Breaking news

Cyprus parliament Revises Student Aid Law, Grants Up 10% For Incomes Up To €44,000

Overview

Parliament approved amendments to the State Student Assistance Law, expanding eligibility criteria and increasing financial support for students. Changes include higher income thresholds, increased grant amounts and removal of income and asset criteria for large families.

Key Revisions

Lawmakers increased the eligible household income threshold by €5,000, expanding access to state support. Families with annual income up to €44,000 will receive a 10% increase in student grants under the updated framework.

Eligibility rules were revised to remove income and asset criteria for families with more than five dependent children. Previous restrictions on combining student aid with tax deductions were also removed, allowing broader financial support. Authorities may extend the application deadline subject to approval by the Council of Ministers.

Voices From Parliament

Sotiris Ioannou, Member of Parliament representing E.L.A.M, said the changes will expand access to support with limited budget impact. He added that families with four children remain partially excluded under the current criteria.

Alekos Tryfonidis, Member of Parliament from DIPA, said higher income thresholds and the removal of asset requirements will allow more students to access funding. He noted that eligibility rules for households with four dependent children remain unresolved.

Christos Christofidis, Member of Parliament from AKEL, said the amendments mark progress after years without changes to student support policy. He added that approximately 3,200 additional families are expected to benefit from the revised framework.

Impact And Implementation

The updated law expands the number of eligible households and increases financial support levels. Changes are expected to improve access to higher education funding across different income groups. Implementation will depend on application uptake and administrative adjustments following the legislative changes.

Cyprus Services Sector Shows Robust Performance In 2025 As Tourism, Digital Innovation, And Shipping Surge

The Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEV) reported growth across Cyprus’ services sector in 2025, with increases recorded in tourism, professional services and administrative activities. Data show continued expansion across multiple sub-sectors, reinforcing the role of services in economic output and employment.

Service Sector Leadership

Accommodation and food services grew by 9.5%, while administrative and support activities increased by 7.4%. Professional, scientific and technical activities rose by 4.6%, followed by information and communication at 4.3%. Transport and storage recorded growth of 2.8%, while real estate activity increased by 0.4%. These figures indicate broad-based expansion across service industries.

A Remarkable Tourism Surge

Tourist arrivals reached 4,534,073 in 2025, marking a 12.2% increase year-on-year. December arrivals totaled 156,959, up 18% compared with the same period a year earlier. Tourism continues to support revenue generation and seasonal demand across the economy. Growth in visitor numbers contributes to activity in hospitality and related sectors.

Driving Digital Transformation

OEV is supporting digital adoption through initiatives such as the DiGiNN Cyprus Digital Innovation Hub. The program focuses on improving business processes, skills development and technology integration. Additional efforts include the establishment of a Digital Transformation and Innovation Committee and international engagement through business missions. These actions support the adoption of digital tools across sectors.

Resilient Shipping Sector

Shipping accounted for about 7% of Cyprus’s GDP in 2025, remaining a key component of the economy. The Cyprus Registry recorded its highest tonnage in 20 years, with an increase of nearly 20%. Fleet growth strengthens Cyprus’ position within European Union shipping registries and global maritime markets. The sector continues to contribute to economic stability.

Strengthening The Economic Foundation

OEV is organizing conferences, workshops and exhibitions to support business development across sectors. These initiatives focus on improving operational practices and industry collaboration. Continued investment in services and digital infrastructure is expected to support economic performance.

eCredo
Uol
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter