Newsroom
About 1,800 scholarship applications for the 2025/2026 academic year are awaiting review following the resignation of First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides from her post as President of the Independent Social Support Body.
The Managing Committee expressed regret at her decision and urged her to reconsider, warning that her departure could disrupt the Body’s ongoing work supporting students from families with serious socioeconomic challenges since 2015. Ms. Karsera, however, reiterated that her resignation is final, emphasizing that the priority is ensuring all eligible students receive their scholarships.
The Committee said it will recommend to the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance that any decisions prioritize uninterrupted processing of applications, ensure that reserve funds continue to be allocated exclusively to eligible students, and guarantee that no student is left without support for higher education. Proposals will also aim to safeguard the body's social mission while considering all previously expressed concerns.
Until the Council of Ministers issues final decisions, the Accountant General, acting as treasurer, will implement rules submitted by the Audit Office requiring donor consent for publicizing contributions over €20,000.
The Committee also categorically rejected unfounded claims aimed at undermining the Body’s credibility, stressing that all scholarships are awarded through Central Bank transfers. A comprehensive audit by the Auditor General covering all donations and scholarships since 2015 found no irregularities. Publication of donors’ names and logos is legally restricted, a position confirmed by the Supreme Court.
