State budget 2023: "Times of crisis call for more research and education"

The Government's suggestion for the state budget for 2023 is as expected, considering the economic challenges Norway and the world are facing. 

• The sector will have a real growth of 0,3 per cent.

• No increase in the number of study places.

• No real growth for the research sector.

The budget gives OsloMet an increase of 3,3 per cent from last year, but the institutions have not received compensation for increased electricity costs.

"We are waiting to see how the ministry will respond to rising energy costs. The worst-case scenario is that increased costs will compromise our educational portfolio," says rector Christen Krogh.

OsloMet is also getting 10 million NOK more in efficiency cuts than expected, in addition to 0,2 per cent lower wage and price increases than expected.

Krogh understands that the Government has to tighten the budget, but would like to see a greater investment in education, research and innovation.

"It is natural to emphasise reducing spending in challenging economic times, and we all have to contribute. Yet I am convinced that more education and research to helping solve society's challenges both now and in the long term," Krogh says.

"We need more teachers, nurses, engineers and social workers to ensure our basic services that our society depends on. And we need new knowledge to be able to meet the challenges presented by the need to digitalise and transition to a climate-friendly society," he says.

Tuition for foreign students

Krogh thinks it is unfortunate that the Government has made cuts to compensate for the introduction of tuition for foreign students.

"We do not know yet how quickly we will be asked to introduce tuition for our foreign students, but at OsloMet we are in principle opposed to charging tuition," the rector says.

"We believe it is important that education in Norway is free for everyone. I understand the people who are worried this marks the beginning of a change that will eventually lead to tuition fees being introduced for Norwegian students as well," Krogh says.

A long-term plan with more education

A revised long-term plan for research and higher education was also presented on 6 October. Krogh is positive about testing "missions" to solve social challenges.

"The significant investment in children, young people and integration proposed in the plan is very important to society, and harmonises perfectly with many of the educations and research areas at OsloMet," Krogh says.

He is glad that education has been emphasised in the long-term plan, but points out that there is an imbalance in the budget cuts, and that Research and Higher Education Minister, Ola Borten Moe, says that Norway now has to build their knowledge readiness for an unknown future.

"If education is important and is to be given a higher priority without a budget increase, I cannot understand how the end result will be anything other than less research output. We have major challenges in society that will only grow more serious if we do less research," Krogh says.