BM74: Resolution regarding support to continuing free higher education in Estonia
BM74: Resolution regarding support to continuing free higher education in Estonia
The European Students’ Union (ESU) and the Federation of Estonian Student Unions (EÜL) urge the Government of the Republic of Estonia to guarantee sufficient funding to public higher education, ensuring wide accessibility to high quality education.
The European University Association has categorized Estonia’s higher education system as a declining system under pressure and noted that public funding has been cut by around 20% since 2008. The continuous decline of the public funding in real terms has sparked public debate in Estonia with some stakeholders proposing a return to widespread tuition fees and a less accessible higher education system. ESU maintains that widening access to education and removing barriers such as tuition fees is the correct direction for states to move toward. ESU cannot accept a situation where higher education is only affordable to people from privileged backgrounds. Estonia’s free higher education system has been a force for good in society and a positive example for other countries to follow.
Proposed by: EÜL
Seconded by: SAMOK, SFS, UNEL, SYL, BOSS, HÖOK, UNEF, LIS, USI, LSA, FEF