Students in Norway face financial difficulties as completion rates decline

Students in Norway find themselves facing significant financial challenges, with recent calculations from the Norwegian Student Organization (NSO) revealing that students are, on average, 6,634 kroner in the red each month. In response, the NSO is advocating for an increase in study grants by over 34,000 kroner annually to help alleviate this economic pressure.

For the first time in a decade, fewer students are completing a three-year bachelor’s degree within the expected timeframe. Recent data shows a decline in completion rates from 53.5% to 52.1% among students from the 2018 to 2020 cohorts at state institutions. This decreased engagement may be partly attributed to the necessity for many students to work while studying, which can hinder their academic progress.

Amidst these challenges, student Selma Müller-Hanssen is balancing her part-time job at a café in Oslo with her studies in law, expressing a general satisfaction with current student support but acknowledging variations in experience based on geographic location.

Another student, Simon Hannestad, is also preparing to juggle his work with studies and emphasizes the need to manage his workload effectively. Both students note that finding the right balance between work and school can be difficult, potentially contributing to diminishing completion rates.

Concerns are rising among education experts, such as economist Asgeir Solstad, who indicate that the financial constraints faced by students may disproportionately impact those with fewer resources, leading to increased disparities in access to higher education. The NSO’s leadership underscored the pressing need for increased financial support, emphasizing the importance of allowing students to focus more on their studies rather than financial burdens.