With the expansion of higher education systems, governments face mounting costs and reduced financial capacity to sustain this growth. Consequently, many countries are embracing the concept of cost-sharing in higher education.
Nevertheless, higher tuition fees challenge equity and inclusion, potentially restricting the participation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
UNESCO recognizes higher education as a public good and an integral part of an individual’s right to education. To ease the financial strain on students, increased government investment should be complemented by the establishment of comprehensive student financial support systems, including various allowances for living and tuition expenses and potential student loan schemes.
In addition to financial support, higher education institutions need robust student affairs management systems to provide a wide range of assistance to students facing diverse challenges, including academic, social, physical, mental and logistical support.
It is vital to integrate academic support and mental health services to foster the comprehensive development of university students, particularly those encountering challenging circumstances. Higher education institutions must establish inclusive campuses, classrooms and laboratories to address all students’ academic needs and their mental well-being.
Faculty members should be prepared to embrace inclusive pedagogies to accommodate the diverse needs of students in their classes. Actions such as reducing class sizes, providing personalized tutoring and promoting interactions between teachers and students as well as among students, especially with the support of technology, can promote equity and inclusion in the learning and teaching processes, ensuring that no student is left behind.
Student support services aim to assist students in overcoming financial, academic, social and mental challenges, fostering a positive campus environment that enables them to reach their full potential. Achieving this goal necessitates the professional growth of student affairs management staff and equipping faculty members with the necessary skills to address both academic and non-academic aspects proficiently.
