Legislative Assembly proposes creation of displaced island student status

The Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira has approved, through Resolution no. 17/2026/M, the presentation to the Assembly of the Republic of a legislative proposal that establishes the Displaced Island Student Status. The diploma aims to mitigate territorial inequalities and the increased costs that young Madeirans face when pursuing higher education outside the Region.

Main Rights Provided:

• Accommodation: Creation of a special quota for access to student residences.
• Health: Guarantee of assignment of a family doctor and priority access to mental health consultations (psychiatry and psychology).
• Mobility: Maintenance of the social mobility subsidy, ensuring that students only pay the fixed base price for travel.
• Taxation: 50 percentage point increase in the IRS tax deduction for education and rental expenses.
• Academic: Right to take at least two exams annually during a special period.
• Support: Creation of an electronic platform for managing scholarships.

The status applies to students enrolled in higher education institutions in the national territory, outside their region of tax domicile. Detailed regulations will be defined by a joint ordinance from the Government members responsible for higher education, finance, and health.