Rising costs of university education in Cyprus spark parliamentary debate

On November 4, 2026, the Parliamentary Education Committee in Cyprus held a session to address the rising financial burden on families supporting students at public universities. Despite tuition-free education, the total cost of a four-year degree can reach approximately €60,000, according to committee chairman Chrysanthos Savvides. The discussion highlighted that current student subsidies are insufficient to cover basic living expenses, including rent, food, and transportation.

Representatives from the student union POFEN, including Kyriakos Nomikos, reported that monthly rent for small apartments has surged to €600–€700 in Nicosia and exceeds €900 in Limassol, with significant increases also noted in Paphos. The high cost of living has forced some students to abandon their studies, prompting lawmakers to propose numerous bills aimed at reforming student welfare schemes.

During the session, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clear responses from the Ministries of Education and Finance regarding proposed legislative changes. While the Legal Service raised concerns that some proposals might be unconstitutional due to their potential impact on the state budget, the committee rejected these objections. The executive branch has been given a 15-day deadline to provide a formal position on the convergence and divergence of the proposed measures.