Statement Regarding Tuition Fees












            ******************************************************************************************

            * Charles University's Statement Regarding Tuition Fees
            ******************************************************************************************
            Charles University in Prague

            Ovocný trh 5, Praha 1, 116 36

            http://www.cuni.cz [ URL "http://www.cuni.cz"]

            June 15, 2010
            Charles University considers the introduction of tuition fees and the topic of tuition fee
            predominantly political question and a political decision.

            It is not yet apparent, whether the political negotiations will lead to the direct or post
            tuition fees. In any case, we stress the necessity of taking steps to prevent tuition fees

            a social filter. It is not possible for talented and promising applicants to be excluded f
            education, because they cannot afford to pay the tuition fees. Therefore, we believe other
            financial aid for students should be introduced besides the existing scholarships granted 

            of higher education.
            As for the postponed payment of tuition fees, we once more express our doubt over the high
            management of the whole system and the difficulty of the enforcement of tuition fee paymen

            We consider the sum of 20,000 CZK per academic year, which is expected to be the maximum a
            tuition fee too high in the current economic situation.
            As for the principle according to which institutions of higher education would be allowed 

            tuition fees themselves in the range designated by the law, we consider it purposeful a wh
            with it. However, it is impossible to estimate the actual amounts yet. We welcome the opti
            different tuition fees for different programmes.

            We also agree that the state should be able to designate subjects in which no tuition fees
            and the state will cover the cost of the tuition fees, thus preferring necessary programme
            low average wages (such as teaching).

            As of now, no specific information about the higher education policy, let alone amendments
            laws are available. Not knowing the specific legislative changes that are to be proposed, 
            to specify how much the introduction of tuition fees would boost Charles University's fund

            these funds could be used for.
            It is absolutely essential that in case the tuition fees are introduced, there will be no 
            funding of higher education (or, that the tuition fees will be provide additional funding)

            out that the existing public funding of higher education in the Czech Republic is one of t
            Europe.
            Contact:

            Václav Hájek
            Spokesman for Charles University
            Department of external relations

            Charles University
            Phone:   +420 224 491 248
            e-mail:   pr(zavinac)cuni.cz [ MAIL "pr(zavinac)cuni.cz "]

            Translation: Jaroslav Švelch