For years, the Ministry of Education has been awarding scholarships of 1000 euros to girls and women studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This year, the criterion was to pass at least two exams. However, over 200 applications were rejected, for reasons related to the document proving grades.
Egzona Mema
Meeting the requirement of passing at least two exams was not enough for a first-year student to receive a 1000 euro scholarship dedicated to girls and women studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
In addition to this student, the Evaluation Committee operating within the Ministry of Education rejected the applications of about 200 other applicants, on the grounds that the second page of the transcript of grades was missing. The Ministry of Education justified the committee's decisions, saying that there is relevant data on that page.
"The second page of the transcript of grades is an integral part of the original document and is of essential importance for verifying its authenticity. This page contains the date of issuance of the transcript of grades, the signature of the Dean, the signature of the responsible official and the official seal of the Higher Education Institution," the Ministry of Education's response states.
For students whose scholarship application has been rejected, there is a possibility of an appeal, which can be filed within the seven-day period.
"In cases where students, along with their complaint, attach the second page of the transcript and the documentation meets the conditions set out in the public call, the Complaints Committee may positively assess such cases," the Ministry's response states.
Education expert Rinor Qehaja says that this technique for selecting scholarship beneficiaries is inappropriate.
also
Scholarships for students with good results who choose deficit profiles
"The context and purpose of the scholarship is encouraging and I am very convinced that the Ministry will be flexible in the face of any failure in the application, so that no one is stopped from the good purpose of the scholarship. In the coming years, I hope that the attention will not turn to the application, but to the benefit that students receive in STEM", said Qehaja.
The call for STEM scholarships benefited 599 students who have completed their first year in the fields of: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Unlike other years when the condition for the 1000 euro scholarship was proof that you had registered for studies in these fields, this year the Ministry opened the call only after the end of the first semester and grading, with the justification of avoiding abuses.
