Lånekassen is working on a completely new loan program for those who want to undertake short and flexible studies while working. The goal is for more people to be able to afford to study alongside work. First, an amendment to the law must be introduced, a bill will be submitted today - we read in the press release of the Norwegian government.
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The government will make it easier for working people to start studying
– We must facilitate lifelong learning, regardless of where in the country you live and regardless of whether your employer funds it or not. Demand on skills in professional life cannot be met only by new people - working people also need to update their skills, says Minister of Research and Higher Education Oddmund Hoel.
Loan for shorter courses, including those shorter than one semester
Present support program Lånekassen education is intended for people who study part-time or full-time for at least one semester. The new loan must be granted for shorter courses, including those shorter than one semester. You shouldn't be tied down to monthly payments, but you can choose your own payment frequency.
Investing in your own competences
The target group for the new loan program is employees who want to pursue education that is not provided to them employer.
– Today, short supplementary education does not entitle you to educational support from Lånekassen. For many, finances are the main obstacle to making further education and investing in your own competences. Now we'll do something about it. I hope the new loan program will be available as early as 2025, says Hoel.
New Act on Interest
The Ministry of National Education presents the project today Act containing proposals for changes to the Act on Supporting Education, which is the basis for the new loan program. The amendment to the Act means that in the case of special arrangements, interest can be charged from the first day if the Storting so decides. The Working Adult Loan Scheme will earn interest from day one. It will also be separated from the regular one support program education that benefits ordinary students.
– Loans provided by Lånekassen will continue to be interest-free during the study period for all regular bachelor's, master's and higher education students schools professional. This is an important principle, says Hoel.
The application includes:
- The Ministry of Education proposes that in the case of special interest programs on education loans could be accrued during your studies if the Storting so determined.
- Not expected changes to the main principle of the Act on supporting education regarding interest-free loans. For pupils and students receiving loans under the regular education support program, it does not matter that the law charges interest from an earlier period.
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Source: rgjeringen, Photo: pixabay
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