The Minister for Research and Higher Education, Stéphanie Obertin, has presented a new draft law aimed at modernising Luxembourg's state financial aid system for higher education, combining social fairness with better adaptability to students' current economic realities.

The reform continues the government's commitment, initiated in 2014, to ensure equal access to education while updating existing mechanisms to meet today's challenges. The current structure, which includes the basic grant, mobility grant, social and family-based grants, supplements, and the student loan, remains in place but will be strengthened through several key innovations developed in consultation with the Association of Luxembourg Student Unions (ACEL).

Main measures

Among the main measures, the reform introduces a more responsive indexation system, allowing grant amounts to be adjusted every semester rather than once a year, to better reflect changes in the cost of living. The mobility grant is being increased by €158 per year and will now apply only to students renting accommodation abroad for at least two months per semester, ensuring more consistent support for genuine international mobility. The reform also raises the reimbursement ceiling for enrolment fees to €3,800 per year, split evenly between a grant and a loan.

In addition, part-time students will now receive 50% of the financial support granted to full-time students, with the maximum duration of aid doubled to account for their longer study periods. Furthermore, the definition of "serious and exceptional circumstances" has been expanded to include long-term difficulties that affect academic progress and verified financial hardship, giving more students access to tailored support. Finally, a €250 "success bonus" will reward each student who successfully completes a degree programme while receiving financial aid.

Doctoral studies handled separately

Doctoral (third-cycle) studies are no longer included in this law. They will be supported under a separate funding scheme managed by the National Research Fund (FNR), as part of a distinct legislative framework. This separation is intended to clarify responsibilities and align student aid with research financing.

Key figures and next steps

For the 2024/2025 academic year, Obertin stated that 65,873 grants and loans were awarded, representing €180.8 million in scholarships and €123.3 million in student loans. Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium remain the most popular destinations for resident students, with economics programmes attracting the largest number of enrolments.

In closing, Obertin announced the 39th Student Fair, which will take place on 30 and 31 October at the Belval campus. The event will host 150 exhibitors from 17 countries and is described as an essential orientation event for young people planning their academic futures.