There will be state-funded places available at the 16 faculties as opposed to previous plans, Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog announced following a two and a half hour consultation with representatives of the National Union of Students (HÖOK).

Minister Balog stated at the press conference on Thursday that they had complied with the students' request and the number of state-funded places at these faculties will be determined by the points threshold, which will probably be higher than average in order to ensure that only the best applicants gain entry.

The Minister pointed out that with regard to the future the Government insists that there are some faculties which do not require state-funded places, adding that faculties must also be reviewed in the medium term to determine which ones should be supported by state scholarships. On Monday, an interim agreement will be signed by the parties, which will include the launch of a roundtable on higher education, and during the week a meeting will be held with the Hungarian Rectors' Conference (MRK) on financing issues.

Minister Balog emphasised that quality and competitiveness in higher education remains a priority as these are the two points in which the interests of individuals and the state meet. He also highlighted that at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the Government had decided on the earmarking of 10 billion forints for the highest rated and research universities.

President of HÖOK Dávid Nagy stated that the acceptance of their proposal by the Government is an important milestone, adding that they will continue working on the details.

(Ministry of Human Resources)