Word on the Street: University tuition fees

"Generally, I oppose the introduction of fees. It's simply right to support education. It isn't only a one-sided business. It doesn't benefit just students. It's common knowledge that people with higher education make more money and then pay more back to the state. Families with lower income can have gifted children with great potential. Politicians should have some say about academia, but it should be academics who have the last word."

Jana, accountant

"People shouldn't have to pay for education. Is the new principle simply that someone will pay just to have the degree? In this case, graduates will know practically nothing and finish school only because they paid for it. This makes no sense. I don't know all the details about the new law, but I would certainly be afraid of this. With fees and scholarships, can we really believe there will be no bribery? Look around; there are many people already in debt. Do we want more people with debts?

Jana

Petra

Pavel

Jindra

Jitka

Petra, office assistant

"It's not that bad an idea; it may be fair to pay. Nothing in this world is free. I don't think the state would propose something that would damage the universities, because it would then damage the state. I am aware the fees may to a certain extent cause barriers for kids from low-income families, but I believe a system of scholarships will be introduced. Still, generally speaking, I don't think politicians should have a lot of power over the universities. Politicians are so corrupt, they should keep their distance."

Pavel, electrician

"I'm afraid it would increase social divisions. The only advantage of tuition fees I can see is that it may increase the motivation to finish university in the proper time. From what I have read, the fees won't by themselves raise the quality. Politicians and academics should be united on the matter, but in the end, it will be Parliament that decides."

Jindra, financial adviser

"No. I have two students at home. I don't think it would matter much to the students themselves, but it could be a big deal for parents. It's the parents who pay the bills, right? I work in finance, and I know no loan is for free. My advice to parents is save money in advance. It's not right for a graduate to start their post-university career saddled by debt. When you finish university, you're at the age when you have to figure out housing and are about to start a family. To do all this with debt is not easy."

Jitka, financial adviser