Economic Aspects of Private Online Universities in Europe

This bachelor’s thesis focuses on the economic aspects of private online universities in Central Europe. The aim of the thesis is to analyze the development of this sector, its financing, and its role in meeting the growing demand for flexible education. The theoretical part of the thesis concentrates on describing the structure and development of online education in the region, with an emphasis on the specifics of private universities and their economic models. The practical part analyzes data from the European Tertiary Education Register (ETER), which shows that the financing of private universities largely depends on student fees, which make up to 95% of the total revenue of these institutions. Additionally, an analysis of responses from surveys sent to private online universities in various Central European countries is conducted. The results highlight geographical differences in online education, perceptions of costs, and education quality among the countries. The thesis also addresses the challenges faced by private institutions in terms of competitiveness, pricing policy, and access to external financing, considering the specific needs and expectations of students from different European countries. The conclusion of the thesis is that private universities with online programs in Central Europe are in a dynamic process of innovation and adaptation. Flexibility in pricing policy, financing, and the offering of study programs enables these institutions to effectively respond to the growing demand for online education and ensure the availability of flexible education.