TIRANA, October 29 /ATSH/ – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu stated today that about 60% of students receive state support through measures outlined in the “Pact for the University,” an initiative launched in 2018.
Responding to a claim made by a student on a television program—who asserted that nothing has been done since 2018 or under the “Pact for the University”—Koçiu provided a summary of financial support for students via social media. She highlighted scholarships, tuition fee concessions and investments in university infrastructure.
Koçiu noted that 4,118 students receive scholarships for high academic achievement, while 4,648 students receive scholarships based on their family’s economic situation. Additionally, 434 high-achieving (“excellent”) students receive a monthly scholarship equivalent to the minimum wage.
Regarding financial relief, 10,152 students are exempt from tuition fees, while 27,050 students pay only 50% of the fee, with the remainder covered by the state.
For medical students, according to Koçiu, the state covers over 80% of the cost of their studies. She stated that over 4,000 graduates are now part of the public administration, while investments in university dormitories have exceeded 100 million euros.
Deputy Prime Minister Koçiu emphasized that the education budget has not been reduced, despite the challenges posed by the 2019 earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis linked to the war.
Koçiu expressed her openness to a dialogue with students regarding further improvements to the “Pact for the University”—in response to their demands and needs—noting that the students themselves may choose the time and location for such a meeting.
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