Student scholarships, possible changes in school year 2025-2026: new criteria, increased amounts and strict granting rules | DOCUMENT
The Ministry of Education has put in public consultation the draft Government Decision on the new methodology for granting school scholarships, which would enter into force from September 1, 2025.
Student scholarships, possible changes in school year 2025-2026 Photo Freepik
The document brings significant changes in the amount and granting criteria, introducing clear rules for merit, social and technological scholarships.
Three main types of scholarships and amounts related
According to the methodology, “The students from the day frequency courses in the mandatory state pre -university education benefit, from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of Education and Research, the following types of scholarships: merit scholarship, social scholarship and technological scholarship.”
For school year 2025–2026, the amounts will be:
Merit scholarship: 450 lei/month;
Social Stock Exchange: 300 lei/month;
Technological scholarship: 300 lei/month.
The school units will be able to supplement the amounts by the decision of the Board of Directors, according to the funds available from the local authorities or other legal sources.
Merit scholarship – for the best 15% of the class
The merit scholarship will be granted for a maximum of 15% of the students of each high school and high school “Which have general averages for the previous school year greater than or equal to 9.00”.
For class A, the average of the first two intervals of courses of this year will be taken into account, and for the 9th class of admission, which must be at least 9.00.
In case of equality, the separation will be made on the basis of criteria established by the School Board and approved by the school inspectorates.
Social scholarship – support for vulnerable students
The social scholarship is granted, on the basis of demand, to students from disadvantaged environments, those with disabilities, “Students with oncological and/or chronic schools, for a period of more than 4 weeks, within the 'school in the hospital' or at home”as well as those from families who benefit from minimum inclusion income.
Also eligible are the orphan students and those under a special protection measure, regardless of income.
“The social scholarship represents a form of support of students from socio-economic disadvantaged environments, vulnerable groups or with special medical situations, in order to support participation in didactic activities, as well as to prevent school dropout ””specifies the methodology.
Technological scholarship and minor mothers scholarship
The technological scholarship is intended for students in vocational education, including dual, and can be granted with the merit stock exchanges or social stock exchange. Its granting does not require request, being proposed directly by the leaders, except for the students who repeat the year for medical reasons.
The methodology also mentions the scholarship for minor mothers, intended to support studies for students reintegrated in school after birth. It can be cumulated with all types of scholarships.
Payment and Suspension Rules
The payment of scholarships will be made “On the 20th of each month, for the previous month”or on the previous working day if the term falls on a non-working day.
Scholarships can be suspended in case of 10 or more non-motivated absences in a month. Their granting is conditioned by media 10 for behavior, and the methodology expressly prohibits any form of discrimination.
Public consultation by August 21
The project is subject to public consultation until August 21, inclusive. The proposals and observations can be transmitted to the e-mail address [email protected].
The Ministry of Education argues that the changes aim to support the school performance, prevent abandonment and strengthen equity in education, providing support to both deserving students and those in difficult socio-economic situations.
