Record numbers of applicants from foreign countries

[rinso]

but alas once they reach finland, cultural shock, harsh weather, lack of jobs for students or anyone for that matter keep them out of their course (they cannot fully concentrate on their studies) and end up as depressed bunch of third-world countrymen communiting among themselves, struggling and saving money.

Which means the strict demands for a residence permit (and our warnings) are justified.

[Hank W.]

Most of them attempt to enter Europe as students for better living while some genuine students for further education

You apply for "free education", you get "free education". Nobody is offering a "better living in Europe".

[everestbear]

Most of them attempt to enter Europe as students for better living while some genuine students for further education

You apply for "free education", you get "free education". Nobody is offering a "better living in Europe".

economic immigrants. I stand corrected

[Hank W.]

economic immigrants. I stand corrected

So then if you think of it, is it not really unfair towards those people really trying to pursue an education that these others are called "students". Now to start with it isn't that easy to get to study here, especially when these - other people - cut in, take their place in the queue, and by doing so with fake papers and such tarnish the reputation of their countrymen towards their own personal gain, not to mention how the school looks at the study motivations etc. And yes, while the education in Finland is "free", it is still paid by "someone"... and those "someones" don't really appreciate all the whining on top. Of course, if the "free education" wasn't the reason other than get into the country then its only the whining on top, and if thats then really done by the "students" or "people calling themselves students to get in the country" - the people really trying to pursue an education will start to find their voice not being heard.

[Cloudberry]

I think the system needs to be changed so that free education is only available to those who are already residents or citizens of Finland.

Study is being used as a back door entry to many countries these days and it is affecting the education and training sector badly. Well, in those countries that have increased their fees to cash in on it it has been a good thing for them but not so for the legitimate students who simply want to become educated and pursue a productive career.

Sadly, the only way to address the issue is to stop free education for non residents or citizens.

[sammy]

I think the system needs to be changed so that free education is only available to those who are already residents or citizens of Finland.

Study is being used as a back door entry to many countries these days and it is affecting the education and training sector badly. Well, in those countries that have increased their fees to cash in on it it has been a good thing for them but not so for the legitimate students who simply want to become educated and pursue a productive career.

Sadly, the only way to address the issue is to stop free education for non residents or citizens.

One small point: the thing is, EU nationals can not be treated "differently" from domestic students. In other words, it's not possible to impose fees on EU nationals without doing the same for Finns. In that respect, residency/citizenship can not be used as a decisive factor. To introduce fees for non-EU students would be a different matter. In the Nordic countries... IIRC only Denmark has done so.

Anyway this fee issue has been discussed here before... but I completely agree that those "students" who merely exploit the system make the situation worse for those who are genuinely interested in coming here and studying for a degree, perhaps also staying.

[catchmeifucan]

I guess if its "free" there must be something wrong with it - if you pay very much money it must be excellent. So when they implement non-EU students tuition fees and double them for Indians they'll get 100 000 applications

You really gave a good idea to earn some money to the education system in Finland. But, your idea would scare the hell out of the natives who practically faint at the slightest change in skin color. I guess rather Germans or Brits would be more prospective customers (oh...students). But, they already have a very good education system in place.

[Mihaela]

Me, from the poorest EU country , I can hardly understand people who go somewhere to study and then only change schools to live longer in that country and trying to find a job to get a residence permit. Many of my classmates tried to do this in France when we were not yet in EU...
And I want to study in Finland because of the good reputation and at last to learn something! Not like in my university , the best, and so on in Bulgaria where there are not enough books in the library for 20 people in that specialty...

[ravs]

there are foreign students who couldn't understand and speak english well. I wonder how they even get through with entrance exam and visa interview!

[everestbear]

Hey Hank, if you are a genuine and able goer to a nightclub, does that fat and tall monster at the club gate stop you? No. Firstly, you have all it takes to get in, secondly you are not bothered by how ugly and frightening that monster is! i hope you get my point as well as the authorities concerned!!!