Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
In 2023, for tertiary education, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes was 21,54%, while the initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 36,24% in 2022. The initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita is not available.
Tuition-free status
National laws and policies do not grant free public tertiary education for students.
Governance
The Ministry of Research and Higher Education organises, coordinates, and oversees the Luxembourg higher education landscape, acting as the supervising ministry of the University of Luxembourg.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
There is only one public university in Luxembourg, and funding is directed from the central government to the university.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
There is no grant-aided private higher education in Luxembourg.
Allocation and equity
The University of Luxembourg is the only state-funded higher education institution in the country. State subsidies are provided as an annual grant through multiannual contracts (contrat d’établissement pluriannuel) established by the University for four years.
The state subsidy includes basic financing, performance-based financing, and innovation-based financing.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
There are no specific admission criteria for vulnerable groups. However, there is a Committee for Reasonable Adjustments (CAR) that ensures students and staff with disabilities, long-term health conditions, specific learning disorders, and mental health conditions receive the support needed to fully access and participate in university life.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
The loan and scholarship system in Luxembourg enables all qualifying students to pursue higher education regardless of age or their parents' financial situation. State financial aid is allocated to students on a semester basis and cannot be combined with similar allowances from their country of residence (national, regional, or communal scholarships, family allowances, student housing benefits, etc.). This includes a social grant based on the student's socio-economic situation.
State-guaranteed student loans are available at a maximum interest rate of 2%, with repayment periods ranging from 2 to 10 years after the completion of studies. These are available to any person enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in a higher education programme.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
Public transport is free throughout the country for all modes. This measure applies to residents, cross-border commuters, and tourists.
Accommodation
The University of Luxembourg proposes student accommodation below market prices.
Textbooks
Support for purchasing student textbooks is provided through the scholarships mentioned in the above section.
