DOC // Education 2030 Program published in Official Journal

Approximately 13 billion lei will be invested in developing Moldova’s education system between 2026 and 2030, according to Education 2030 Strategy. The program for implementing the document was published in the Official Journal today.

The program covers all levels of education, from nurseries and kindergartens to vocational and university education, as well as research, digitalization, and the professional development of teaching staff.

In early childhood education and general education, the program provides for the creation of 5,000 nursery places, the equipping of at least 400 schools and kindergartens, the renovation of sanitary facilities, and the development of a network of 90 model schools.

The school curriculum will be revised, while by 2030 the authorities aim to increase the lower-secondary graduation exam pass rate to at least 90%.

Another objective is to improve the results of students from the Republic of Moldova in the international PISA assessment, which evaluates the skills of 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics, and science.

The program also sets objectives for vocational and technical education. At least 3,000 students are expected to participate in dual education programs, with the involvement of at least 300 private companies.

Dual education will also be expanded to the university level, with the aim of including at least 1,000 students.

Universities also aim to attract at least 3,000 foreign students annually, while the rate of graduates entering the labor market is expected to reach 50%.

Another target established by the program is for seven out of ten graduates to choose to remain in the Republic of Moldova.

The document provides for investments in academic buildings, university dormitories, laboratories, and recreational spaces for students.

Measures are also planned to strengthen academic integrity, including through the use of anti-plagiarism systems and supervised assessments.

Particular attention will be paid to STEAM fields—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—including through increased scholarships for students who choose these programs.

In research and innovation, the authorities plan to develop research infrastructure, public-private partnerships, technology transfer tools, and the e-Research information system.

External evaluation of doctoral programs is also planned, with the aim of ensuring quality standards compatible with European standards and increasing the competitiveness of research in the Republic of Moldova.

The program also focuses on teaching staff. More than 5,000 employees of the education system are expected to benefit from the “Investing in Educators” program, while more than 25,000 will benefit from the “Investing in Teachers” program.

Mentoring programs and psychological counseling services for teaching staff will also be developed.

Digitalization is another major focus of the program. Teaching staff are expected to certify their digital skills in accordance with the DigCompEdu standard, while 3,000 digital content units are planned by 2030.

The authorities aim for 100% of graduates to reach level B1 in digital competences by 2030.

At the same time, a national program on the use of artificial intelligence in education will be implemented.

The program also provides for the creation of Erasmus Agency, which will manage mobility, cooperation, and best-practice exchange opportunities for students, teaching staff, and educational institutions.

The estimated total cost of the program for 2026–2030 is approximately 13 billion lei, with most resources allocated to educational infrastructure. Of the total amount, 3.7 billion lei, or approximately 27%, is expected to come from the state budget. Another 7.9 billion lei, equivalent to approximately 60% of the program’s cost, represents external assistance provided by development partners, international financial institutions, and the European Union. Funding sources will need to be identified for approximately 1.8 billion lei, representing about 13% of the total cost.