“This is the electoral system this Government believes is most effective and sensible for attracting young people. It’s essential to manage the transition. Soon, the Minister of Education will provide details on this transitional system,” stated António Leitão Amaro during a press conference at the conclusion of the Council of Ministers meeting, where the Government’s Program was approved.
In response to questions regarding the continuation of the tuition reimbursement mechanism, António Leitão Amaro noted, “this matter needs to be addressed and revisited.”
The salary award for qualifications enhancement, which corresponds to the tuition reimbursement, targets young people up to 35 years old residing and working in Portugal. It was approved by the socialist government led by António Costa in 2023 and was part of the State Budget (OE) for 2024.
The OE for 2025, approved by the previous administration of Luís Montenegro, did not mention this mechanism, and the Government’s portal, where requests are submitted, still states that “no new requests are being accepted” and that “the deadline for submitting requests in 2025 has yet to be announced.”
In February, António Leitão Amaro was already questioned about the measure’s continuity, following the approval of the new Young IRS. At the time, the minister mentioned that no decision had been made yet, but that the Government was considering “whether it makes sense, and on what terms, to maintain the accumulation with the Young IRS.”
Today, Leitão Amaro again did not clarify the new Government’s decision, which took office a week ago, and reiterated that the Young IRS approved under the OE2025 is the preferred mechanism, but promised details soon on the transition between the two mechanisms.
