The issue of addressing the status of two-year master’s degree students has long been a top priority, as stated by the Student Parliament of the University of Montenegro (SPUCG) today.

“At the close of November 2024, representatives from the Student Parliament of the University of Montenegro, along with fellow students, submitted a petition to the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MESI) for an urgent resolution regarding the students of two-year master’s studies, gathering signatures from over 3,700 students. Following comprehensive discussions and consensus-building meetings among a larger working group, the MESI has prepared a new draft of the Law on Higher Education, which has been open to public debate until November 18, 2024,” the SPUCG’s statement elaborated, referencing the crucial adoption of this legislation and the urgent need to resolve the status of two-year master’s students, alongside the creation of a dedicated student service.

The SPUCG noted that since the 2017/18 academic year, nine cohorts have been accepted into the 3+2+3 educational model, with the first cohort of two-year master’s students enrolling in the 2020/21 academic year, totaling five cohorts to date.

“We believe that the transitional and concluding provisions of the Draft Law on Higher Education should allow for the issuance of diplomas or certificates to two-year master’s students who have successfully completed their first year (having passed all required exams) and accumulated a total of 240 ECTS credits—equivalent to a level VII-1 educational qualification according to the national qualifications framework. Providing these diplomas or certificates would furnish students with valid documentation for employment purposes and/or eligibility for a professional exam, as a Certificate of Passed Exams / Transcript of Grades does not fulfill these requirements,” the statement added.

The SPUCG indicated that the issuance of such a certificate/diploma would be at the student’s request and would act as verification that the student possesses the required educational qualifications for securing employment or taking a professional exam.

“Issuing a diploma or certificate will not alter the status of the two-year master’s student (unless circumstances prescribed by law that concern the termination of student status occur), allowing the student the opportunity to complete their studies and earn a master’s degree (with a diploma of 300 ECTS) within the designated timeframe, following the relevant laws, institutional regulations, and the curriculum in effect at their time of enrollment,” stated the SPUCG.

The SPUCG emphasized that “it is in the best interest of the entire student body to pass a law concerning student services, which would recognize student affairs as a distinct category and clarify all operational components. This is undeniably essential for establishing the necessary conditions to uphold this new right from the student standard, as outlined in the draft of the upcoming Law on Higher Education.”

The SPUCG mentioned that, after reaching a consensus and conducting numerous meetings with the broader working group, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research has prepared a new draft of the Law on Higher Education, currently open to public debate until November 18, 2024.

“While the adoption of this Law was initially scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024, the timelines have been extended. We are pleased to see that the draft Law incorporates many positive solutions that the Student Parliament has been advocating for over the years. Our dedicated efforts have resulted in a new, adaptable educational model for future cohorts that will align with labor market demands and suit the Montenegrin context. The practical teaching component has been redefined, significantly enhancing its implementation and oversight—a crucial step towards improving the practical skills and knowledge acquired by students,” according to the SPUCG.

Furthermore, they noted that it is critically important to acknowledge the right to engage in student work as a recognized aspect of student standards.

“We assert that priority should be given to establishing a student service in Montenegro, a goal we have pursued for years, alongside the enactment of a specific law regarding student affairs—a lex specialis for casual and temporary work situations,” concluded the SPUCG.

News