The terms government dependent and independent education institution refer only to the degree of a private institution's dependence on funding from government sources; they do not refer to the degree of government direction or regulation. A government-dependent private institution is one that receives more than 50 per cent of its core funding from government agencies. An independent private institution is one that receives less than 50 per cent of its core from government agencies. “Core funding” refers to the funds that support the basic educational services of the institutions. It does not include funds provided specifically for research projects, payments for services purchased or contracted by private organisations, or fees and subsidies received for ancillary services, such as lodging and meals. Additionally, institutions should be classified as government dependent if their teaching personnel are paid by a government agency - either directly or through government.