A project competition with a total budget of 2 million lei, aimed at students from public higher education institutions, has been launched by the Ministry of Education and Research. The competition is open to MEC-affiliated universities, which, in collaboration with student self-governance structures, will propose projects focused on strengthening the student community and increasing youth participation, IPN reports.

According to Minister Dan Perciun, the program not only provides financial support to student self-governance structures but also redefines how students engage in university life and decision-making processes. For the first time, MEC is directly allocating funds to student self-governance structures.

Oxana Manole, a student at the Faculty of International Relations and Political Science at USM, stated that student self-governance bodies are not just formal structures but platforms for creating a dynamic and inclusive university environment. They ensure a necessary balance in university decision-making, contributing to the development of a modern, participatory, and student-centered university. Students can be reliable partners in advancing higher education institutions.

Silviu Plopa, a student at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, believes that with the support of the Ministry of Education and Research, existing initiatives can be developed and improved, increasing the impact of student projects. In his opinion, the ministry’s decision to launch a project competition for student self-governance structures helps strengthen the academic community and facilitates the organization of educational, social, and cultural activities.

Projects selected for funding will be chosen through a competitive process. Funding will be distributed proportionally based on the number of students at each university. The following institutions will receive up to 350,000 lei each: Moldova State University, the Technical University of Moldova, "Ion Creangă" State Pedagogical University, the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, and "Alecu Russo" State University of Bălți. The State University of Comrat will receive 150,000 lei, while "B.P. Hașdeu" State University of Cahul will be allocated 100,000 lei.

Projects must be implemented by the end of this year, with eligible activities including: promoting academic integrity, the "Study in Moldova" campaign, and Europe Day; ensuring student inclusion and well-being; combating bullying and harassment; strengthening dialogue between students and university administration; encouraging student participation in organizations or clubs; organizing university debate competitions; conducting research on student needs; and mentoring programs for first-year students.

The application file for the competition must include: the project application form, a detailed project budget, a letter of intent from the student self-governance structure signed by at least 10 members, and confirmation of co-financing from the higher education institution covering at least 10% of the project budget.

The deadline for project submissions is March 28, 2025.