Estonia: University rector suggests tuition fees in higher education

Estonia needs to discuss the possible introduction of tuition fees in higher education, Toomas Asser, rector of the University of Tartu, stated, ERR reports. He said that maintaining the quality of education with state budget funds only was becoming unsustainable, noting that even affluent countries struggle to fund high-quality education exclusively with public funds. Asser suggested that co-financing could motivate students to complete their studies and stressed the need to determine the appropriate quality, volume, and proportion of highly educated individuals in society. He also mentioned the possibility of different payment structures for students in key professions, like doctors and engineers. Asser called on the new government to discuss the issue, especially in light of economic restructuring and the increased need for defence spending.