University reform in Moldova to be done by rationalizing, new funding mechanisms

Chisinau, 4 June /MOLDPRES/- The reform of higher education in the Republic of Moldova will be carried out by rationalizing the network of universities in the country, new financing mechanisms and the higher education project supported by the World Bank. Minister of Education, Culture and Research Igor Sarov made the statement today.

"More money will be directed to the educational process, and universities will have access to greater financial resources, with the opportunity to spend more on education and more efficiently on administration."

Thus, MECC started rationalizing the network of universities in the country, and a draft merger of several institutions was sent for approval to the government.

At the same time, a standard methodology of budget financing of higher education institutions is to be approved, which represents a new financing mechanism.

Thus, the budget transfers for higher education institutions will be earmarked for: teaching and learning, depending on the number of students financed from the state budget, the type and scope of the program, representing 75% of budget allocations. Another element is the stimulation of performance, which provides 20% of the total budget funding. Respectively, 5% will be directed to complementary financing and will be used by founders for the improvement of accommodation conditions in hostels, modernization of equipment etc.

The new methodology has been submitted to the government for approval and will be implemented starting with January 1, 2021.

Also, the official presented the project, supported by the World Bank. The development goal of the project involves establishing a framework for improving and monitoring quality, as well as improving labor market relevance of higher education in Moldova.

The project will have an implementation period of five years (2020-2025).

Currently, there are 18 public higher education institutions in the Republic of Moldova.