Nicosia, Cyprus. The budget for student grants is set to rise to €62 million, government spokesman Konstatinos Letymbiotis said, with a bill to expand the budget to be sent to parliament immediately.
Budget increase and expanded eligibility
Letymbiotis said the increase will expand the circle of beneficiaries and strengthen support for thousands of families. He said all family income brackets regarding the grant will increase by €5,000, making students from households earning up to a combined €44,000 per year eligible for the maximum grant amount, while extending grants to students from households earning up to a combined €64,000 per year.
Higher grant levels
He said a 10% increase is foreseen in the level of student grants offered for students from families with an annual income of up to €44,000. The increase is expected to raise the maximum grant amount from €1,710 to €1,881.
Support for large families
Letymbiotis also said students from families with five or more children will be eligible for grants regardless of their families’ income levels, adding that welfare for large families is of particular importance.
Government message on fiscal policy
He said responsible economic policy creates fiscal space for targeted and effective social policy, adding that economic stability is a tool to support society and especially the next generation. He said that when the economy is managed responsibly, society wins, and that investing in students is an investment in the future of the country.
How do you think the expanded income thresholds and increased grant amounts will affect student access to support?
