The Government will work towards an agreement with students on higher education and will make the best use of tight resources both to run the system and to develop it, the Minister of State for Education Rózsa Hoffmann said in an interview for commercial broadcaster Inforádió on Monday evening.

The Minister of State pointed out that they are currently working on a proposal that will settle financing for higher education in the long term. In 2013, the Government plans to allocate HUF 70 billion (EUR 240 million) in EU funds and an additional HUF 10 billion from the central budget to the area, she stated, adding that it is the Government's firm intention to reach an agreement with students.

Concerning the handing over of educational institutions to the Klebelsberg Institution Maintenance Centre as of 1 January, Rózsa Hoffmann said the transaction is going ahead smoothly. She added that she is in daily contact with the institution and will actively participate in the restructuring process.

In response to the question of whether sixteen university courses will not be state-supported, she said negotiations are underway and a position is being developed that is acceptable for both parties.

However, teacher training will continue to be state-funded, Rózsa Hoffmann said, highlighting that according to the Government’s decision those participating in teacher training may also receive a special scholarship. She emphasized that the system must also attract those who had previously left the profession.

She added that legislation on the career model scheme for teachers has been implemented, which also includes wage increases. 

With regard to the strategy for foreign language education, which was submitted for consultation at the end of last year, she said it is a white paper that does not include deadlines and commitments, only guidelines. The main objective of the strategy is to radically increase the number of people who speak foreign languages, she stressed.

(Ministry of Human Resources)