Economist Veaceslav Ionita expressed his concerns about the decreasing number of young people of student age in Moldova. He mentioned that in the past the number of students was growing, but the situation changed after the first wave of migration, when many people went abroad and sent money back home for their children’s university education. This caused a student boom, but in the following years the number of first year enrolments dropped significantly. The influx of foreign students and over 30s who went to study partially supported the situation.
However, now young people of student age continue to decline, and the expert attributes this to demographic processes and the third wave of migration, when young people leave in search of better prospects outside the country. This raises concerns about the future of the higher education system in Moldova, as the number of enrollments in universities is expected to decrease. The decrease in the number of young people of student age may affect the activities of universities and the educational system as a whole, leaving serious consequences for the country.
