Cyprus has implemented various financial and other measures to promote equitable access to Higher Education. These measures specifically target students with special education needs and disabilities, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and individuals with family circumstances (e.g., single-parent families or religious affiliations).

FINANCIAL MEASURES

1. Students with low socio-economic status are exempted from paying the fees for participation in the National Public Universities’ Entrance Examinations (Pancyprian Examinations).
2. The Grants and Allowances Service of the Ministry of Finance offers grants and allowances to students in Higher Education (up to ISCED level 7 and up to level 6 respectively) based on socio-economic criteria.
3. The Cyprus State Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships to Cypriot and EU Higher Education students based on academic performance and/or socioeconomic criteria.
4. Many private institutions of Higher Education in Cyprus provide merit-based and need-based scholarships.

ΝΟΝ FINANCIAL MEASURES

1. The provision of reasonable adjustments in the context of National University Entrance Examinations (Pancyprian Examinations) according to the candidate’s characteristics and  needs.
2. A percentage of available places are allocated as supernumerary, based on specific criteria in the context of the National University Entrance Examinations (Pancyprian Examinations):
a) Some places (10% of the total available places) of specific Programmes of study of Cyprus Public Universities are provided to graduates from Upper Secondary Vocational Education  chools. However, there are certain preconditions for the above places. Candidates should get a grade in the National University Entrance Examinations (Pancyprian Examinations) for Public Higher Education Institutions that equals to the 70% of the total grade of the last candidate that was admitted in the Specific School/Programme of Study.
b) Some places to public Higher Education Institutions (3% of the total available places) of specific programmes of study of Cypriot Public Universities are provided to graduates of second chance upper Secondary Schools (General and VET).
Candidates should get a grade in the National University Entrance Examinations (Pancyprian Examinations) for public Higher Education Institutions that equals to the 70% of the total grade  of the last candidate that was admitted in the specific School/Programme of study.
c) Public universities can offer supernumerary places on specific criteria such as mature  students, disability, students from specific religious groups, low socioeconomic or disadvantaged family background. Candidates for supernumerary places must have secured a general ranking grade in the National University Entrance Examinations (Pancyprian Examinations) of at least 80% of the general ranking grade of the last candidate admitted to the specific Department/School of preference and must meet the conditions for access to this Department/School.

Financial Support and Grants

Under the Student Welfare Law, the Ministry of Finance provides financial support to families based on socio-economic criteria. Student grants are offered to all Cypriot students and  argeted student allowances are offered to cover accommodation, food, purchase of books and PC purchase for those who meet the criteria.
The Cyprus State Scholarship Foundation awards scholarship to Cypriot and EU students based on academic excellence and socio-economic status.
Universities offer reductions in tuition fees based on high school grades or University GPA.
Support for students with disabilities
All Higher Education Institutions are legally required to provide physical access to facilities and other facilitations (e.g., extra time or specialised equipment) for students with learning difficulties.

Erasmus+ Mobility

Cyprus is an active member of the Erasmus+ Programme offering grants for students to study or train abroad. In 2026, additional funding was specifically allocated for “blended mobility” to support students with fewer opportunities.