MEC announces up to 375,000 lei allowances for young specialists in 2026-2027
The Ministry of Education and Research (MEC) has officially launched a national competition to distribute young specialists for the academic year 2026-2027. This year's notable improvement includes an increase in the initial allowance for graduates. Those who choose to teach in rural areas, where there is a significant teacher shortage, can receive up to 375,000 lei.
The Ministry of Education and Science has officially opened registrations for young graduates of pedagogical colleges and universities. According to Secretary General Galina Rusu, most of the available positions are concentrated in Chisinau (412), followed by Cimișlia district (86), Gagauzia Autonomous Region (84), and fewer positions in Ocnița, Taraclia, Râșcani, and Dondușeni districts.
By type of institution, there are 559 positions available in lyceums, 528 in gymnasiums, and 359 in kindergartens, with the remaining positions in extracurricular education and mixed institutions. Nearly three-quarters of the positions (71%) are located in rural areas.
The starting payment varies: 160,000 lei for college graduates and 200,000 lei for those with higher education. Additional payments include 75,000 lei for teachers working in rural areas and another 100,000 lei for those teaching high-demand subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics, and Romanian language and literature in institutions that offer instruction in Russian.
The maximum payment, totaling 375,000 lei, is available by meeting both conditions. The payments are disbursed in two installments: 50% after six months of effective work and the remaining 50% after 18 months. If an individual leaves before completing the minimum term of employment, they must return the payments received.
The benefits package also includes a reduced teaching load for the first five years of service, an annual allowance of 4,000 lei for teaching materials, and mentorship support for five years.
At the local level, the municipality of Ungheni provides an example, with local authorities preparing free accommodation for young specialists who choose to work there. Violeta Gavriliuc from the municipality's education department remarked, "The local public authority perceives education as a strategic investment in the future of the community."
Alexandru Didenco, a young mathematics teacher at the "Vasile Alecsandri" Theoretical Lyceum in Bălți and a beneficiary of the program, confirmed during a press conference that the application process is straightforward. "This allocation process is very simple and transparent," he emphasized. He noted that he received guidance from three mentors and benefited from the basic allowance of 200,000 lei, paid in the two instalments mandated by law.
Minister Dan Perciun encouraged graduates to consider a teaching career, characterizing it as a long-term investment in society. "It is a noble career, essential for the society of the Republic of Moldova," he stated.
Last year, 429 young people were placed in schools and kindergartens across the country—the highest number in the last eight years. The goal is to increase the annual placement of young educators to 500.
The enhanced benefits will be available to young specialists assigned to the labor market after July 1, 2026.
