We will continue to support the educational journey of students and youth by strengthening stipends and in the Budget for next year we are giving the biggest increase in stipends for all students. This was stated by Prime Minister Robert Abela during a visit he made to the Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary in Naxxar. There the Prime Minister had the opportunity to speak to several young people who are continuing their studies where he spoke with them on various different topics of interest to young people.
Prime Minister Robert Abela pointed out that in a progressive Malta that continues to move forward, young people are catalysts and will continue to find a country with them, particularly in their educational journey. That is why in the 2026 Budget, the Government will increase stipends by 15%, an investment of €6 million in the pockets of our youth. Dr Abela said that before the Government announced the Budget for next year, he reaffirmed the commitment and guarantee that stipends will remain there in favor of the best for our children who continue to study. He stressed that this commitment wanted to continue to strengthen by the Government increasing stipends so that we can stand shoulder to shoulder with students who have their ambitions and aspirations to achieve.
Dr Abela said that this enhanced support is in addition to the grant of up to €1,500 over three years to parents of students who continued their studies after Secondary. The Prime Minister, accompanied by the Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, said that we must continue to invest in education so that young people can take advantage of the best economic opportunities that the country is creating. Not just to find a job but to embark on a quality, rewarding career.
In his meetings with the students, the Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of their activism as a young voice that is important for our country to continue moving forward. He said that young activism continues to push ideas to continue making our country a better place. Here he mentioned the Youth Advisory Forum, a form of youth cabinet where the country’s executive discusses important themes with young people.
There are currently 1,300 students attending Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary where they study to obtain the matriculation certificate and enter the University of Malta. This post-secondary institution also hosts students for the Gem16+ programme which helps students obtain a certificate at level 3 to continue their educational journey after compulsory education.
