As announced during the press conference on the occasion of the start of the academic year 2021/2022, a bill concerning the organisation of higher education was tabled in the Chamber of Deputies on 7 October 2022. It aims to replace the law of 19 June 2009 on the organisation of higher education and provide a clearer framework for the higher education system in Luxembourg. In addition, the procedure for the recognition of foreign diplomas will be simplified.
Minister for Higher Education and Research Claude Meisch explained that the goal is to define “clear standards” for the establishment of private higher education institutions in Luxembourg and the accreditation of their programmes.
The “BTS en alternance” model, which consists of programmes leading to a Higher Technician Certificate (BTS) that alternate between theoretical education in secondary school and practical training in the workplace, will be enshrined in law. Internships will also need to be compensated again. This will apply to “internships of at least four weeks’ duration,” according to Meisch. The Minister stressed that paid internships are important because “there are sectors in Luxembourg that are in urgent need of staff.”
The Student Fair 2022 will take place on 27 and 28 October at Belval Campus and will feature 94 exhibitors from 17 different countries, primarily representatives of universities and higher education institutions, as well as student associations and circles.
In addition to meeting with exhibitors at their stands, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in campus tours and interactive webinars.
The digital platform www.studentefoire.lu, available from 24 October to 28 December 2022, will allow students and interested parties to consult and download information material made available by the exhibitors present at the Fair as well as 86 additional exhibitors, present exclusively on the digital platform.
Over 32,600 students were granted state financial aid for the winter semester, while over 29,400 received financial aid for the summer semester. In total, the Ministry granted €142.7 million in financial aid for the academic year 2021/2022. The aids were increased in response to the current crisis.
Meisch stated that the Ministry increased the base grant, which is available to all students, but also the social grant and the mobility grant for students who live abroad.
Germany remained the preferred country of study for resident students (4,753 students), followed by Luxembourg (4,072 students), and Belgium (3,536 students).
In terms of higher education in Luxembourg, 856 students were enrolled in the 34 BTS courses available in 2021/2022. 336 BTS diplomas were awarded in 2021/2022 – more than ever before.
6,990 students of 135 different nationalities were enrolled at the University of Luxembourg.
