Dispute over student meals as Government offers MKD 4,500 monthly vouchers

The debate over student meals in North Macedonia has returned to the public agenda. Students had demanded an increase of the daily subsidy from 140 to 200 denars, while the Government announced a new digital service and vouchers delivering a monthly amount of 4,500 denars — roughly 180 denars per day.

Some student representatives accepted the proposed model under certain conditions, but not all student organisations agree. The Forum for Educational Changes says the previous payment-card system functioned well and stresses that the state must honour its legal obligation to adjust the meal allowance in line with inflation.

Legal action and the core dispute

On 6 November 2026 the Forum for Educational Changes filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Education and Science at the Administrative Court, seeking to determine responsibility for the lack of indexation over the past three years and compensation for students. That legal step underlines the deepest grievance: that statutory duties on indexing the allowance have not been met.

Critics ask whether about MKD 180 per day is sufficient for a decent, healthy meal and whether the new voucher model will expand students’ choices or constrain where they can spend the subsidy. The differences among student representatives centre on practical details — who administers the vouchers, which outlets will be included, and safeguards for students who rely on campus canteens.

The debate also reopened a broader question: why students are forced to go to court to secure the enforcement of a legal obligation. The Government says the new digital scheme will streamline delivery, but student groups demand clear guarantees that the real purchasing power of the subsidy will not be eroded.

POLL: Are MKD 180 a day enough for a student to secure a decent meal? Yes/No

Photo: press material from the event