Study? Why bother?
Fewer young Norwegians are choosing higher education, as high wages lure them to work.
 Stian Aune chose to work in a clothing store and earn some money instead of continuing to study. PHOTO: DAG W GRUNDSETH |
Statistics show a 4.5 per cent fall since 2006 in the number of students currently enrolled at colleges and universities. That amounts to a net loss of about 6,500 students in just two years.
A booming labour market in Norway is proving far more attractive to increasing numbers of young Norwegians than working on long and expensive degrees.
Stian Aune, for example, said he started studying at a local business college in Oslo but opted to work in a clothing store instead. "Education is fine, but it's just as important to get some work experience," Aune told newspaper Aftenposten.
Education officials cite various reasons for the trend. The labour market, for example, is extremely good even for work with low skill requirements.
Students also are unwilling to embark on long courses even when employment is certain upon graduation. The high cost of student loans in a country where parents aren't expected to support their student offspring will carry 6.2 percent interest rates from July.
Lower student numbers have one advantage. The government saves NOK 2.1 billion (about USD 400 million) on funding fewer student loans and grants in 2008.
Aftenposten's reporterPer Anders Johansen
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