Funding of Higher Education in Estonia

Transcription

1 Latvian Ministry of Education and Science, November 13, 2007 Funding of Higher Education in Estonia Heli Aru Senior Policy Adviser Estonian Ministry of Education and Research

2 Main Documents shaping the Higher Education (HE) Policy in Estonia Higher Education Strategy approved by the Parliament (2006); Higher Education Internationalization Strategy for 2015 (2007); OECD recommendations OECD recommendations - given within the OECD project Thematic Review of Tertiary Education (2007).

3 The Basic Data on Funding The total funding for higher education (public combined with private resources) was 1.37% of GDP in The private sector counts for about 1/3 of overall educational expenditure in tertiary education. Public expenditure on tertiary education was 0.9% GDP, OECD countries mean 1.1% (2002); Total expenditure per student (public + private sector) in 2004 was Estonian kroons, which counts for 28% of GDP per capita. OECD countries mean 42.6% (2002); State subsidised study places in first cycle are guaranteed to 50% of gymnasium graduates and 10% VET school graduates. This is appr 6300 places.

4 Two funding schemes Until 2001 funding was based on students intake per curricula, decided by MoER; Since 2002/03 MoER commissions from institutions graduates per study field decision regarding the allocation of places per curricula is done on institutional level. There is a Special Advisory Committee Special Advisory Committee where decisions regarding no of graduates per study field are taken. - The Committee is composed of the representatives of social partners and different ministries and chaired by the Minister of Education and Research.

5 Major Characteristics that contribute to the HE Policy Large autonomy of public universities freely use their budgets with a view to fulfilling their statutory objectives, employ staff and release them from work, determine the wage level of employees, decide upon the total number of students admitted, specify the rate of tuition fees for fee-based study places, possess assets and buildings, contract a loan. The Quality Assurance Agreement establishes requirements for curricula, academic posts and academic degrees. It is voluntary initiative of 8 universities; includes an obligation to assess every year the performance of the agreement in the previous academic year.

6 Change in the total number of students in tertiary education from the academic year 1993/94 to 2005/06, the number of students and the percentage change from the previous academic year 2005/ (0,8%) 2004/ (3,2%) 2003/ (3,2%) 2002/ (5,3%) 2001/ (7,0%) 2000/ (13,8%) 1999/ (22,0%) 1998/ (17,6%) 1997/ (14,9%) 1996/ (10,4%) 1995/ (6,9%) 1994/ (1,7%) 1993/

7 State Commission is concentrated to the Priority Fields Since 2002/03 fields like science and engineering and health are treated in funging decisions as priorities. The number of graduates in science and engineering has increased steadily 2005/06 Estonia has reached the level of 11.2 graduates (ISCED 5-6) in mathematics, science and technology per 1000 of population aged The increase is from the level of 5.7 (1999/00). State commission to areas like social science and humanities is limited. In those fields fee-based students are strong majority.

8 Funding of Institutions

9 State Commission (1) Finance from the public budget is provided primarily in the form of a block grant that covers the state-commission for graduates (since 2002/03). Both public and private institutions are eligible to receive funding through the state commission. Separate funding is for capital investment and for other expenditure which is of a limited nature.

10 State Commission (2) Funding is allocated to institutions based on the number of graduates on Professional higher education; Master, and PhD level. Institutions are expected to provide 1.5 places in Bachelor programmes for each place in a Master programme (stipulated in the Law). Final funding per institution is determined by the multiplication of a base funding rate per study place by the funding factor applying to the category of student. There is no system for the automatic adjustment of grants to reflect changes in the prices faced by higher education institutions.

11 Fee-based enrollment Excess demand has been absorbed by allowing institutions to enrol students outside the Commission on a fee-paying basis; Cost sharing principle between the public budget and students 2005/06 academic year 46% of students studied on state subsidized study places, the majority of students paid tuition fees. Institutions have the authority to decide the size of the intake. Public institutions may charge tuition fees to students who do not gain access to state-commissioned places; Institutions are free to set the level of fees. One of the few restrictions that applies is the limit to increase fees by more than 10% between academic years.

12 Students Finance

13 Grants System The basic allowance for covering expenses related to the acquisition of education; The supplementary allowance is a targeted allowance to help a student with expenses related to housing and transport. Allowances are distributed by institutions. With the exception of a small proportion (5%) intended to be distributed on the basis of financial need, they are allocated on the basis of academic performance. All students (including feepaying students) are eligible for state allowances. The budget available for student allowances is tight. In 2006, some 15% of students received the basic allowance and some 17% received the supplementary allowance. Percentage share of student grants in total public expenditure on teritary education (ISCED 5-6) - 6.4% (2007), 7.8% (expected in 2008 budget). EU-27 average 10.6% (2003).

14 Students Loan System (1) Student loans are provided by private financial institutions. Loans are available for all students who are studying full-time or who are working as teachers and undertaking a teacher training programme on a part-time basis. Students can access a loan for a period equivalent to the nominal study time for a course and can borrow up to a maximum amount in a year (the upper limit is EEK in 2006/07). Repayment commences 12 months after a student has completed (or otherwise terminated) his or her studies.

15 Students Loan System (2) The government guarantees a minimum interest rate to the lending institutions and also guarantees lending institutions against default by the student. To gain a loan a student must provide security in the form of two guarantors, a mortgage on property or a call on other assets. The interest rate applying on loans is a commercial rate determined by legislation but cannot fall below 5%. However, the rate of interest paid by students is set at 5%. If the interest rate is in excess of this percentage, the government pays the difference. Repayments are suspended in certain circumstances e.g. for a parent with children under three years of age and during compulsory military service.

16 OECD recommendations Reform student support on Students Finance consider introduction of an income-contingent student loan facility; over the longer-term, increase the coverage and value of grants for living costs. Introduce principle that all students should pay something for their studies and receive public subsidies. Arrangements whereby all students pay approx 50% of the cost of their studies. Estonian response Working group for changing Study Allowances and Study Loans Act (June 2007) =>agreement on establishment on central agency

17 Strengths of the current funding model Many aspects of current system embody good practice Autonomy for institutions Block grants for operating funds Contractual relationship between government and institutions Steering rather than control Private institutions operate and receive some public funding Excess demand has been absorbed by allowing institutions to enroll students outside the state subsidized education on a fee-paying basis Student loans available

18 OECD Policy Suggestions in the area of Funding Allocate public funding on the basis of actual enrolments rather than the purchase of a limited number of places in specific disciplines - contracts with institutions should focus on broad objectives Simplification of funding allocations - investment funds in operating grants - review funding coefficients to reduce number - increase funding certainty

19 Future developments... As agreed in the Higher Education Strategy (2006); Adoption of three-year performance contracts mission and developmental tasks as part of a contract no separate contracts for multiple activities more comprehensive scheme for assessment of performance (base funding, graduate numbers, serving the community/lll, developmental projects) level of funding (public and private) per student that is comparable to the average of OECD countries (1,3% GDP); OECD policy suggestions are under public discussion.

20 Thank you!