"Return Home" measure with over 4,000 approved applications - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

More than 4,000 young Azorean students who have left their home island to attend an educational institution have already had their applications approved under the “Return Home” measure, as part of the “Youth+” package.

More than 97% of the young students whose applications were approved for this unprecedented measure in the Azores, launched by the Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, have already received their grant payments, corresponding to an investment of over €350,000. 

“This measure is one of the clearest examples of what we want for Azorean youth: removing obstacles, creating opportunities and strengthening our young people’s connection to their islands and to our Region,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment.

Maria João Carreiro also emphasised that this measure, in addition to reducing the financial burden on families, helps ensure that “distance does not become a factor driving young people away from their islands” and their communities. 

Under the “Return Home” measure, displaced young students living can benefit from two round-trip flights per academic year between their home island and the location of the educational establishment where they are enrolled. 

Travel by young people from an island other than their place of residence to their educational establishment is eligible for support where direct flights are unavailable or when one of their parents resides on that island.

Support for each trip, up to a maximum of €99, includes expenses for purchasing hold luggage and penalties for changing travel dates, when not included in the ticket.

Young students aged 26 or under, who are tax residents in the Azores and are attending level 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 courses within the National Qualifications Framework at a school establishment outside their island of residence, including another island in the Azores, Mainland Portugal or Madeira, are eligible for this measure. 

The mobility grant is awarded per academic year for trips taking place between September 1 and July 31.

Applications must be submitted on the Youth Portal, at juventude.azores.gov.pt, from September 1 to August 15, according to the relevant regulations, which are also available for consultation on the Youth Portal.

The "Return Home – Support for the Mobility of Displaced Young Students" measure is part of the "+ Youth" package, which includes, among others, the "Salary Promotion Measure."