The State University of Physical Education and Sports (USEFS) will have the status of Institute within the Moldova State University (USM) after the merger of the two institutions. The new institution will enjoy broad autonomy and will include all three faculties of USEFS – Kinesiotherapy, Physical Education and Sports, and Security Sciences, IPN reports.

Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun said that all USEFS employees will be transferred to USM, while students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral higher education programs will continue their studies at the same programs and with the tuition fees set the previous year. The educational process will continue on the existing campus. “The new statute of USEFS will strengthen the capacities of the institution, will help it overcome its problems and increase credibility among foreign partners,” stated the minister.

According to the Ministry, this change will improve the financial situation of USEFS given the decline of about 15% in the total number of students the last three years. Given such negative developments, USEFS in 2023 experienced considerable financial problems and the shortage of about 6 million lei was covered by the Ministry of Education and Research. To support the physical education and sports sector, the Ministry will invest 10 million lei in the infrastructure of the former USEFS. Also, the state will sign contracts for continuous training services for coaches and teachers of physical education and sports with the institution.

The decision on the merger of USEFS with USM was adopted by a Government decision on December 27, 2023. The Cabinet meeting took place amidst a protest against the merger. The protesters, who included members of the Party of Socialists, chanted “Down with the liquidators!”, “Perciun – minister of degradation!”, “Take your hands off education!”.