Most higher education institutions have dedicated offices or departments that provide support services for students with special educational needs, particularly those with disabilities.

Definition of the target group(s)

The social support system in higher education is designed to promote access and to create equitable conditions for entry, stability and success in higher education. This system should ensure that affirmative action measures are targeted at students from the most disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, thereby contributing to social cohesion and the skills development of future generations.

The social support system in higher education ensures that no student is excluded from the higher education system due to lack of means, with direct support for certain target groups (scholarships and emergency aid) and indirect support (access to food and accommodation, health services, support for cultural and sports activities and other educational support, the latter of which are intended for all students in general.

Direct social benefits are designed for different target groups, although students can benefit from more than one. The social support system for higher education is currently under review.

Specific support measures

The state also provides other support, such as merit scholarships for students who are academically exceptional, support for students with special needs, such as disabled students, as well as mobility grants. In 2024-2025, a measure was implemented to directly grant students cheques for psychology and nutrition medical appointments. These measures ended in September 2025, although cheques requested in the meantime are valid for one year and can therefore be used until mid-2026.

Scholarships for higher education students

The scholarship is an annual grant awarded by the State on a non-repayable basis to help cover the costs of attending a course or undertaking a compulsory work placement, provided that the student’s household does not have an adequate minimum level of financial resources. For students living away from home, there are also allowances for accommodation and travel.

Mobility grant + Superior

The mobility grant is designed to support students who want to study in higher education in areas where there is a low level of population pressure, moving from their place of origin.

The target groups for this grant are students applying for higher education and who tend to live in large cities and benefit from social benefit scholarships.

Scholarships for students with disabilities

This scholarship promotes higher education access and attendance for students with special needs, supporting their academic pursuits and ensuring equal opportunities and better social and academic integration.

Students who prove a degree of incapacity equal to or greater than 60% can benefit from this scholarship.

Access to Public Higher Education

With regard to access to and admission to public higher education, there is a priority quota for applicants with disabilities. 4% of places are set aside for the first stage of the admissions process and 2% for the second stage.