Most Norwegian students need jobs to cover basic living expenses. Six out of seven students interviewed at NTNU in Trondheim work alongside their studies or receive parental support.
Psychology student Youssef Rahmati Ennaqi says loan funds do not stretch far enough. He and fellow student Josef Kayri both work extensively while studying.
Kayri explains his situation clearly. The student support covers most of his rent but not all. He works 50% alongside his studies to make ends meet.
Surveys show approximately 86% of Norwegian students work while studying. Education student Tiril Boge believes student support should cover basic shared accommodation costs.
Hedda Grolid, studying social sciences with Boge, works during holidays and alongside studies. She cannot imagine living solely on grants and loans.
Boge points out the contradiction. Universities claim studying equals a full-time job, but students must work alongside their studies.
First-year students Aksel NĂŚrvik Huseby and Jonathan Leirfall Bremset currently rely on parental support. Both acknowledge they will need jobs soon to manage financially.
Bremset tries to avoid using his savings. The financial pressure affects students across different study programs.
The Norwegian Student Organization insists this situation must change. They demand immediate action in the upcoming state budget.
In May, Parliament approved linking student support to the National Insurance Scheme basic amount during this parliamentary period. The government proposes increasing monthly support by 320 kroner next year instead.
Research and Higher Education Minister Sigrun Aasland claims students have kept pace with inflation. She cites 15,000 kroner annual increases beyond inflation over four years.
The Student Organization strongly disagrees. Leader Sigve NÌss Røtvold says prices have risen much more than student support over thirty years.
Røtvold calls the current situation a fundamental problem. Years of under-regulation have significantly reduced support value.
The organization launched a campaign demanding immediate linking to the National Insurance basic amount. They want support set at 1.5 times the basic amount.
This would provide 195,240 kroner annually by 2026 and ensure support matches income development in society. Current maximum support stands at 166,859 kroner.
Major organizations including Akademikerne have signed the campaign. Leader Lise Lyngsnes Randeberg warns of serious consequences without change.
Randeberg fears increased social inequality regarding who can afford higher education. She recalls better support conditions during her 1990s student days.
Minister Aasland calls the Student Organization's input understandable. She commits to linking support to the basic amount during the parliamentary period, not immediately.
The government will establish a public committee to examine student support comprehensively. Aasland looks forward to collaborating with student representatives.
Røtvold expects immediate action since the government agrees with their principle. The October 15th budget proposal will reveal the outcome.
The gap between official statements and student realities remains substantial. Most students continue working significant hours while pursuing full-time education.