The Government is aware that a strong education is the basis for a fairer society and a more competitive economy, therefore with this Budget it continues to clearly demonstrate its commitment towards quality and sustainable education. A Budget that also for the educational sector reflects a strong and serious commitment to continue strengthening education in our country and continue to create new opportunities for every student, for educators and for all families.
“We firmly believe that students and their families should have every possible support, including financial support, at one of the most delicate moments of their lives, when they are undergoing their educational formation. An educational path that is the foundation of their future. That is why we have announced measures in next year’s Budget that continue to build on measures and reforms that we introduced in previous years, and from which students and their families will benefit from direct investment,” said Minister Clifton Grima.
He was speaking during an informal meeting at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, MCAST, during which the Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima and the Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, discussed with young students the measures announced yesterday in the Budget presented for the year 2026.
Minister Camilleri stated, “It was a pleasure to meet with students at MCAST today on the day after the Budget and talk to them about how this Budget will positively affect them. As the Ministry for Gozo, we provide various allowances and subsidies to Gozitan students who attend post-secondary or tertiary education in Malta. Now, in order to facilitate the application process and at the same time strengthen financial support, we will start providing an allowance of €280 per month, which will benefit over 800 students. For the majority of Gozitan students, this will mean an increase of around 70% on the assistance we currently provide.”
Minister Camilleri also recalled that the Ministry for Gozo and Planning has launched an extensive programme of renovation and construction of modern and equipped schools. Among others, extensive beautification was carried out at the Nadur Primary School and the Middle School in Rabat, as well as the reconstruction of the Rabat Primary School. During last summer, works began to modernise the Ta’ Kerċem Primary School, and during next year, works are expected to begin to modernise the Żebbuġ Primary School. He concluded by saying that these two projects amount to €7 million.
The Government is responding to the challenges of students by increasing stipends by 15%, which means an additional €6 million in the pockets of young people. This is a direct measure to strengthen participation in higher education and reduce the financial burdens on students and their families.
More financial assistance is being provided again to parents of students who continue to study after compulsory education, who will continue to receive €500 per year for three years up to a maximum of €1,500.
The Budget also provides for a new allowance for Gozitan students studying in Malta, that of €280 per month, which is a 70% increase over the current system.
Following the great success of the free gym scheme introduced last year, the Government will relaunch this scheme for young people aged between 16 and 21, those born between 2004 and 2009. This initiative encourages a healthier lifestyle and continues to combine physical well-being with education and the active participation of young people.
Apart from these measures that apply to this group of young students, they will also benefit from other measures announced in the budget, including the Government’s commitment to educational infrastructure.
