Santa Cruz de Tenerife 7 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The Ministry of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture of the Government of the Canary Islands, via the General Directorate of Universities and Research, aims to implement “a second opportunity” within the scholarship framework, enabling first-year students who choose to alter their degrees, after reconsidering their decision or for other motivations, to re-apply for a scholarship from the Canary Islands Government.
In a statement, the Regional Department has underscored the two strategic lines proposed by the Executive for this fiscal year: enhancing the scholarship system and university assistance as well as introducing microcredentials in the public universities of the archipelago.
Consequently, the initiative of a “second opportunity” in the Canarian scholarship framework aims “to reduce the likelihood of students dropping out of the university system due to shifts in their interests or aspirations.”
Furthermore, the Canarian Executive is working towards creating a complement for academic excellence, which will provide additional assistance to students displaying outstanding performance. They are also exploring the possibility of increasing the amounts of the current scholarships, surpassing the figures allocated by the Ministry of Universities of the Government of Spain, “which have not been revised in years.”
Another measure under consideration involves incorporating students of advanced artistic studies into the scholarship system, whereby coordination with other governmental departments such as the Ministry of Education is currently being assessed, considering that oversight could fall under these bodies.
According to the Ministry, there is also a desire to enhance the management of scholarships and travel assistance, aiming to reduce processing times. For this purpose, discussions have commenced with the Technological Institute of the Canary Islands (ITC), which might take on part of the management responsibilities for these procedures.
They further state that collaboration is ongoing with the General Directorate of Digital Transformation of Public Services to improve accessibility and transparency in the application submission and tracking processes.
Microcredential in public universities
Among the aims of the Regional Executive for 2025 is the establishment of microcredentials within the public universities of the Canary Islands. This educational model will facilitate the provision of flexible and specialised training, tailored to the requirements of the job market.
In this context, as per the Regional Department, the draft of the Order has already been developed in collaboration with universities and other bodies, including the Treasury, the project unit of the European Next Generation EU Instrument, and the General Directorate of Universities and Research.
“We aspire to create a fairer and more accessible scholarship system that rewards excellence, prevents dropouts, and supports those who genuinely require assistance. The second opportunity is vital for any student whose access to higher education may be hindered by an initial choice that did not align with their expectations,” remarked the Minister of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture, Migdalia Machín.
The Ministry also notes that for the 2024/2025 academic year, 10.5 million euros have been allocated to scholarships, covering registration, transport, and accommodation, representing an increase from the 8.4 million of the previous year. This financial commitment strengthens the availability of such assistance, facilitating access and retention in higher education within the Canary Islands.
