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The Ministry of Education will channel the resources into scholarships for needy students. The proposal allows institutions to autonomously grant merit scholarships if they so decide.
The government proposed the end of merit scholarships in Higher Education, launched in 1998, as part of the review of the Legal Regime of Higher Education Institutions (RJIES). The annual budget of three million euros, previously allocated to around 850 students with exceptional academic performance, will be redirected to social action grantswith the aim of benefiting needy students. The Ministry of Education justified the measure by arguing that merit scholarships do not consider the socioeconomic condition of students.
The proposal allows universities and polytechnics to autonomously award merit scholarships to excellent students, if they decide to implement this type of support. However, student associations have differing opinions about the decision. The Porto Academic Federation (FAP) expressed support, arguing that limited resources should prioritize students in greatest need. On the other hand, the Lisbon Academic Federation (FAL) criticized the measure, claiming that it transfers the decision to institutional criteria, which could compromise students’ security regarding the continued recognition of merit.
The proposal also includes significant changes to the structure and functioning of institutions. Polytechnics will be able to award doctorates and adopt the designation of “polytechnic university” if they meet minimum criteria, which generated criticism from the FAP, which fears a “leveling to the bottom”. Furthermore, the merger of public and private institutions is expected, aiming for greater collaboration and sharing of resources, explains the .
In terms of management, the mandate of rectors and presidents will be unique, with duration of six yearsand will increase community participation in elections. However, the measure was contested by institutions that fear the loss of autonomy of the General Council, as well as by students, who defend greater representation in decision-making processes.
Among other proposals, we highlight the ban on hiring doctorates by the institutions where they took the degree for three years after completion, in an attempt to combat academic endogamy. Additionally, universities will be able to offer higher professional technical diplomas (TeSP), balancing the educational offer between subsystems.
