Reaction

The Czech Rectors Conference (CRC) fully respects the right of students and the public to express their views on issues concerning the future of higher education. At the same time, it values the genuine interest of students in the current and future state of tertiary education in the Czech Republic. Regarding various statements made in the public sphere about the introduction of tuition fees or enrolment fees, it is, however, necessary to state clearly that they often respond to proposals that CRC does not advocate. CRC is aware of the possible social, legislative, and economic impacts of tuition fees at public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Nevertheless, this issue has historically repeatedly re‑emerged as a consideration to address the objective underfunding of higher education through tuition fees, as indicated by international comparisons and from the OECD and EUROSTAT data.

The CRC priorities therefore in this context mentioned only and exclusively the legitimate need to factually map various models of financing of studies in comparable countries abroad, to assess their impacts, and to prepare appropriate arguments as a response to the long‑standing unsatisfactory state of funding of Czech higher education, which has a negative effect on its international competitiveness.

Such an assessment aims primarily to prepare factual arguments. This may, quite naturally, also lead to the conclusion that tuition fees are neither a suitable nor a preferred solution. At the same time, however, it is certainly not possible to exclude in advance a qualified and responsible expert debate on other partial instruments that could contribute to greater study efficiency, as well as to greater responsibility for the choice, success, and the completion of studies. Nor can one agree with the claim that education is solely a public good, since the very possibility of freely choosing one’s studies also makes it, in part, a private good. Above all, it is entirely unfounded to interpret such assessments, without justification, as advocacy for the introduction of tuition fees and thereby to deny the right to legitimate discussion. In the academic environment, open and factual debate, based on an understanding of all relevant facts, is a natural component of the responsible formation of positions and of the readiness for a variety of scenarios of resolution and models of funding proposed by the state. We can, however, unequivocally assure the public that, at present, no negotiations between CRC and the political representation on the introduction of tuition fees are being conducted, nor has CRC initiated any such negotiations. At the same time, we have no reason to believe that the introduction of tuition fees is currently the subject of any concrete intention on the part of the present government.

Regarding further demands calling on rectors to seek an increase in the state budget for HEIs towards the level commonly observed in OECD countries, it should be emphasized that CRC has long and repeatedly pursued this objective, jointly with the Council of Higher Education Institutions. At the same time, it has consistently drawn attention to the underfunding of tertiary education and to the need to secure adequate institutional funding for HEIs that is comparable to that in advanced OECD countries. Strengthening institutional funding is a fundamental prerequisite for HEIs to be able to maintain the quality of education over the long term while at the same time responding appropriately to the level of interest among applicants for higher education studies. If such strengthening does not take place, the capacity of HEIs to meet future demand for studies may be seriously weakened. CRC will continue to pursue these efforts and will also consistently explain to the public that adequate funding of higher education is a key condition for the development of the Czech Republic, its competitiveness, and its future prosperity.

Mladá Boleslav, 9 April 2026