Education is undoubtedly a fundamental human right, but I disagree with the idea that it should be completely free for everyone. While free education seems ideal in theory, it is neither practical nor beneficial for society in the long run. Governments must consider the costs, the impact on educational quality, and the responsibility individuals should have in funding their own future.
First, providing free education for everyone would place an immense financial burden on governments. Schools, universities, and training institutions require funding to pay for teachers, infrastructure, research, and materials. If education were entirely free, the money would have to come from taxpayers, which could lead to increased taxes and economic strain. In many countries, public services such as healthcare, transportation, and security also require funding. Prioritising free education might result in reduced funding for these equally important sectors.
Second, free education could negatively impact the quality of learning. When people receive something for free, they may not value it as much as when they pay for it. Students might take their education for granted, leading to lower motivation and effort. Additionally, universities and schools might suffer from overcrowding and insufficient resources. Without tuition fees, institutions could struggle to maintain high standards, attract talented professors, or invest in research and innovation. Many prestigious universities rely on tuition fees to sustain their academic excellence, and removing this source of income could lead to a decline in the quality of education.
Furthermore, making education completely free removes the element of personal responsibility. While basic education (such as primary and secondary school) should be accessible to all, higher education is an investment in one’s future. Students who contribute to their education, either through tuition fees or scholarships, tend to be more committed to their studies. If education were entirely free, there might be an increase in students enrolling in university without a clear career goal, leading to wasted resources.
Instead of making education completely free, a better approach would be to offer financial aid and scholarships to those who truly need it. This ensures that talented and hard-working students from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to education while maintaining a system where individuals contribute to their learning.
In conclusion, while education is a right, making it entirely free is neither practical nor beneficial for society. A balanced approach—where governments support students in need but still expect some financial contribution—would ensure both accessibility and quality in education.