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Eurydice

EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
Higher education funding

Liechtenstein

3.Funding in education

3.2Higher education funding

Last update: 17 June 2022
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Funding

Tertiary A (higher education, academic)

There is no automatic claim for state subsidy based on the granting of a permission for the foundation and management of a higher education institution. Such state subsidies are given on a legal basis to specific higher education institusion (e.g. University of Liechtenstein) or on the basis of a performance agreement between a higher education institution and the government provided that there is a public interest and the institution fulfills a need.

Also, institutions of research conducting research that is relevant to Liechtenstein (Liechtenstein Institute) can be supported within the framework of a performance agreement. As a foundation under public law the University of Liechtenstein is subsidized or rather carried by the state. The state assigns the movable assets necessary for the management of the University of Liechtenstein and puts the rooms necessary for university operations at their disposal free of charge. The state also pays a state contribution based on financial decisions. Liechtenstein maintains agreements with Switzerland and Austria that secure college places at national terms for residents of Liechtenstein.

Tertiary B (higher professional education)

Financing vocational education is regulated by the Law on Vocational Education and Training. The state bears the costs for school fees (e.g. training colleges and vocational upper secondary schools), for the compulsory training courses of the vocational trainers, for the exams and other qualification procedures, for remedial courses and optional courses at training colleges etc. The state also makes contributions e.g. to external courses, to preparatory actions for the basic vocational training, for international coordination in the field of vocational education etc. Liechtenstein does not have its own training colleges and is therefore dependent on Switzerland's range of schooling (inter-cantonal agreements).

Fees within public higher education

Tuition fees at the University of Liechtenstein are CHF 950.-- per semester. Tuition fees at the two private universities depending on the courses of study are considerably higher.

Financial support for learners

The allocation of educational grants is stipulated by the Scholarship Law. The state allocates grants in the form of stipends (without repayment obligation) and interest-free loans (with repayment obligation). Basically all the residents of Liechtenstein are entitled to educational grants. The amount of the grant follows the principles of subsidiarity (subject to income and capital of the parents or guardians). By the age of 25 an educational grant in the form of a stipend or a free loan can be obtained (independently from the income of the legal guardians). This claim expires with the end of the education.

By the age of 32 no stipends but loans are exclusively given for educational purposes. Support goes to educational as well as professional initial and advanced education leading to a degree that is recognized by Liechtenstein, support is also given for recognized further education.

References