The transfer of the one-off payment of 300 euros for those receiving study aid, decided as part of the anti-food package, has begun, Education Minister Martin Polaschek and State Secretary for Youth Claudia Plakolm (both ÖVP) announced on Tuesday. On the other hand, there is still no solution for the inflation compensation of half a billion euros that the universities are demanding.
“Students also feel the higher energy costs and the higher prices when shopping,” Polaschek says. Moreover, young people have not yet had the chance to put anything on their side, says Plakolm. In total, about 30 million euros will be spent on the measure.
Higher support
The recipients of student grants received a one-off payment of the same amount in March. From September, after five years, the subsidies themselves will be increased again and the group of recipients will be expanded. From next year, the student grant will then be automatically valued.
From September, subsidies will increase by 8.5 to 12 percent, slightly less than inflation since the last adjustment in 2017. In the future, the maximum allowance will be 923 euros per month, just below the minimum. In addition, the age limit for benefits will be raised by three years to 33 or 38 and the method of calculation will be reformed. There are simplifications for workers (“self-supporters”), and the income limits for purchases are also increasing.
Money for universities still subject to negotiation
Reimbursement of living expenses for the universities is still under negotiation. These have been asking for around half a billion euros for a long time. The universities received a budget increase of around 1.3 billion euros for the years 2022 to 2024 – but based on the expected inflation in the autumn of 2020. At the time, inflation of around two percent was expected. However, the universities expect significant additional expenditure, mainly due to higher energy costs and expected wage increases. “I know the problem,” Polaschek said. That is why discussions are underway with the universities and the Ministry of Finance.
Source: Krone
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