The future Flemish Minister of Education must prioritise the financial support for higher education students, particularly those most economically vulnerable, says the Flemish Students' Association (VVS) in an open letter, on behalf of students in Flanders and Brussels, on Wednesday.
Due to the shortcomings of the student grant system, the VVS believes that an increasing number of students depend on the services provided by higher education institutions (HEI). "This social assistance payment by the HEI should be a complementary mechanism designed to meet personal needs at the individual level in the local context," stated the VVS.
The association argues that last year’s additional funding for student services does not compensate for the increasing demand for support due to the "declining impact" of the study grant system.
The VVS proposes that study allowances should increase to cover "actual study and living costs" particularly consideration the rise in the cost of student housing. The group also advocates for wider access to financial support, increasing the number of students eligible for grants, aiming for a rate of around 45% instead of the current 25%.
Moreover, the VVS argues that too many students miss out on grants they are entitled to due to the complicated bureaucratic process or the lack of information. Thus, the student group advocates for a more simplified and automatic grant system.
"It is crucial that all students, regardless of their financial situation, have an equal opportunity to pursue and successfully complete a higher education course. For this, we look to you, the future Minister of Education. You are the minister who decides our future," the letter concluded.
A spokesperson for the Flemish Government did not immediately respond to The Brussels Times' request for comment.
The VVS is a student group that represents the interests of students at colleges or universities within the Flemish Community. The VVS board is elected yearly by student councils.
