Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited students to engage in dialogue while announcing a package of measures aimed at easing financial pressures on university students.

Under the proposed measures, scholarships for students from low-income families will rise to 25,000 lek per month and be extended to master’s degree students. 

The government also plans housing support, subsidized rent, zero-interest or 3% loans for eligible applicants, and work placements offering half the minimum wage.

Rama said the government would also launch a digital platform to facilitate dialogue with students. The measures come amid student protests and calls for changes to university policies.