allow for granting extensions to a student who presents an acceptable study plan.
Many fear that a time limit would make part-time study too difficult. The increase in bureaucracy necessary for granting permission for extensions is also a concern for some.
"Now we have to go through the statements of the universities. Discussion on the matter begins next week in the ministerial working group for educational policy", said Minister of Education Tuula Haatainen (SDP) on Thursday. She hopes to bring the proposal for amending the law on universities before Parliament in November.
At the same time, a proposal for reform in financial support for students is moving ahead. The bill would make student loans tax-deductible for students who graduate in time.
