The budget of the Cyprus Ministry of Education for 2026 increased by 4%, development — by 11%

Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Athena Michaelidou presented the ministry's 2026 budget plan to the Parliamentary Finance Committee. The total budget increased by 4% compared to 2025, and the development budget — by 11%.

According to the presented data, current expenses account for 80% of the budget, of which 84% goes to the payroll fund. Investment (development) expenses make up 20% of the total.

The document identifies priorities such as the development of special education, measures to prevent and combat violence and delinquency, expansion and improvement of optional extended schools, preschool education, digital transformation of schools, improvement of infrastructure, as well as sports and youth programs.

The minister noted that air conditioners are planned to be installed in all schools by the end of 2026. The cost of implementing the teacher evaluation system is estimated at €12.7 million and will begin to be accounted for from 2027. The bill on teacher evaluation will be discussed in parliament in accordance with democratic procedures and may be amended before being submitted to the plenary session.

The presentation emphasizes the need for targeted resource reallocation and evaluation of spending efficiency to ensure better learning conditions and improved education quality.