Increased funds, expanded income limits and more money for air tickets are included in the new student allowance framework, which was approved yesterday by the Council of Ministers for the academic year 2025-2026.
On the proposal of the Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, the allocation of €11.5 million was approved, compared to €10 million. last year, while a second decision grants €1.2 million. to families of Greek and repatriated Cypriot students. In total, the funds amount to €12.7 million, increased by €1.7 million. compared to the previous year.
Who benefits
In practice, the changes increase the range of beneficiaries, as the maximum family income increases by €5,000, from €39,000 to €44,000 for families with two dependent children. For families with more children, the income limit starts at €64,000 and increases by €5,000 for each additional child. Particular emphasis is placed on large families, as the income and property criteria for those with more than five dependent children are completely abolished.
At €500 the plane ticket
The air ticket allowance will be increased by €200, which rises from €300 to €500, under the weight of the energy crisis and increased travel costs. The allowances also cover living and food costs, while an additional aid of €500 is provided for first-year students. They are awarded through a points system, based on the economic and social situation of each family.
Support for Greeks and repatriates
A special provision concerns families of Greek students studying in Cyprus, with permanent residence of their parents in Greece, as well as repatriated families of Cypriots, whose children are studying in Cyprus or abroad. These categories will be allocated €1.2 million, increased by €200,000, as due to their previous stay abroad they are not covered by the normal state student grant, the total expenditure of which exceeds €30 million.
Applications will be submitted only electronically, through the platform of the Sponsorship and Allowances Service, on a date to be announced soon. The CY Login account is required, which must be identified for Cypriot repatriates, but not for Greek applicants.
Keravnos: Inflation in the spotlight
The need to readjust the income criteria, so that the inflationary pressures of recent years do not leave families with real needs out of support, underlined the Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, explaining the rationale for the decisions. The minister pointed out that the adjustment takes into account the living difficulties caused by the energy crisis and the unstable geopolitical environment, affecting students, households and businesses. He assured, at the same time, that the government will continue to ensure that "economic growth translates into real support for every family in need", with respect to the stability of public finances.
