The educational support and guidance system in the Republic of Moldova is supported by national legislation that promotes inclusive education and equal access to quality learning opportunities for all children, regardless of their personal, socio-economic, cultural, or developmental background. The legal and policy framework is based on the principles of equity, non-discrimination, and child-centered education, as outlined in the Education Code of the Republic of Moldova, the Law on the Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, and the Programme for the development of inclusive education in the Republic of Moldova for the years 2024 - 2027. Moldova’s approach aligns with international commitments, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the SDGs.

The national policy objective is to ensure the integration of nearly all children with special educational needs (SEN) within mainstream education, while also maintaining specialised institutions for children with complex or multiple disabilities. Inclusive education is implemented as the preferred model of provision, where every child is entitled to participate in regular classrooms with the necessary individualised support, through modifications in curriculum, teaching methods, and assessment.

At the level of early childhood and school education, two forms of SEN provision can be implemented:

• Inclusive education within mainstream institutions, supported by psycho-pedagogical assistance services, itinerant teachers, resource centers, and individual education plans;

• Separate special education provision, in special schools or residential institutions, mainly for children with severe or multiple disabilities who require intensive care and therapeutic support.

Beyond SEN, the Moldovan system also addresses the needs of learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, including children from Roma communities, low-income families, rural or remote areas, and refugee or migrant populations. Support measures include free access to textbooks, school meals, transport, preparatory classes for non-native speakers, and tutoring or mentorship schemes.

In both higher education and adult learning, support policies target students from underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities or difficult socio-economic situations. Financial support, fee exemptions, and accessible learning environments are among the key instruments.

Educational guidance and counselling are considered essential across all levels of education and are oriented towards a lifelong learning perspective. Services are provided through school psychologists, career guidance centres, and higher education counselling offices, aiming to support pupils and students in their academic, social, and professional development.