Politis

European Commission Launches Scholarship Program for Turkish Cypriot Community

Published January 15, 2026, 14:30
European Commission Launches Scholarship Program for Turkish Cypriot Community

The European Commission has announced the launch of the EU scholarship program for the Turkish Cypriot community for the academic year 2026/27. The program, funded with a budget of €2.5 million per academic year, aims to strengthen education, training, and professional development for Turkish Cypriots within the EU. Since its inception, the program has allocated a total of €43 million, highlighting the EU's long-term commitment to education and skills development in Cyprus. The scholarship program supports individuals at various stages of their educational and professional journeys, providing opportunities to acquire academic qualifications, develop professional skills, and gain practical experience in EU member states. This investment aims to increase employability, address skills shortages in the labor market, and support the long-term contribution of beneficiaries to their communities. Currently, approximately 120 Turkish Cypriot students are studying in 19 EU countries, with the scholarship application process for the current academic year still underway. The chosen fields of study are diverse and include innovative and specialized education, artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainable renovation, environmental sciences, human rights, and EU languages. Beyond the scholarships themselves, the program promotes continued engagement through the 'Alumni Connect' network, which has around 2,450 members since 2007. This network strengthens professional connections, fosters collaboration, and supports lifelong learning, expanding the program's impact beyond the duration of individual studies. Applications for the 2026/27 academic year will be accepted until March 24, 2026, via the website www.euburs.eu.