The Cyprus House of Representatives has unanimously approved legislation amending the State Student Welfare Law. The law increases the number of eligible students, removes income and asset limits for families with more than five children, and raises student grants by 10% for families with annual income up to €44,000.
Extended deadlines and increased grants
The amendment also allows the government to extend the application deadline for student financial aid, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Finance and a Cabinet decision. The changes increase eligibility by raising income thresholds by €5,000 and removing previous restrictions, allowing beneficiaries to access other tax reliefs without limitations.
Parliamentary debate and perspectives
ELAM MP Sotiris Ioannou highlighted that income criteria are updated for the first time in over twenty years, while noting inconsistencies affecting families with multiple children. DIPA MP Alekos Tryfonides welcomed the update but called for attention to families with four children amid demographic concerns.
EDEK MP Ilias Myrianthous emphasised improving electronic evaluation and faster grant distribution. DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvidis described the reform as a step in the right direction, and AKEL MP Christos Christofides noted the inclusion of over 3,000 families, while urging alignment with presidential promises for additional funding.
DISY MPs Prodromos Alambritis and Onoufrios Koullas acknowledged the progress but stressed that inflation and cost-of-living increases require a more generous, holistic approach. DIKO MP Christiana Erotokritou highlighted the need to differentiate between budgeted and actual expenditure.
Also read: Smart meters rollout expands in April
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
