The Government will increase study awards for students by 35%, as from 2007. For the first three months of the year, scholarships will be recalculated, according to a Government decision of March 21, Info-Prim Neo reports. Deputy Minister of Education and Youth Valentin Crudu told reporters that for the current year resources have been earmarked in the state budget for the increase of scholarships of all levels, except for secondary professional education. He mentioned that financial aid for the students from the last mentioned category hasn’t been increased because all the students from these schools receive free lunches. Their scholarships will stick to the level of MDL 120. After increases, scholarships in higher education will vary between 285 and 365 lei, corresponding to the 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree. In vocational education institutions students will receive from MDL 210 to 285. Merit awards will be also increased by 35%. The Scholarship of the Republic will reach 675 lei; Scholarship of the President - 610 lei for higher education, and 410 lei – for vocational education, Scholarship of the Government – 555 lei, and Gaudeamus Scholarship – 405 lei.