Government strengthens social support in higher education and forecasts average grants of €2,660 per year with a fairer and more progressive model.
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Author: Redaction
New model strengthens higher education grants
The Government will strengthen the higher education grant system, with a 53% increase in social support funding. With this new grant model, the average annual amount is expected to rise to around €2,660, reflecting a major update in the calculation of grants.
The aim is to make grants better aligned with the real cost of studying, ensuring greater coverage of students’ expenses. Grants will therefore be recalculated based on more detailed criteria, including the cost of living per municipality.
How new grants will be calculated
The new grant model considers the average cost of studying in higher education, including tuition fees, food, transport and accommodation. The difference between this cost and household financial capacity determines the grant amount.
With this system, grants become more progressive and better adapted to each student’s reality. The Government estimates that the average grant value will rise from €1,734 to €2,660 per year, a significant increase in support through grants.
The minimum grant remains at €872, while the maximum grant will be awarded to students in the most vulnerable situations, reinforcing the role of grants as an equity tool.
Impact of grants and transitional regime
The new grant system will come into force in the 2026/2027 academic year, with a transitional regime ensuring that no student loses support. Existing grants will remain in place until the end of the course whenever they are more favourable.
The reinforcement of grants represents a significant investment in social support, directly impacting around 83,000 students. In some cases, grants may reach more than €7,000 per year, especially for students who are away from home.
Grants will also continue to include housing support, with priority access to public residences and additional compensation when no place is available. The new model therefore strengthens the role of grants in reducing inequalities in access to higher education.
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