In Braga, during the 25th anniversary celebration of the University of Minho’s School of Medicine, Fernando Alexandre announced plans for a new social action model next academic year to ensure no student is excluded from higher education due to financial reasons.
“Focusing on tuition fees is a mistake for students, as they are not the main cost. What we must ensure is that students without financial means receive a scholarship covering accommodation, study costs, and tuition fees, which is what matters,” he stated.
Students of the University of Minho have organized a protest today against increasing tuition fees, demanding free higher education, greater public investment, and enhanced student accommodation and social support.
“Students have every right to protest, but I have told them that tuition fees are not the most important issue in our system. There are many reasons for injustice and inequality in higher education and the education system as a whole,” responded Fernando Alexandre.
The minister further argued that “reducing tuition fees actually increases inequality in Portugal.”
“Those who gain access to high-employment courses are mainly students from socioeconomically advantaged backgrounds, while those who are not have social support,” he explained.
For the Government, the way forward is to enhance social support, with a new model expected to be ready by December and operational next academic year.
“We will strengthen social support, and therefore, I believe the protest focus is misplaced, but of course, students have every right to protest,” he added.
He noted an increase of 11,000 student beds next year and a previously announced boost of 30 million euros in social support.
