- 2015Implementation
- 2016Implementation
- 2017Implementation
- 2018Implementation
- 2019Implementation
- 2020Implementation
- 2021Implementation
- 2022Implementation
Background
Not all (potential) learners can afford to attend vocational education and training (VET) programmes because of socio-economic factors. There is a need to mitigate such risks and make sure they acquire qualifications.
Objectives
To offer financial incentives for learners to study in VET.
Description
The government supports the implementation of initial VET programmes by offering financial support in various forms.
- High school scholarship is a national social protection programme that offers approximately RON 250 (EUR 50 since 2018/19) of monthly financial support for upper secondary education learners in grades 9 to 12, including those in VET (technological and vocational programmes). The scholarship is linked to family income and is not available for all learners enrolled in any of three specified four-year education programmes (general education, vocational education, technological education programmes);
- Professional scholarship for three-year professional programmes is a national social protection programme that offers approximately RON 200 (EUR 40) per month for all three-year professional programme learners. This scholarship can be combined with grants provided by training companies. The grants usually cover transportation and meals;
- Dual IVET allowance: in addition to a professional scholarship, initial dual VET learners receive at least approximately RON 200 (EUR 40) per month in allowances from the company where they undergo training. Companies also pay for work equipment for learners, their insurance and medical examinations, if obliged to do so by the occupation requirements;
- Euro 200 scholarship: the Euro 200 scholarship is a national programme that supports VET and other learners who otherwise cannot...
The government supports the implementation of initial VET programmes by offering financial support in various forms.
- High school scholarship is a national social protection programme that offers approximately RON 250 (EUR 50 since 2018/19) of monthly financial support for upper secondary education learners in grades 9 to 12, including those in VET (technological and vocational programmes). The scholarship is linked to family income and is not available for all learners enrolled in any of three specified four-year education programmes (general education, vocational education, technological education programmes);
- Professional scholarship for three-year professional programmes is a national social protection programme that offers approximately RON 200 (EUR 40) per month for all three-year professional programme learners. This scholarship can be combined with grants provided by training companies. The grants usually cover transportation and meals;
- Dual IVET allowance: in addition to a professional scholarship, initial dual VET learners receive at least approximately RON 200 (EUR 40) per month in allowances from the company where they undergo training. Companies also pay for work equipment for learners, their insurance and medical examinations, if obliged to do so by the occupation requirements;
- Euro 200 scholarship: the Euro 200 scholarship is a national programme that supports VET and other learners who otherwise cannot afford to buy a personal computer and develop their digital skills. The programme has been in place since 2004, based on Law No 269/2004 granting financial aid according to social criteria.
The dual VET allowance was introduced in 2017/18 for learners enrolled in the initial dual based programme. Unlike the other incentives (the professional scholarship, Euro 200 scholarship) provided by the government, requested by learners and registered at school level, validated at county level and approved by the Ministry of Education, the dual VET allowance is granted by the company supporting the practical training activities made in joint cooperation with the school and has at least the same value as the professional scholarship.
Learners benefited from incentives based on the type of initial VET programme in which they were enrolled, according to the legal provisions.
Learners benefited from incentives based on the type of initial VET programme in which they were enrolled, according to the legal provisions.
Learners benefited from incentives based on the type of initial VET programme in which they were enrolled, according to the legal provisions.
In addition, the dual VET allowance was introduced as of 2017/18 for learners enrolled in the initial dual based programme. Unlike the other incentives (the professional scholarship, EUR 200 scholarship) provided by the government, at the request made of learners and registered at school level, validated at county level and approved by the ministry of education, the dual VET allowance is granted by the company supporting the practical training activities set in cooperation with the school and has at least the same value as the professional scholarship.
Learners benefited from incentives based on the type of initial VET programme in which they were enrolled, according to the legal provisions.
The scholarship Money for high school increased from 200 to 250 RON (approx. EUR 50) in 2018/19.
Learners benefited from incentives based on the type of initial VET programme in which they were enrolled, according to the legal provisions
Learners benefited from incentives based on the type of initial VET programme in which they were enrolled, according to the legal provisions.
Learners benefited from incentives based on the type of initial VET programme in which they were enrolled, according to the legal provisions.
In 2021, the legal framework for awarding the performance scholarships was updated (Government Decision No 1.094/2021 and Ministerial Order No 3073/2022) and includes new provisions on the minimum monthly scholarships differentiated as:
- performance scholarship RON 500 (approximately EUR 100);
- merit scholarship RON 200 monthly (approximately EUR 40);
- social support scholarship RON 200 (approximately EUR 40);
- study scholarships RON 150 (approximately EUR 30).
In 2021, the government decided that the funds for these scholarships (except for the dual IVET scholarship which is supported by the company) are to be supported from the State budget. A total of RON 645 million (approximately EUR 130 million) was spent on scholarships for 605 510 learners in all types of education programmes in the pre-university system, including VET in 2021.
Learners can receive multiple scholarships if they comply with the requirements: for social support and performance, for social support and merit, and for social support and study.
Financial support continued as a regular practice.
Bodies responsible
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of National Education (until 2021)
- National Centre for TVET Development (CNDIPT)
Target groups
Learners
- Learners in upper secondary, including apprentices
- Learners with disabilities
- Learners from other groups at risk of exclusion (minorities, people with fewer opportunities due to geographical location or social-economic disadvantaged position)
Thematic categories
Supporting lifelong learning culture and increasing participation
Lifelong learning refers to all learning (formal, non-formal or informal) taking place at all stages in life and resulting in an improvement or update in knowledge, skills, competences and attitudes or in participation in society from a personal, civic, cultural, social or employment-related perspective (Erasmus+, Glossary of terms, https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-d/glossary-common-terms). A systemic approach to CVET is crucial to ensure adaptability to evolving demands.
This broad thematic category looks at ways of creating opportunities and ensuring access to re-skilling and upskilling pathways, allowing individuals to progress smoothly in their learning throughout their lives with better permeability between general and vocational education and training, and better integration and compatibility between initial and continuing VET and with higher education. Individuals should be supported in acquiring and updating their skills and competences and navigating easily through education and training systems. Strategies and campaigns that promote VET and LLL as an attractive and high-quality pathway, providing quality lifelong guidance and tailored support to design learning and career paths, and various incentives (financial and non-financial) to attract and support participation in VET and LLL fall into this thematic category as well.
This thematic category also includes many initiatives on making VET inclusive and ensuring equal education and training opportunities for various groups of learners, regardless of their personal and economic background and place of residence – especially those at risk of disadvantage or exclusion, such as persons with disabilities, the low-skilled and low-qualified, minorities, migrants, refugees and others.
This thematic sub-category refers to all kinds of incentives that encourage learners to take part in VET and lifelong learning; VET providers to improve, broaden and update their offer; companies to provide places for apprenticeship and work-based learning, and to stimulate and support learning of their employees. It also includes measures addressing specific challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) willing to create work-based learning opportunities in different sectors. Incentives can be financial (e.g. grants, allowances, tax incentives, levy/grant mechanisms, vouchers, training credits, individual learning accounts) and non-financial (e.g. information/advice on funding opportunities, technical support, mentoring).
European priorities in VET
VET Recommendation
- VET agile in adapting to labour market challenges