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maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 25 FEBRUARY 2026
NEWS
15% increase in student stipends
takes effect Wednesday
A 15% increase in student sti-
pends comes into effect today,
with around 16,600 students set
to receive higher payments as
part of a measure announced in
the 2026 Budget.
The payment due on 25 Feb-
ruary 2026 will include the fi-
nal days of December at the
previous rate, while the Janu-
ary portion will be calculated
at the new, increased rate.
The uplift applies across all
stipend categories and also
covers supplementary stipends.
The government said the meas-
ure represents an investment
of €6 million.
The stipend system currently
operates on three tiers depend-
ing on the course followed,
with certain fields classified as
medium or high priority based
on national workforce needs.
The announcement was made
during a visit by Prime Minis-
ter Robert Abela to MCAST,
where he met students along-
side Education Minister Clifton
Grima. Abela said the increase
reflects the country's econom-
ic performance and allows for
continued investment in stu-
dents' futures.
In addition to the stipend in-
crease, the government high-
lighted other measures aimed
at supporting students, includ-
ing an annual €500 grant for up
to three years, a €280 month-
ly grant for Gozitan students
studying in Malta, tax relief for
working parents with children
in education until the age of
23, and a one-year free internet
voucher for students continu-
ing their studies immediately
after secondary school.
The stipend increase is set
to benefit all eligible post-sec-
ondary and tertiary students
as from tomorrow's payment
cycle.
NICOLE
MEILAK
nmeilak@mediatoday.com.mt
