Mangualde reaches the largest number of higher education scholarship holders and increases funding by 40 percent: Gazeta Rural

The Municipality of Mangualde has 53 higher education scholarship holders this academic year, the highest number since the measure was implemented, and the amount allocated to students residing in the municipality has increased by 40%.

Over the last six years, the Municipality has awarded 297 grants, totaling 105 thousand euros.

During the scholarship award ceremony, held this Monday afternoon, in the main hall of Paços do Concelho, Marco Almeida, president of the City Council, highlighted that this academic year there are 53 scholarship holders, nine more compared to the previous year, the which translates into an increase of 20 percent. The total amount allocated was 17,500 euros. “This is an increase of 40 percent,” he stated, taking into account that, in 2023, the amount granted was 12,500 euros.

“Next year we will try to increase this value even further”, he said.

These scholarships, applications for which took place from October 1st to November 15th, are intended for those taking a course that leads to a bachelor’s degree, with or without an integrated master’s degree. The amount, allocated according to the household’s annual income, is used to help pay for accommodation, food, transport, school supplies and tuition fees.

Support can be combined with that granted by other institutions, as long as the amount does not exceed the Social Support Index.

“This is a way of being alongside those who bring and want to add knowledge to our municipality, supporting students who want to continue their academic training, at times that can put more burden on their families”, highlighted the mayor.

Marco Almeida highlighted that this measure “is an investment in knowledge and human resources”, and also appealed to young people:

“Never forget your municipality of origin, which needs your knowledge and your irreverence, especially because you are now discovering the world and we need that world to continue progressing”, he added.