The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MPNI) has announced a proposal to amend the Law on Higher Education, aiming to boost student scholarships and loans.
Contrary to some political claims suggesting reductions, the ministry’s proposal is focused on increasing financial support. According to the ministry’s statement, the proposed amendments include raising the amount of student scholarships from €225 to €300. Student loans, currently ranging from €112 to €161, would increase to between €150 and €214. These increases will be funded through a rebalancing of the national budget.
The MPNI has submitted the proposed amendments as part of a broader set of changes required for the implementation of the ES2 Program. The changes aim to align the Law on Higher Education with new regulations regarding the minimum wage in Montenegro, which will be adjusted under the program.
Under the proposed legislation, the Government of Montenegro will have the authority to set and adjust the amounts of student loans and scholarships through official decisions. This approach ensures that these amounts can be increased as needed, but not decreased.
The ministry is confident that these measures, along with an increase in the professional training allowance from €450 to €600 per month and a planned rise in the minimum wage for higher education graduates from €450 to €800, will significantly improve the environment for young people. This demographic is considered vital for the country’s future development.
The MPNI and the Montenegrin Government are dedicated to enhancing the status of young people in society, encouraging their growth and providing better conditions for their education and work. These efforts are part of the country’s broader goals as it seeks to advance towards European Union membership.
