Since the pandemic spring of 2020, students have been able to earn as much as they want and at the same time receive study funds from the Central Study Support Board (CSN).
The reason for the exemption from the system with a free amount was that those studying for the health professions would be able to work without having to worry about being liable for repayment.
As of this semester, it's back - but the Vårdförbundet student believes that there is still a great need for student labor in health and social care.
- It will be difficult for employers to get substitutes this autumn, says Anja Basic, the organisation's chairman.
Income from summer jobs is included
The exception from the free amount has applied to all students, not just nursing students.
Sweden's united student unions do not oppose the free allowance system.
On the other hand, they criticize that income students receive in the summer is counted in the income test.
- Students usually do not get CSN in the summer, then many students have to work.
We do not think that those incomes should be included when calculating the free amount, says Jacob Färnert, vice chairman of SFS.
The minister: "Thinks it is adequate"
The limit for the free amount varies depending on how many weeks the student has study funds for.
An average full-time student can become liable for repayment if they earn over SEK 80,000 or SEK 107,500, depending on whether it is a spring or autumn semester.
Education Minister Anna Ekström (S) believes that it is enough for students to be able to work, without reforming allowances or exempting income in the summer.
- You can work almost half-time as a nurse and still receive full student funding.
I think it is adequate.
I don't want a system where you can work full-time and get a student grant, it should go to those who otherwise couldn't afford to study.