Applications open for 2026-2027 nursery school fee and meal subsidies

Nicosia, Cyprus. Parents of children up to the age of five can apply from Monday for subsidies covering nursery school fees and meals for the 2026-2027 school year, the deputy welfare ministry announced. The schemes cover eligible children attending participating nursery schools in the government-controlled areas of the Republic.

Tuition subsidy for children aged four

One scheme covers tuition fees for children aged four until they become eligible for free compulsory pre-primary education, under reforms included in Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Families whose children were at least four years old on August 31, including those born between May 1 and August 31, 2022, are eligible if they live in the government-controlled areas of the Republic.

Approved children may attend a nursery school participating in the scheme. The monthly subsidy covers 100 per cent of fees, up to €130 or €200 per child, depending on whether the child is enrolled in a public or private nursery school.

Support for children under four

Subsidies for nursery school fees and meals for children up to four years old are provided through a plan co-funded by the EU Thalia 2021-2027 social cohesion programme.

Parents receiving child benefit in 2026 for children under four who are enrolled in a participating nursery school may receive a subsidy covering up to 80 per cent of monthly fees.

Applications and payments

Information on both schemes is available from participating nursery schools. Parents must first enrol their children and then submit an online application through the government portal at https://www.gov.cy or the subsidy website at https://www.wbas.dmsw.gov.cy.

Only one parent may apply. In cases involving separated or divorced parents, the child’s guardian must submit the application.

Applicants will be notified immediately of the outcome. Subsidies will be paid monthly at the end of each month, starting from the month in which the application is submitted.