On Thursday 18 June 2026, Luxembourg's Ministry of Research and Higher Education announced the adoption by the Chamber of Deputies of two major reforms concerning state financial aid for higher education and the organisation of the National Research Fund (FNR).
According to the ministry, the reforms reflect the government's commitment to strengthening access to education and supporting the country's scientific development.
The reform of state financial aid for higher education introduces several measures, including:
- an increase in the mobility grant to €3,372 (current index) per academic year;
- semi-annual indexation of aid amounts in line with salary index developments;
- a reduction in the interest rate on student loans from 2% to 1.8%;
- an expansion of eligible expenses, including language tests, equivalency procedures, translations and application fees, up to €3,800 per year;
- an adapted framework for part-time studies, with proportional aid and extended eligibility periods;
- enhanced support for students facing serious or exceptional circumstances;
- a €250 completion bonus at the end of a successfully completed study cycle.
The ministry noted that the revised FNR law updates a legal framework dating back to 1999 and reflects the evolution of Luxembourg's scientific landscape.
The reform includes:
- an expansion of the FNR's missions, making it a central actor in knowledge transfer, research valorisation and the creation of economic, social and cultural impact;
- strengthened governance through an enlarged board of directors and greater representation of scientific expertise;
- the creation of a liaison committee bringing together the University of Luxembourg, public research centres and the FNR to enhance strategic coordination;
- an expansion of potential funding beneficiaries;
- a quality assurance system based on regular internal and external evaluations to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
According to the ministry, the reform of the FNR's legal framework also complements the reform of financial aid by transferring support measures for doctoral candidates to the new FNR law. This approach is intended to provide more coherent support tailored to the specific nature of doctoral training and aligned with national research and innovation objectives.
The ministry added that the adoption of the two reforms reaffirms Luxembourg's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to research, innovation and higher education, while strengthening the country's attractiveness and supporting economic and societal transitions.
