Cypriot Parliament discusses increase in student grants

The Parliamentary Committee on Education has discussed a possible increase in student grants and a revision of income criteria for large families.

The initiative was proposed by ELAM MP Sotiris Ioannou and concerns families with four or more children, who are currently not fully covered by the existing support system.

Committee Chairman Pavlos Milonas stated that many MPs support the idea, although questions of constitutionality have arisen. He also noted that current rules are unfair to large families, especially in light of the demographic crisis in Cyprus.

MPs highlighted that the cost of living has risen by more than 20% over the last 13 years, while current income criteria for grants remain at 2013 levels.

The government previously announced plans to increase the total student support budget from 48 to 62 million euros. Parliament expects the relevant bill to be introduced in the near future.