University leaders demand more funding

University presidents in France are asking for an extra one billion euros in funding beginning in 2027, as outlined in a manifesto released on Tuesday. The request comes from 80 university leaders who are part of the France universités association, and they argue that public higher education institutions are struggling financially and need this money to fully cover salary-related government decisions.

Funding breakdown proposed

The proposed budget includes 500 million euros for recurring funding starting in 2027, 90 million euros for recruitment and career development, 30 million euros for a planned reform of access to health studies, and 80 million euros to create 20,000 new university places. An additional 100 million euros is suggested to establish a new agreement between the state and universities, aiming to end job freezes and improve teaching supervision.

Scholarship and resource reforms

The university leaders also propose a reform of social criteria scholarships, which they say would require an additional 340 million euros. They are urging the government to address the current situation, which they claim is putting staff, students, and especially female students at greater risk within their institutions.

Focus on youth and education systems

The presidents emphasized the need to make youth a "great national cause" and want the government to organize general assemblies focused on youth. They also commented on Parcoursup, the centralized system for higher education admissions, saying it should not be used to hide the lack of resources in universities.

Suggested funding sources

To cover the proposed budget, the university leaders suggested reforms to the research tax credit, which costs the state nearly eight billion euros annually, and ending public support for apprenticeships in for-profit private education. They argue these changes could be implemented quickly to provide the necessary funding.