Student aid in Cyprus under pressure. MPs give government 15 days

Student aid in Cyprus has once again been considered by the Parliamentary Education Committee. MPs point out that high rents and living costs make it difficult for families to finance their education. According to reports cited during the discussion, some young people are abandoning their studies for financial reasons.

The Commission expects concrete responses from the Ministries of Education and Finance within 15 days. The proposals under consideration include income and asset criteria, expanding the group of eligible individuals, and support for large families. No new rules or further benefit increases have yet been adopted.

Student Aid in Cyprus – What Does the Commission Expect?

Seven proposed changes were discussed during the November 4 meeting. MPs want to know which solutions the government supports, where they see obstacles, and whether they intend to submit their own proposal.

Chrysanthos Savvidis, chairman of the Education and Culture Committee, emphasized that the actions taken so far have not resolved all the problems. Families continue to report difficulties supporting their children while they are studying.

Representatives of the Ministry of Finance pointed to changes introduced already in 2026 and the need to assess the budgetary effects of subsequent interventions.

Up to €60,000 in four years - MP's estimate

Savvidis estimated that the total cost of a four-year degree program could reach 60,000 euros, also when the student does not pay tuition fees at a public university.

This includes expenses related to housing, food, commuting, and daily living. This is particularly noticeable for those studying outside their hometown.

This is an estimate provided by the MP, not the officially established average cost of studies. Actual expenses depend on factors such as the city, housing conditions, and the availability of support from loved ones.

What is the current basic surcharge?

In the debate, there was a postulate that the support should amount to approximately 3,000 eurosHowever, this is not a new approved amount.

The current basic student subsidy depends on family income. The published rules for the 2025/2026 academic year indicate the following rates:

In 2026, income thresholds were raised by €5,000 and the basic subsidy was increased by 10% for families with incomes up to €44,000. Therefore, the current system should not be presented as completely unchanged for years.

However, MEPs argue that even after these adjustments, the aid does not match the rising cost of living.

Distance learning, professional qualifications and payment to the student account

One proposal concerns providing assistance to those pursuing professional qualifications, such as a Chartered Accountant. The situation of students studying remotely was also raised in the discussion.

Savvidis also suggested transferring the money directly to the student's account. He pointed to reported problems faced by families receiving the guaranteed minimum income when student aid was transferred to the parent's account.

These are proposals requiring further consideration. Their implementation has not yet been announced.

Rents and student housing remain a big problem

The Commission also revisited the issue of accommodation, particularly in Nicosia and Limassol. The lack of affordable housing can significantly increase the cost of studying away from home.

Representatives of large families called for more lenient criteria for accessing assistance. With multiple children attending school, housing, transportation, and living expenses are cumulated in a single budget.

The government is to present a specific position

The legal service has raised constitutional objections to some of the proposals that would increase state spending. However, the commission expects solutions to be identified that can be effectively implemented.

The topic is scheduled to return after the designated 15 days. The most important question for students remains whether the discussion will result in changes to access to benefits and their amounts. The committee meeting itself does not mean new entitlements or the opening of an additional application process.