Should university education be free?

Whether higher education should be funded by the state or by students themselves is a question that divides opinion in many countries. While there are reasonable arguments for asking students to contribute, I believe that tuition should be free, at least for those who could not otherwise afford it.

Those who favour fees argue that graduates are the main beneficiaries of a degree. Since people with university qualifications typically earn more over their lifetimes, it seems fair that they, rather than taxpayers who may never have attended university, should cover the cost. In addition, paying fees may encourage students to take their studies more seriously and to choose courses with clear career prospects.

On the other hand, free education brings significant benefits to society as a whole. A country with more doctors, engineers and teachers is better able to compete economically and to provide public services. Moreover, fees can discourage talented students from poorer families, who may be unwilling to take on large debts. This means that access to university depends on wealth rather than ability, which is both unfair and wasteful.

In my view, the social advantages outweigh the argument that individuals should pay. Nevertheless, a compromise may be sensible: governments could fund tuition fully for low- and middle-income students while asking wealthier families to contribute. In conclusion, although graduates do gain personally from their degrees, making university free for those who need it is the best way to ensure that talent, not money, decides who studies.