Students Call For Revision Of Flemish Financial Support System For Higher Education
-
Loading... - Heather Carter
- 12 Aug 2024
- 62 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
The Flemish Students' Association (VVS) has issued an open letter urging the future Flemish Minister of Education to prioritize a thorough revision of the financial support system for higher education students, with a focus on aiding those who are most economically vulnerable. The VVS highlights that the current student grant system has significant shortcomings, leading to an increasing number of students relying on social assistance provided by higher education institutions (HEIs).
The VVS points out that while last year’s additional funding for student services was a positive step, it has not adequately addressed the growing demand for financial support. The organization argues that the impact of the study grant system is diminishing, leaving students struggling to cover their actual study and living costs, especially with the rising cost of student housing.
To address these issues, the VVS proposes several key changes:
Increase Study Allowances: The VVS calls for study grants to be adjusted to better reflect the actual costs of studying and living, ensuring that students can meet their financial needs.
Expand Eligibility for Grants: The association advocates for widening the eligibility criteria for financial support, aiming to increase the percentage of students receiving grants from the current 25% to around 45%.
Simplify the Grant Application Process: The VVS stresses that the current bureaucratic process is too complex and that many students miss out on grants they are entitled to due to lack of information or difficulties navigating the system. The group calls for a more simplified and automatic grant system.
The VVS emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial situation, have equal opportunities to pursue and complete higher education. The letter concludes by appealing to the future Minister of Education to take decisive action to secure the future of students in Flanders and Brussels.
