The Minister of Education and Science, Krasimir Valchev, discussed the current changes to the Higher Education Act (HEA), concerning tuition fees. He emphasized that state higher education institutions themselves determine the fees, in accordance with the HEA.
Valchev pointed out that the recent changes have avoided a sharp increase in fees, but it is not regulated by how much they can grow. Two concepts have been presented: predictability of fees for students or freedom for higher education institutions to determine them. Currently, the HEA is oriented towards the second concept, but the formulation of a methodology is being considered. He clarified that the HEA is based on the second concept and there is no such predictability. Then we undertook a commitment that in the future changes to the Higher Education Act, which the Ministry of Education and Science will propose, there will also be an option for this. In our opinion, the reasonable solution is to have a formula, because against the fees of the higher education institutions - against their revenues, there are expenses. They are almost 70 percent expenses for salaries and 30 percent expenses for maintenance.
Valchev stated that work is being done on the changes, but they are progressing slowly. He proposed additional normative changes if the main ones are delayed. He emphasized that in 10 years the state subsidy has increased two and a half times, while student fees have increased by 50%. The Minister noted that discussions have been held with the rectors of the higher education institutions on the issue of fees.