HÖOK told Népszava that the agreement is far from complete, as the questions of students contracts and funding of higher education have not been resolved.

Under Monday’s pact a higher education roundtable will be established to discuss funding, students contracts and other questions on transforming higher education.

The agreement also stipulates that state funding for higher education will increase.

Balog said Ft 23-25 billion in extra funding will be provided to universities this year.

Free education will be provided in all fields of post-secondary study, including the 16 controversial areas, such as communication and media studies, economics, law and international relations. However, Balog has set stricter requirements for entry.

Balog said after the talks that the words and opinions of students matter and it is important that students take part in the transformation of higher education.

Nagy said he had signed the partial agreement in the interest of students facing entry examinations.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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