TOKYO, June 23 (News On Japan) – The University of Tokyo is considering raising tuition fees, citing the need to address several challenges such as improving the teaching and research environment, aging facilities and rising prices and personnel costs. However, the move has sparked opposition, with critics claiming it could exclude financially disadvantaged students.
The National University Association has also highlighted the serious financial challenges facing national universities, saying: “We are at our limit.” How should society bear the costs of higher education? Experts are considering the issue.
The University of Tokyo plans to increase tuition from about 530,000 yen to 640,000 yen. Measures such as tuition fee waivers for students from low-income households are also being considered.
Commenting on the tuition increase, Kobayashi said: “As explained, operating subsidies for national universities have decreased year by year, and all national universities have already reached their limits. While we understand the desire to increase tuition, the fundamental role of national universities is to provide educational opportunities to the public, so we have weathered this situation.”
Kobayashi also emphasized the importance of using the increased tuition exclusively for student education and providing scholarships. He believes that universities should thoroughly explain the allocation of these resources to students and society.
Matsubara agreed, noting, “Given the rising costs of goods and labor, it is inevitable that universities will increase tuition fees to sustain their operations independently.” He added that other universities, such as Hiroshima University and Kumamoto University, are also considering similar tuition increases, indicating a potential widespread impact.
Kobayashi pointed out that while some national universities in urban areas have already increased tuition, others in rural areas may choose not to increase tuition to protect educational opportunities. This could lead to a difference in the approach of the different national universities.
There are concerns that raising tuition fees could deter students from pursuing higher education, especially those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. That’s why combining tuition waivers and scholarships is crucial.
Matsubara emphasized that many young people are burdened by student loans, affecting their ability to marry and have children. He believes that more government and private sector support is needed to ease these burdens.
Otsuka added that while universities play an important role in developing skilled individuals who support different regions, this contribution is not widely recognized. He emphasized the need for universities to actively communicate their social contributions.
The discussion about who should bear the costs of education remains complex. Kobayashi noted that Japan’s government spending on education is the lowest among OECD countries, a situation exacerbated by long-term financial constraints. He advocated greater public investment in education to ensure broader access and support for students.
Matsubara suggested that a combination of public and private financing is necessary to effectively support higher education. He pointed out that universities in other countries, such as the United States, often rely on significant endowments and private donations to finance their activities.
The University of Tokyo’s potential tuition increase reflects a broader issue of how to maintain the quality of education amid financial challenges. Without more public support, universities may have to rely more on tuition, which could place a greater burden on students and their families.
Source: BIZ
