Some people therefore think that governments should pay university fees for students who study subjects that are needed by society. Those who choose to study less relevant subjects should not receive government funding. Would the advantages of such an educational policy outweigh the disadvantages?
The idea of the government covering university tuition fees for students has been a subject that has attracted much discussion. Certain individuals hold the belief that the government should cover the expenses for students who major in a field that is highly demanded by society, and those who choose less popular fields that are not relevant to societal needs should not receive government grant. As with every policy, this approach has its benefits and drawbacks, but in the end, I believe that the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages.
On one hand, it is true that providing scholarships for students who study subjects that fit with what society demands at the time is a wise idea, simply because it encourages more students to take up that particular subject, thus ensuring that there are sufficient workers in that area when they graduate. To name but one example, a country whose medical field leaves much to be desired could increase their medical workforce by offering monetary grants for academically outstanding students who major in medicine and aspire to be doctors.
On the other hand, only paying tuition fees for a select group of university students can be seen as a form of discrimination and is therefore unfair. While some people may perceive certain subjects to be more intellectually stimulating, and thus more deserving of government scholarships, than others, objectively speaking, all subjects require equal amounts of hard work, talent, and dedication. Only rewarding students who study certain subjects that are on demand while providing no support for the rest is not only unfair, it also fosters the misconception that some fields are 'superior' to others, and restrict the students' freedom of choice, as some less fortunate students may feel pressured into choosing a particular subject they do not like simply because it offers opportunities for scholarships.
In conclusion, while I concur that the government covering tuition fees for students who study in areas relevant to society's interest can be extremely beneficial if done right, ultimately, I believe the consequences of only financially supporting a limited number of students far more serious and they outweigh the short-term benefits of this policy.