Number of pupils enrolled in vocational schools, colleges, centers of excellence increasing in Moldova

The number of pupils admitted to secondary technical vocational education programmes has increased by 15 percent this year, while the number of young people enrolled in post-secondary technical vocational education programmes has increased by 5 percent. At the same time, the number of pupils who chose to continue their studies in dual education has grown by 26 percent. Secretary General of the Ministry of Education and Research Galina Rusu today unveiled data to this effect, following the completion of admissions to vocational schools, colleges and centers of excellence.

Thus, for secondary technical vocational education programmes, a total of 8,622 places were announced, of which 8,267 were budgeted places and 355 were with tuition fees, concluding the admissions with a 15-percent increase in the number of admitted pupils.

“According to preliminary data, we see an increase of almost 15 per cent compared to the previous year in the number of pupils admitted to secondary technical vocational education programmes at this level. A total of 8,622 places were announced. The preliminary admission indicates a number of 8,192 candidates, of whom 7,888 are budgeted and 304 are in places with tuition fees. On average, we have a coverage rate of 95 per cent,” said Galina Rusu.

The most requested qualifications are computer technical support operator, data entry, validation and processing operator, auto mechanic, auto electrician-electronics technician, cook, waiter, electro-gas welder-installer, gas cutter, locksmith and body repairer, electrical equipment maintenance electrician, meat cutting operator, tractor operator, and cook.

Meanwhile, the number of pupils registered in post-secondary technical vocational education programmes has increased by approximately 5 per cent. At this level, 11,218 places were announced, of which 3,930 are budgeted and 7,288 are with tuition fees.

“We see a preliminary admission of 10,017 pupils, of which 3,728 are budgeted and 6,289 are with fees. Thus, we have an overall coverage of 89.2 per cent,” said Galina Rusu.

This year, for post-secondary technical vocational education programs, most applications were submitted in the fields of information technology, security and protection services, medicine, patient care and dentistry.

“We are pleased to see in the top-demand fields pedagogy and education sciences, with primary and early education specialties, where we also have a significant number of vacancies in the educational system. Also on the list, there are business and administration specialties, including accounting, finance and banking, as well as architecture and construction,” emphasized the MEC Secretary General.

At the same time, the number of students who chose to continue their studies in dual education has increased by 26 percent compared to 2024 and by 112 per cent compared to the admissions in 2023.

“We have 2,125 students enrolled at this stage in dual education programmes, of whom 1,690 are at level 3, secondary, primarily in vocational schools, and 435 students at level 4, secondary, primarily in colleges and centers of excellence. This result represents a 26-per cent increase compared to the number of students admitted in the previous year and practically double, a 112-per cent increase, compared to the 2023 admissions,” noted Galina Rusu.

This year, dual education of Moldova covers 45 technical vocational education institutions, which, in partnership with over 200 economic units, provide professional training programmes through dual education for 61 study programs.

In dual education, young people benefit from free training and remuneration starting from 5,500 lei, depending on the volume of work. They also receive a grant, starting from 700 lei, and accommodation in student housing.

In Moldova, there are 81 technical vocational education institutions, including 14 centers of excellence, 35 colleges and 32 vocational schools.