Cabinet Approves Needs-Based Scholarships
The Cabinet today approved the draft legislation stipulating needs-based scholarships for college students from low-income families as part of the ongoing higher education reform.
According to the bill, up to 26-year-old students at institutions of higher education, whose average monthly income per household member is below the relative poverty line – 280 euros – are eligible for financial support, provided they fulfill the curriculum.
The amount of financial aid will be 135 euros per month, which is approximately one-half of the minimum wage. According to the Cabinet press office, the draft is based on the notion that families of students also contribute to covering their higher education study costs.
In addition, students have the option of taking out a student loan of up to 1,917 euros per year and working part-time.
Up to now, the distribution of financial support to students has been based solely on academic performance. Students showing good results can apply for a monthly 55-euro scholarship. Those registered as residents outside of the local government where their college is based, are also eligible for a monthly travel allowance of 28 euros.
Ingrid Teesalu