GAP: Over 3,000 teachers removed from education grant for 2026

More than three thousand teachers in Kosovo will not be funded by the education grant for the year 2026, creating a financial gap exceeding 24 million euros for local communities, according to a report published by the Institute for Public Policy Analysis (GAP). The report titled "The Number of Teachers in Municipalities: Surplus or Need?" highlights a significant discrepancy between the number of teachers reported by municipalities and those approved for funding by the Ministry of Finance.

According to the analysis, the Ministry of Finance has determined the funding for teacher salaries based on the current number of students and the student-to-teacher ratio, following recommendations and regulations set by the Ministry of Education. As a result, there is a notable mismatch between the number of teachers reported by municipalities and those approved for funding.

For the year 2026, the Ministry of Finance has removed a total of 3,101 teachers from the education grant. According to the findings, for the 25 municipalities analyzed in this study, municipalities have submitted a total of 27,282 teachers for the year 2026, while only 24,200 were approved. Consequently, 3,082 teachers—approximately 11.3% of the number submitted—remain outside the scope of the grant funding.

The Institute for Public Policy Analysis warns that municipalities now face two alternatives: align the number of teachers with the standards set by the Ministry of Education or continue employing additional teachers using municipal budgets or general grants. Financial pressure is particularly high on the municipality of Gjilani, which is expected to face costs exceeding 2.5 million euros for the salaries of teachers above the standard. Following Gjilani are Gjakova with over 2.3 million euros, as well as Peja, Malisheva, Podujeva, Rahovec, Suhareka, Skenderaj, and the southern part of Mitrovica.

An analysis published by the Institute for Public Policy Analysis raises concerns about the financing of teachers in Kosovo's municipalities, noting that the stricter application of the education grant formula has led to significant mismatches between the number of teachers reported by municipalities and those approved for funding.

According to the analysis "The Number of Teachers in Municipalities: Surplus or Need?", the Ministry of Finance has calculated the education grant for the year 2026 based on the current number of students and the student-to-teacher ratio, following recommendations and regulations from the Ministry of Education. The data show that for the year 2026, a total of 3,101 teachers have been excluded from the education grant at the national level. "For the 25 municipalities analyzed in this study, municipalities have submitted a total of 27,282 teachers for the year 2026, while only 24,200 were approved. As a result, 3,082 teachers, or approximately 11.3% of the number submitted, remain outside the scope of the grant," states the report from the Institute for Public Policy Analysis.

This institute assesses that the decision will create a considerable burden on municipal budgets. According to the analysis, the cost of covering the salaries of teachers who remain outside the grant exceeds 24 million euros just for the year 2026. The report notes that the greatest financial pressure falls on the municipalities of Gjilani, Gjakova, Peja, Malisheva, Podujeva, Rahovec, Suhareka, Skenderaj, and the southern part of Mitrovica.

The analysis points out that the issue also relates to the continuous decline in the number of students. According to the data, in the 25 municipalities analyzed, the number of students has decreased from 300,429 in the school year 2023/2024 to 279,465 in the school year 2026/2027, representing a decrease of around 21,000 students.

The Institute for Public Policy Analysis recommends that municipalities undertake a well-planned process of reorganization of the school network and management of teaching staff so that the preschool and primary education system can adapt to demographic changes and financial capacities.

The situation underscores the complex interplay between educational policy, demographic trends, and fiscal constraints. With a shrinking student population, municipalities are grappling with the challenge of maintaining adequate staffing levels without sufficient financial support. This has forced local governments to consider alternative funding mechanisms, including reallocating resources from other areas or seeking external assistance.

The implications of these developments extend beyond immediate budgetary pressures. They raise broader questions about the sustainability of the current education model in Kosovo and the need for long-term planning to address evolving demographic realities. Experts suggest that a comprehensive review of the education sector’s structure and funding mechanisms is necessary to ensure equitable access to quality education for all children, regardless of their location or socio-economic background.

As the academic year approaches, the focus will likely shift towards how municipalities manage these challenges. Some may opt to reduce class sizes or consolidate schools to optimize resource use, while others might explore partnerships with private entities or international organizations for additional support. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the education system can adapt effectively to these new conditions without compromising the quality of learning outcomes for students.