"This will affect all regions, but a look was taken at population development and the overall availability of higher education in each area. For these reasons, reductions in eastern and northern Finland are relatively larger," explains Counsellor Maarit Palonen of the Ministry of Education.
Cultural studies hardest hit
Spots for new students are to be eliminated, especially in the fields of cultural studies, tourism, catering, technology and communications. Studies in the cultural sector will be the hardest hit.
"The total cutbacks in the cultural field are indeed so large that it's hard to just trim," says Palonen.
The Ministry of Education has not, however, proposed that any of the schools be closed.
"We have suggested to the schools that they rethink their operational structures, and in that context, it may be an alternative worth considering," is how Maarit Palonen states the Ministry's position.
Palonen stressed, that at this stage, no decisions have been finalised and that discussions with the schools will continue. The universities of applied sciences have until mid-February to come up with their own proposals for savings.