Uppsala University reports lacking over one billion kronor to maintain desired education quality, due to lower per-student funding and higher rents. Rector Anders Hagfeldt warns that current measures are negatively impacting quality. Student Emil Björnström describes reduced lab hours and closed facilities at the Ångström laboratory.
Uppsala University reports an economic shortfall of over one billion kronor compared to 1994 levels, according to its own calculations. Key factors include lower per-student funding – down by about one third over 30 years per a 2024 SULF report – and rising rents from Akademiska Hus and other owners adapting to market rates and seeking returns.
Rector Anders Hagfeldt expresses deep concern: “Allt vi gör just nu påverkar kvaliteten och det oroar mig djupt” ("Everything we do now affects quality and it worries me deeply"). He adds: “We have reached a limit where we cannot lower quality further.” The university is reviewing teacher-led time, labs, and course structures, considering larger lectures and merged courses.
Cuts are already evident at the Ångström laboratory, where master's student Emil Björnström in biophysics reports fewer or no lab hours, closed rooms, and limited library hours. “Sakta men säkert har möjligheter som fanns i början försvunnit” ("Slowly but surely, opportunities available at the start have disappeared"), he says, noting professors and PhD students replaced by amanuenser, reducing continuity and quality.
Courses have been merged, and the campus feels less open, especially evenings. Björnström highlights social impacts: less teacher-led time leads to isolation at home. SVT Nyheter sought comment from Higher Education Minister Lotta Edholm (L), without response.
