Changes in Decree No. 90 of the Council of Ministers from 2000 on the terms and conditions for granting scholarships to students, doctoral students and specialists from public higher education institutions and scientific organizations provides that students receive scholarships for participation in practical training.

Until now, such an opportunity has been given only for the payment of a stipend for students participating in student practice, and with the current project, this opportunity is extended to students participating in a trial of dual studies in higher education.

The amount of the scholarship when conducting a student internship is determined by the hourly rate. The project updates the amount of this hourly rate – from BGN 2.50 to BGN 4.50 for an astronomical hour of student practice. The amount of costs inherent in the conduct of a student internship is also updated – from BGN 320 to BGN 577, which include – remuneration for the student’s academic mentor and for his mentor, determined by the employer organization in which the practical training takes place, as well as insurance of the student for the time of his student internship, as well as travel expenses necessary for the purpose of an on-site inspection at the employer organization where the student’s practical training takes place.

The update is necessary in view of the fact that the amount of the scholarship and inherent costs has not been updated in the last five years, as well as in view of the growth rates of the minimum and average wages in the country during this period.

In addition, the change foresees the payment of a scholarship to students who will participate in a trial of dual studies in higher education. In recent years, dual education has found a successful implementation in school education, after it was tested during the implementation of projects financed with European funds. This successful model of training should be upgraded, giving the opportunity to apply it in higher education as well, the MES explain in their reasons. In order for young people to have the motivation to acquire practically applicable knowledge, it is necessary to offer them adequate remuneration when conducting practical training, regardless of whether it will be in the form of a student internship or a trial of dual training. In view of this, the amount of student scholarships for the time of student practice or for testing dual education should not lag behind the minimum wage in the country.

The draft act also determines the amount of the scholarship for the approval of dual education – BGN 4.50, as well as the amount of the inherent costs for the approval of dual education training – BGN 922.

Attracting the necessary number of academic tutors and mentors directly engage in the practical training of students also requires offering an incentive reward for their work.

More information can be found here.
Source: www.standartnews.com