How can access to higher education be improved?

The issue of access to higher education today remains one of the most controversial issues
related to the field of higher education. The main task that can be solved is equal access to higher
education for all categories of citizens. The right to higher education is a personal right of every
person. Realization of this right should not depend on people’s place of residence and work, social
status, health restrictions, as well as on the financial capabilities of the family. This essay will
discuss a few ways that can help to improve access to higher education.

Firstly, it is believed that one of the main reasons why people cannot study at universities
and colleges is high fee. Unfortunately, there are people who cannot afford studying at universities.
The obvious, but, at the same time, impossible solution to this problem is free studying for every
person. If the higher education cannot be free, then, at least, fees can be reduced. Also, the amount
of benefits for the students can be increased: scholarships, free access to books that are needed for
studying, discounts on cinema, gym, public transport tickets, etc.

The second way to improve access to higher education is to create or develop studying
conditions for people with physical disabilities. For example, to hire a teacher with knowledge of
sign language in order to facilitate learning for students who have blindness; equip the educational
institution with ramps, a comfortable toilet room for people with special needs.

The third method is to improve the learning environment for all students. Namely, upgrade
classrooms, make them comportable in order for students to enjoy being there and studying with
pleasure. It is important to equip study halls with modern equipment: computers, tablets, good
internet connection. An essential part is providing access to all necessary studying materials,
handouts and resources. Another equally important thing is a students’ dormitory. In most cases,
students go to study in other cities, and not everyone has the opportunity to rent an apartment.
Therefore, it is necessary to provide students with comfortable living conditions at affordable
prices.

Last but not least, the final point is to create more online courses. The current situation with
Covid-19 shows that it is necessary to have a platform where students can study online. It is said
that online studies are better for some people, than offline. For example, introverts, people who
have children, people with some physical disabilities prefer studying at home to attending
traditional lectures.

To sum up, all people are equal and those who wish to receive a high-quality higher
education in the areas where they can find a job – should get it.
 Bibliography

Czarnecki, K.(2018). Dostęp do Szkolnictwa Wyższego w Ujęciu Ekonomii Dobrobytu.

Poznań: Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny, 26-42.

Prakhov, I. Bugakova,P. (2020). Regional Accessibility of Higher Education in Russia.

Moskow: Center for Institutional Studies.

Higher Education Authority, 2005. 'Progressing the Action Plan : Funding to Achieve
Equity of Access to Higher Education',

https://unicheck.com/blog/higher-education-problems