Eyewitness: higher education in Eastern Europe

Country

Tuition fees for degree programmes

Population & student numbers Universities

Change in enrolment in tertiary education 1995*-99

Czech Republic

No fees courses at state and public institutions at all levels are free within standard duration plus one year, after which fees are payable. Overseas students pay for courses taught in foreign languages.

Population 10 million. State universities 55,000 places a year 25 public universities;
24 private non-university higher education institutions 137 Hungary Tuition fees, introduced in 1996, were abolished again in 1998. Where fees are payable, they are set by higher education institutions €400-€2400(£250-£1,490) per semester. Foreign students generally pay fees.

Population: 10 million

University students: 70,000

 

17 state universities, five denominational universities, and a further 13 state, 21 denominational and six private higher education institutions. Almost 12 per cent of students in private higher education. 164 Poland Regular studies free but fees for evening and extramural classes and exam results. Fees average 3000-4600 zlotys (£500-800) a year

Population: 38 million

113 state universities, 174 private   university-status institutions 184 Slovakia No tuition fees for full-time Slovak students (administrative fees payable for certain services and part-time programmes, life-long learning etc.). Foreign students may pay fees. Population: 5.4 million. Student numbers N/A State universities: 23 N/A Sources: OECD, HRK 1995-99