Changing the system of student support in Norway: Were policy goals met?

Abstract

The paper presents a first assessment of the effects of changes in the Norwegian student support system, implemented in 2002–2003. Data have been drawn from NSELF, the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund and from Statistics Norway (various years). Covering the period 2001–04, the data compare the number and composition of those receiving student support before and after the changes, as well as the level of government resources allocated to student support throughout the period. The findings reveal a considerable increase in the resources spent on student support and an increase in the number of student support recipients. The relative increase has been particularly strong among part‐time and mature‐age students. Both intended and unintended consequences of the changes in the student support system are discussed, in relation to current educational policy goals.