Education is a widely debated topic globally, especially regarding whether or not it should be provided free of charge to university students. While education is crucial for survival in today’s rapidly advancing world, the competition to gain admission into reputable universities is intense. Although university education should not be completely free, the exorbitant fees in many countries are excessive. It is informative to compare the educational systems in America, Great Britain, and Slovakia. Numerous universities worldwide, both public and private, offer a range of fields of study. Imagining a scenario where all universities were tuition-free would lead to skyrocketing demand and fierce job competition for graduates.
The problem lies in the abundance of graduates in various fields like teaching, architecture, and law who face a shortage of job prospects. As a result, unemployment rates rise and negatively impact the economy. This scenario is widespread as even now (despite university fees), many people find it challenging to find employment relevant to their field of study.
The increasing cost of university fees can lead to another issue. There are bright young individuals from low-income families who aspire to pursue higher education. However, their families face difficulties in affording the fees and have to take out multiple loans from banks. This creates an additional challenge – how to repay the loans? On the flip side, this situation would make students appreciate their position in college more, knowing that failing would mean wasting all the effort and money invested. Now, let us compare the countries mentioned earlier.
Many English universities are considering charging students annual fees, which raises concerns about the government reclaiming funds and potentially reducing faculties. A survey in May 2011 showed that all 123 unlettered and university colleges planned to charge students. Prestigious institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford, and ELSE will have tuition fees ranging from E500 to E,OHO for the academic year 2012-2013.
In the United States, students understand that attending college is a significant financial commitment and not something they are entitled to. It can deplete their families’ savings as the average cost for a four-year education is $45,000. Nonetheless, private universities offer students the option to apply while the government offers three extra years of tuition-free education (limited to full-time studies at state universities and excluding private institutions).
The cost of tuition at private universities can vary from в?¬400 to в?¬2,000, potentially deterring some prospective students. In Slovakia, the situation is comparatively less dire since not all students are obligated to pay tuition fees. Nonetheless, those who have completed or withdrawn from university after 1 or 2 years do not qualify for further financial assistance and must bear the expenses independently. I belong to this group personally, as I spent 2 years at a different university before applying to the Faculty of Education.
During my first year, I was notified via letter that I had to pay в?¬500 for two semesters. However, this year, the cost of education has increased to в?¬600. Thankfully, my parents generously cover a significant portion of my tuition fees, enabling me to attend university with only a small financial burden on myself. It is crucial to recognize that there are less fortunate individuals who aspire to pursue their life goals, especially through education, but face financial limitations.
