Hector Georgiou
Cypriot students studying nursing or midwifery abroad could soon qualify for the same state grants offered to those attending recognized institutions in Cyprus.
The Health Ministry has completed a study on expanding the annual grant program to universities overseas, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said in a written response to a parliamentary question from DISY MP Andreas Constantinou.
The change has not yet been approved. It must first be assessed by the authorities involved, including the Finance Ministry, which will determine whether the necessary funds are available. The proposal will then be submitted to the Cabinet for final approval.
The ministry wants to move quickly enough to include students enrolled during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Under the proposal, students would apply for the grant after successfully completing each year of their course. The amount would gradually increase as they progressed through their studies:
- €1,000 after the first year
- €1,250 after the second year
- €1,500 after the third year
- €2,000 after the fourth year
That adds up to a possible €5,750 over four years.
The money would not be paid automatically. Students would have to submit an application and provide proof that they had successfully completed the relevant academic year before the grant was approved.
The ministry also plans to develop an online platform to handle applications and monitor the process. Until the system is ready, applications would be processed through a temporary administrative procedure so the program can begin without further delay.
The grant scheme was approved by the Cabinet in July and is expected to begin during the current academic year. It forms part of the government’s effort to address Cyprus’ shortage of nurses.
Only permanent residents of Cyprus will qualify. Students accepting the grant must also commit to working in a Cypriot hospital or other healthcare facility for at least two years after graduating.
For families paying tuition and living expenses abroad, the grant will not cover anything close to the full cost of a degree. But it could offer some welcome help, while giving young nurses and midwives a reason to bring their qualifications home rather than build their careers elsewhere.
