Definition of the target group(s)
The goal is to ensure that the social composition of those applying to high schools, studying and achieving a higher education degree would be similar to that of the society as a whole. All the social, academic, physical, informational, accessibility to the environment, and financial measures taken to develop the social dimension of higher education are financed by the state.
Specific support measures
Social scholarship
Students, who are entitled to this scholarship are those, who:
- receive social allowance, or;
- have a 45 per cent or lower disability level, or either severe or average disability, or;
- are orphans.
Currently, the social scholarships amount is 6.5 BSI (basic social benefit), i.e., €318.50[1] per month. The social scholarship scheme was set up by the Procedure for the Provision and Administration of Social Scholarships for High School Students. The administration of, and information on, social scholarships is provided by the State Studies Foundation.
Dedicated benefits
Students, who are entitled to this scholarship are those, who are disabled and:
- citizens of, or with a permanent residency in, the Republic of Lithuania
- anyone who has a 45 per cent or lower disability level, or either severe or average disability
- are studying in high school for the first time following their disability assessment.
At present, the dedicated benefits amount to 4 BSI (basic social benefit), i.e., €196 per month. The special-purpose benefits are regulated by the Procedure for the Provision of Special-purpose Benefits to Students with Disabilities in Higher Education. This support is provided through the European Social Fund project, Compensation of the study costs for the state non-funded students. The administration of, and information on, these benefits is provided by the State Studies Foundation.
Financial aid measures
Students who are entitled to dedicated benefits may also apply to receive financial aid measures. Disabled students are provided with financial aid measures as follows:
- to meet specific individual needs, they are awarded a monthly targeted allowance in the amount of half the social insurance basic pension, i.e., about €123[2];
- to partially cover the study costs, 3.2 BSI (basic social benefit), i.e., €156.8 for each semester in high school for state non-funded students.
The provision of financial support to disabled people seeking higher education is regulated by the Procedure for Provision of Financial Support to Students with Disabilities in Higher Education. The financial support to disabled students is regulated by the Department for the Affairs of the Disabled under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour.