Cyprus plans to increase student grants for the first time in nearly 30 years

Cyprus may raise student grants for the first time in 27 years and revise the eligibility criteria, the Ministry of Finance announced during a meeting of the parliamentary Education Committee. The changes could take effect as early as 2026.

The discussion was initiated by members of the AKEL party — Christos Christofides, Andreas Kafkalias, and Christos Christofias. They reminded that the grant amount has remained unchanged since 1998, while students’ purchasing power has dropped significantly.

“Today, students can afford only half of what they could in 1998,” said Christofides. “Rents are rising, expenses are increasing, but support remains the same.”

He also criticized cuts to the education budget, emphasizing that “it’s impossible to talk about supporting the middle class while simultaneously reducing funding for student programs.”

DISY MP Prodromos Alabritis welcomed the initiative, noting that after many appeals and statements, the authorities are finally ready to expand income criteria and increase the grant amount.

DIKO representative Chrisantos Savviidis stated that his party had long advocated for such changes and that income and property limits will be lifted for families with five children.

DIPA MP Alekas Trifonidis stressed that increasing grants and simplifying application procedures is vital amid rising housing and education costs. He added that education is “an investment in the country’s future” and pledged to work for measures that promote social justice and support for the middle class, youth, and workers.