You should spend about 40 minutes on this task,

Some people believe that everyone has a right to have access to university education and that governments should make it free for all students no matter what financial background they have.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

It has been a debate for quite a long time whether governments should provide university education free, irrespective of their financial background. However, I hardly feel that this should happen except in some exceptional cases.

The first reason why I disagree is because of the huge economic liability a government would have. To be precise, most university courses are expensive and of longer duration. Most governments are  seen funding the universities in one or the other way. When this is made free, naturally the number of enrolments goes high, and the universities would have to increase the number of seats for students. This would increase the expense further.

Another reason behind my disagreement is because of the fact that only the financially backward students require free university education. To be clearer, it is the responsibility of any government to support those who really want to pursue tertiary education from the less-privileged sectors.  When this privilege is offered to other groups who are economically stable or independent, the value of education would fade off, and the tax-payers’ money would be wasted.

I admit the fact that when university education is made free, those candidates can serve the government in return after the completion of their studies. However, there are more instances when students from sound economic background migrate to countries where they can get better facilities, once they complete their studies. Therefore, the available option is that the privilege of scholarships and stipends those who excel in their studies.

To conclude, despite in some cases when governments should inspire university students who excel in their academics with financial incentives, I do not feel that free education is to be offered to all other than financially backward students.

Word count: 286