Big student grants increase in reformed system

By Jane Marshall. Student unions in France have welcomed the announcement of a reformed system of student benefits – including a substantial increase in grants – costing an extra €318 million (US$417 million) for the next two years, starting from the new university year in September. Geneviève Fioraso, minister of higher education and research, met student representatives on Tuesday to explain the reform, which will be introduced in two stages, starting with students in greatest difficulty. Further measures will come into effect from 2014-15. Read more...