Finance Minister discusses grants with student reps

FINANCE Minister Charilaos Stavrakis met representatives of two of the main student organisations yesterday morning and exchanged views on the government’s plans to means-test the provision of student grants.

Representatives of the Pancyprian Federation of Student Unions (POFEN) and the Student Union of the University of Cyprus (FEPAN) presented their own proposals to Stavrakis regarding the government’s intention to replace the basic grant of €1,708 for all Cypriot students with a grant of up to €2,000 according to income criteria.

In the final version of the measure announced two weeks ago by the Finance Minister, students from families earning over €60,000 would not qualify for any basic grant, and would also lose all additional related benefits, such as fees subsidies.

POFEN president Kyriacos Tsioupanis said after the meeting that “the difference of opinion between us is based on the targeting criteria”, but noted that Stavrakis had indicated during the meeting that there was “margin for discussion” on the matter.

Tsioupanis said that the students are calling for a minimum grant of €1,710 for those who do not pay fees – annual fees of €3,500 for Cypriot undergraduate students attending the University of Cyprus and the Technological University of Cyprus (TEPAK) are paid by the state – and €2,586 for students who pay fees, plus “possibly targeted additional increments”.

The student organisations will now hold a joint conference to assess the Finance Ministry’s stated position, ahead of seeking a new meeting with Stavrakis in order to “clear up the whole matter”.

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