The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MESI), the University of Montenegro (UCG), and the Municipality of Herceg Novi are set to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the Applied Physiotherapy Study Program in Igalo over the upcoming four months.

According to an announcement from the Ministry of Health, the Government has approved a proposal to subsidize accommodation and meal expenses for these students at the Faculty of Medicine, with funding scheduled to occur monthly from March 1 to July 1.

As part of this initiative, the Ministry of National Education and the University of Montenegro will each contribute 100 EUR monthly, while the Municipality of Herceg Novi will allocate an additional 50 EUR per month.

The Minister of Education, Science and Innovation expressed that this government department, supported by the Ministry of Finance, is diligently working to enhance the position of students in society and to cultivate a supportive environment for all young individuals in Montenegro.

“A lot of progress has been made recently,” stated Jakšić Stojanović, who noted that student scholarships increased from 225 to 300 EUR.

“Student loans have also seen an increase, with amounts rising from EUR 112 to EUR 161, now adjusted to EUR 150 to EUR 214, and the vocational training fee has gone up from EUR 450 to EUR 600,” added Jakšić Stojanović.

Significant resources have been allocated to enhance the quality of educational infrastructure catering to students, according to the Minister.

“The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the University of Montenegro have earmarked funding for 2025 as well, ensuring that improving study conditions at faculties and providing proper housing in student dormitories remains a priority for both entities,” concluded Jakšić Stojanović.

Minister of Finance Novica Vuković expressed satisfaction in supporting all initiatives from the Ministry of Education and Science and the University of Montenegro aimed at elevating the quality of student life.

“Therefore, my Ministry will continue to contribute towards fostering a favorable environment for the lives and careers of our youth,” Vuković emphasized.

The Mayor of Herceg Novi, Stevan Katić, affirmed the local government’s readiness to support and share the costs of accommodation and meals for students in applied physiotherapy.

“Providing better educational and living conditions for applied physiotherapy students is crucial, as it lays the foundation for a skilled workforce to strengthen the ‘Dr Simo Milošević’ Institute in the future, an institution we continue to advocate for,” said Katić.

He pointed out that by backing this program, students receive high-quality theoretical instruction, hands-on experience offered by the Institute, as well as accommodation and meals on-site.

“Both Herceg Novi and Montenegro will gain well-educated and professionally trained individuals in a health sector that currently faces shortages,” Katić remarked.

The Ministry of Education and Science noted that the Faculty of Applied Physiotherapy was established in 2004, and students have faced unresolved issues concerning accommodation and food since then.

This support specifically benefits 116 students who study away from their hometown, indicating they do not reside in Herceg Novi.

“These students, if enrolled in other university locations, would be entitled to housing in areas with student dormitories,” the statement adds.

The Ministry of Education and Science reiterated that such participation is essential for ensuring equitable access to education and fostering academic excellence.

News