student grant — student grant — Cyprus may soon witness its first increase in student sponsorships in almost three decades, as the finance ministry has indicated intentions to lift the grant amounts and adjust eligibility criteria, potentially starting in 2026. This significant development emerged during a recent parliamentary education committee meeting.
The committee discussion was prompted by a proposal from Akel MPs Christos Christofides, Andreas Kafkalias, and Christos Christofias, who aimed to assess the existing procedures and criteria for student sponsorships and allowances.
Christofides pointed out the stark reality faced by students, stating, “for 27 years now, the amount of student sponsorship has been the same, which has resulted in our students, with the money they receive, being able to do half the things that their fellow students did when student sponsorship began in 1998.”
Highlighting the pressing issues of rising living costs, particularly in housing, he further remarked, “We live in a time when rents are soaring […] but support for students remains stagnant.” His comments reflect a growing concern among many regarding the adequacy of financial support for students in today’s economic landscape.
Christofides also expressed his discontent with recent budget cuts, suggesting that it is insufficient for the presidential office to call for financial assistance to the middle class while simultaneously slashing the sponsorship budget. “While we welcome the progress after many years of struggle,” he explained, “we will monitor developments closely to ensure these promises become reality.”
In a positive response, Disy MP Prodromos Alabritis expressed satisfaction with the finance ministry’s intentions to expand both the income criteria and the sponsorship amounts. He noted the importance of these changes, saying, “after many statements and many calls for strengthening student sponsorship, it is with satisfaction that we heard today that there is an intention from the finance ministry to expand.”
Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvidis mirrored this sentiment, affirming that his party’s long-standing request for increased sponsorship amounts is being addressed. He emphasised that families with five children will face no income or property restrictions, a significant move designed to alleviate financial burdens on larger families amid rising costs of living.
Adding to the chorus of support, Dipa MP Alekos Tryfonidis underlined the necessity for substantial state assistance to help students cope with soaring accommodation and tuition costs. He described education as an essential investment in the future of Cyprus and highlighted the need for a simplified application process to ensure fair and merit-based distribution of support, particularly for large families facing financial scrutiny.
Tryfonidis also pointed out that this expansion in sponsorship aligns with addressing demographic challenges in the country. He pledged continued efforts to enhance social justice and support for the middle class, youth, and workers, stating, “We will continue to work consistently for practical solutions that will promote social justice and support the middle class and lower strata of youth and workers.”
