Scholarships will now be awarded at the post-secondary placement stage, and conditions for entry will be expanded to reach more than 5,000 students, the government announced on Tuesday.
In a note sent to the newsrooms, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education (MCTES) explains that the eligibility threshold will be increased from €9,484.27 to €11,049.89 per capita per year, adding that this means an increase of 23% in two academic years.
The communiqué also mentions the expansion of scholarship access conditions for working students, explaining that a higher eligibility threshold will be set for these students.
Thus, the MCTES explains, the eligibility threshold for working students and students who prove that they have earned occasional income, obtained in particular during holidays, now corresponds to the general threshold plus 1,520 euros (corresponding to twice the guaranteed minimum monthly wage).
Scholarships will also increase, with a maximum amount of €5,981.73, a 7% increase compared to the 2022-2023 academic year.
The minimum scholarship amount for undergraduate students is also increasing, but the estimate does not explain the increase.
The emergency measure approved in 2022-23 to increase accommodation allowances becomes permanent and the cost of these allowances will also be higher.
As an example, MCTES points to the municipalities of Lisbon, Oeiras and Cascais, where the accommodation allowance increases from €310.24 (2022-2023) to €336.30 (2023-2024). In the municipalities of Porto, Amadora, Almada, Odivelas, Matosinhos, it rises from 288.08 euros to 312.28 euros.
The + Superior Scholarships will be extended to more students, now covering Masters. Decisions on the +Superior Scholarship requirements are also pending at the placement stage.
According to the note, the +Superior program will also be extended to all students enrolled in study cycles and covered higher education institutions, even if they do not require support in their placement year.
MCTES also highlights increased support for student workers and refugee students from Ukraine, Syria, and Afghan refugees.
The resumption of support for students in a situation of temporary protection, which arose in connection with the military conflict in Ukraine, includes the allocation of a maximum grant (5981.73 euros) and possible allowances, he adds.