The Ministry of Education has announced that the Euro 200 program will continue in 2025, providing financial support of 200 euros for the purchase of a computer. This initiative aims to support students up to 26 years old from state or accredited private educational institutions, specifically targeting those from families with a gross monthly income of no more than 500 lei per family member.
In a significant move, the income ceiling has been raised from 250 lei this year, reflecting the rising consumer prices, as indicated by data from the National Institute of Statistics. This adjustment is designed to make the program more accessible to families facing financial difficulties.
To qualify for this assistance, interested parties must submit their applications and all necessary documentation by May 16, 2025. The Ministry has outlined a clear timeline for the program, with the list of beneficiaries scheduled to be published in educational institutions on June 27, 2025. Following this, there will be a period for appeals, and the final list of beneficiaries will be available by July 25, 2025.
Applicants are required to prepare a comprehensive file that includes a standard application form, copies of identity documents or birth certificates for both the applicant and family members, documents that verify monthly income, student certificates, and a declaration affirming compliance with the income ceiling. Furthermore, students must provide proof of their academic performance, demonstrating the completion of at least 45 credits in the previous academic year, except for first-year students.
For those applying, all documents must be submitted in copy form, though original documents will need to be presented for verification at the time of application. This thorough documentation process ensures that the program is targeted at those who genuinely qualify for the financial support.
In terms of the technical specifications for the computers, the Ministry has established minimum requirements that must be met for the devices to be eligible for purchase under this program. For desktop computers, the specifications include a processor of at least 3.0 GHz, a minimum of 500 GB hard drive or a 240 GB SSD, and at least 8 GB of DDR3 or DDR4 RAM, along with a minimum 18.5-inch LCD or LED monitor that supports Full HD resolution.
On the other hand, laptops must feature a processor with a minimum of two cores, 8 GB of RAM, and a hard drive or SSD that meets the same minimum capacity. Additionally, laptops should have a screen size of at least 14 inches with a resolution of no less than 1366x768, and must include a built-in webcam.
Once approved, beneficiaries will receive a voucher that can be utilized at authorized dealers participating in the program. It is important to note that if the cost of the computer exceeds the 200 euros covered by the state, the difference will need to be paid by the beneficiary. This arrangement helps to ensure that students can access the technology they need, while also maintaining a level of financial responsibility.
Merchants participating in the program are obligated to issue an invoice or fiscal receipt indicating that the 200 euros will be reimbursed by the school inspectorate or the higher education institution. They must also provide a warranty certificate that is valid for 24 months from the date of sale, ensuring that the purchased equipment is protected for a reasonable period.
The continuation of the Euro 200 program in 2025 represents a vital effort by the Ministry of Education to bridge the digital divide and support students in their educational endeavors. As technology becomes increasingly integral to learning, initiatives like this are crucial in providing equitable access to necessary resources.
With the deadline for applications approaching, students and families are encouraged to prepare their documents promptly to take advantage of this support. The increase in the income ceiling offers hope to many who may have previously been excluded from such programs, allowing for greater participation in the digital age.
As the program unfolds, it will be closely monitored to assess its impact on educational access and student performance. The Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring that all eligible students have the opportunity to benefit from this initiative, paving the way for a more technologically equipped future generation.
