Speaking on behalf of the absent Education Minister, Kyriacos Kenevezos was head of higher education at the ministry, Despina Martidou, who revealed prospective students could receive up to €1,800 in housing benefits. The amount of food allowance students could receive would be €1,092, and they could receive up to €300 for new books and equipment and up to €500 to purchase or upgrade their existing computer. Martidou revealed that a total of 5,108 students from the University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK), Frederick, European University of Cyprus, University of Nicosia, Neapolis University and the Hotel Institute and Forestry College would be able to receive benefits.

Students planning on studying abroad, whose families are experiencing financial hardships, will be entitled to €1,000 from the government, after a cabinet decision. The State Scholarship Foundation (SSF) is accepting applications from students currently studying abroad with their family’s financial situation being the only criteria being taken into consideration.

“The Cabinet recognises that the creation and strengthening of the infrastructure and student welfare institutions in higher education in Cyprus are prerequisites for strengthening the social dimensions on the island, based on European and international standards,” Martidou said.

According to a statement from the foundation, those overseas students who meet the criteria will receive a lump sum of €1,000. To qualify for the aid, applicants need to be undergraduate students who are Cypriot citizens, possessing a leaving certificate from either a public or private school which is recognised by the ministry.

There are also a number of income criteria conditions to be met related to a family’s gross income.

To determine the per capita annual gross income, the foundation takes the total gross family income and divides it by the number of dependent family members.

The students are also required by the foundation to submit certified documents from the university or institute of higher learning which they are attending and confirmation which indicates they will be allowed to continue at that institute in the next academic year.

Students who have already received financial aid or a scholarship from the foundation will not be entitled to this new deal as well as those who should have completed their studies already. In its statement, the foundation explained that the board of the SSF will look at individual cases of students who were forced to leave their studies prematurely, due to financial problems in an attempt to give the green light to handing the financial aid.

The applications can be found at www.cyscholarships.gov.cy

Source: Cyprus Mail