New specialties and more state-funded places in 2026: more and more young people choose technical vocational education

The number of young people choosing technical vocational education in the Republic of Moldova is increasing. This year, the total number of students studying at centers of excellence, colleges, and vocational schools has exceeded 50,000, which is 5% higher than in the previous year. The authorities explain this trend through the adaptation of the education system to labor market demands and alignment with European standards.

Silviu Gîncu, Head of the Technical Vocational Education Policies Directorate within the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC), told MOLDPRES that, for 2026, new specialties will be introduced and the number of state-funded places will be increased.

Gîncu noted that data from the last five years show a consistent upward trend, both in terms of enrollments and in the total number of students.

In secondary technical vocational education, in the 2025/2026 academic year, 8.2 thousand people were enrolled, 13.9% more than in the previous year. At the same time, the number of graduates reached 5.1 thousand, up by 8%, and the total number of students hit 15.6 thousand, 8% more compared to the previous year.

Growth is also recorded in post-secondary technical vocational education. Thus, 10.1 thousand students were enrolled in the same academic year, which represents an increase of 6%. The total number of students reached 34.6 thousand (+3.9%), while the number of graduates rose to 6.9 thousand.


“In recent years we have observed a steady increase in interest in technical vocational education, including in the context of the real employment opportunities offered to graduates. Statistical data confirm this trend, both in terms of enrollments and in the total number of students. The most in-demand specialties are in fields such as IT, manufacturing, construction, services, and energy. These are attractive due to the high demand on the labor market and the prospects for rapid and stable employment,” said Silviu Gîncu.




At the same time, Silviu Gîncu stressed that reforms in technical vocational education are strongly anchored in European Union standards and recommendations, especially those aimed at developing labor-market-relevant skills, lifelong learning, and quality assurance.


“The Republic of Moldova has taken over and is implementing several European practices, such as developing occupational and qualification standards based on labor market requirements, promoting dual education, and strengthening quality assurance mechanisms. There is also a focus on aligning study programs with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and introducing modern tools for skills assessment,” Gîncu mentioned.


For 2026, the Ministry of Education and Research plans to further modernize the educational offer, including the introduction of new specialties and an increase in the number of state-funded places in priority areas such as energy, information technologies, modern agriculture, and industry.


“The emergence of these specialties is driven by the need to respond to economic and technological transformations, such as digitalization and the green transition. At the same time, study programs are undergoing extensive updates, based on new occupational and qualification standards. Although the duration of studies will not be changed, programs will become more flexible and more focused on practical skills. Applicants should know that they will benefit from better study conditions, modernized infrastructure, and enhanced employment opportunities, including through dual programs,” underlined Silviu Gîncu.


In the Republic of Moldova there are 81 technical vocational institutions, 45 of which train young people through dual education, in cooperation with 230 companies. The admission period to centers of excellence and colleges will begin on 20 July 2026.

More information about the opportunities offered by technical vocational education in Moldova can be found in the exclusive interview given to MOLDPRES by Silviu Gîncu, Head of the Technical Vocational Education and Lifelong Learning Policies Directorate within the Ministry of Education and Research. The interview will be published on Tuesday, April 21, on moldpres.md.