Argentina increases student scholarships while Ecuador's Biess expands educational loans

In Argentina, the government has officially increased the monthly amount for the Manuel Belgrano Scholarships, a program supporting students in strategic university careers. Under Resolution 544/2026, signed by Secretary of Education Carlos Torrendell, the monthly benefit rises from $122,527 to $187,495. This increase, representing a 53% hike, is retroactive to June 2026, meaning beneficiaries will receive accumulated differences in their September payments.

The program targets approximately 36,000 students in public universities studying fields such as energy, mining, biotechnology, and information technology. Eligibility requires Argentine nationality, enrollment in strategic careers, and family income below three minimum wages.

In Ecuador, the Banco del Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (Biess) reported that between January and August 2026, it disbursed over $374.70 million in unsecured loans specifically for educational purposes. This amount accounts for 11.88% of the total unsecured loans issued by the bank during the same period.

Biess recorded 242,600 educational loan operations, which represent 12.82% of its total consumer credit operations. The average educational loan was approximately $1,545. Demand peaked in July with $51.5 million in disbursements, coinciding with the start of new academic cycles.