Romania is set to significantly reduce student scholarships as part of broader fiscal consolidation efforts aimed at meeting European Union budgetary targets. The Ministry of Education announced reforms that will cut the annual scholarship budget by approximately 40%, sparking widespread protests among students across the country.
Details of the Scholarship Cuts
Currently, Romania allocates about RON 2.4 billion (roughly €490 million) annually for student scholarships, based on a student population of approximately 540,000. Under the new system, this budget will shrink to just over RON 1.4 billion, representing a drastic reduction in available funds.
The government’s key change involves recalculating scholarships based on 10% of the minimum net wage instead of 10% of the gross minimum wage. Since scholarships are tax-exempt, this adjustment effectively lowers the per-student scholarship amount from around 370 lei (€74) to approximately 220 lei (€44) per month.
Changes in Eligibility and Types of Scholarships
- Social scholarships, awarded based on family income, will continue but with reduced amounts.
- Performance-based scholarships will be restricted to students with an average grade above 9.5 (out of 10), and limited to no more than 15% of students in each class.
- Scholarships for winners of school contests are temporarily suspended pending a review of the contest system.
Student Protests and Public Reaction
The announcement triggered protests in Bucharest and other major university cities, with hundreds of students rallying against the cuts. Demonstrators argued that the reductions would exacerbate educational inequalities and limit access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many students emphasized that even the current scholarship amounts are insufficient to cover basic living expenses such as rent, food, and transportation, forcing some to take on second jobs that negatively impact their academic performance.
Slogans like “Education is not just for those with money” and “Scholarships are not charity, they are merit” echoed through the protests, reflecting fears that reduced funding could increase dropout rates and hinder social mobility.
Government and Official Responses
Education Minister Daniel David defended the cuts as a necessary fiscal adjustment to address Romania’s budget deficit, which reached 9.3% of GDP in 2024. He noted that despite the reduction, the scholarship budget remains about 10% higher than in 2023 and nearly three times higher than in earlier years.
Prime Minister Ilie Bologian acknowledged the need to “reconfigure” the scholarship system to ensure sustainability amid broader public spending cuts. Meanwhile, Romania’s President Nicuşor Dan described the current scholarship system as “unbalanced,” particularly criticizing the broad definition of merit-based scholarships, which currently benefit about 30% of students.
Broader Fiscal Context
These scholarship cuts are part of a wider government effort to reduce excessive public spending following the 2024 election-driven surge in expenditures. The new coalition government has pledged significant fiscal consolidation to meet EU budgetary rules and restore economic stability.
Implications for Romanian Students and Education
The reduction in scholarship funding threatens to deepen socio-economic disparities in access to higher education. Students from low-income families may face increased financial hardship, potentially leading to higher dropout rates and reduced academic achievement. Critics argue that cutting educational support is counterproductive to long-term economic growth and social development.
Conclusion
Romania’s decision to cut student scholarships by around 40% to meet EU fiscal targets has ignited significant public backlash and student protests. While the government frames the move as a necessary step toward fiscal responsibility, many fear the cuts will undermine educational equity and burden vulnerable students. The coming months will reveal how these reforms impact Romania’s student population and whether alternative support mechanisms can be developed to mitigate the effects of reduced scholarship funding.