Fees for undergraduate and PhD students in state universities will be abolished this year, if changes to the Higher Education Act, which the Government approved here on Wednesday, pass through Parliament. The goal is to improve students' access to higher education and to make state universities more attractive to prospective students who are hesitant about continuing their education in Bulgaria, the Council of Ministers press service said, reported Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

Waiving the fees would cost the state nearly BGN 136 million.

It is envisaged that the annual fee paid by undergraduate and postgraduate students will be half of the amount already approved for 2023/2024, which is why the Cabinet will allocate additional funds to universities and scientific organizations within one month of the amendments entering into force, to alleviate the institutions from the losses incurred by the lower fees.

The measure is a continuation of the State's policy to ensure affordable and quality education.