Temporary Work for University Students in Cape Verde: A New Perspective on Inclusion and Sustainability

On 21 May 2026, the National Assembly passed Law No. 75/X/2026, which establishes the legal framework for temporary work for university students. The measure comes in response to the financial difficulties many young people face in completing their higher education, seeking to balance academic life with opportunities for a regular income.

A step towards democratising higher education

The legislation recognises that access to and retention in higher education remain heavily influenced by families’ financial circumstances. Despite support such as scholarships and grants, many students still struggle to cover the costs of tuition fees, accommodation and academic materials. The new law aims to reduce the risk of students dropping out and to strengthen equity in access to education.

Objectives of the Act:

The legislation seeks to balance academic life with opportunities to earn an income, without compromising academic success. The main objectives include:

– Strengthening students’ financial capacity and reducing the risk of dropping out of education;

– To promote professional experiences that enhance transferable skills;

– To ensure compatibility between work and academic attendance;

– To reduce irregular working practices and strengthen social protection; and

– To facilitate the transition into the labour market upon completion of studies.

Requirements and Conditions:

To join the scheme, students must be enrolled at an accredited national higher education institution and must not hold any other paid employment. Furthermore, they must be in good academic standing, with the sole exception of cases of long-term illness, an accident at work or special leave.

Management and operation:

The programme will be managed by the Cape Verdean Foundation for School Social Action (FICASE), which is responsible for publicising opportunities, supporting applications and supervising contracts. Applications will be made via an online platform, with the option to register in person or by email until the digital system is fully operational.

Contract and duration:

The contract must be in writing and may not exceed 12 months, corresponding to the academic year; it may be renewed up to the end of the course of study. The normal working hours may not exceed 4 hours per day and 22 hours per week, with flexibility during the months of August and September.

Remuneration and incentives:

Students shall be entitled to fair remuneration, which shall never be less than the minimum wage, calculated in proportion to the hours worked. The law also provides for:

– Exemption from personal income tax (IRPS);

– A 25 per cent deduction on the amount paid for each student employed by companies with organised accounting systems;

– Social security incentives for contracts with a minimum duration of one year.

Expected impact of the Act:

With this measure, the Government aims to ensure that no student drops out of higher education for financial reasons, whilst promoting regulated and enriching professional experiences. The Act represents a milestone in public policy on education and employment, strengthening the sustainability of higher education and social inclusion in Cape Verde.