Over 3,300 students receiving internet vouchers

More than 3,300 students will benefit from a year of free internet through a €300 voucher, the government said on Tuesday.

The initiative targets students eligible for a stipend who, during the 2025/2026 academic year began post-secondary education for the first time, including those attending Junior College, Higher Secondary, MCAST, and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), among others.

Through the scheme, students will be able to access 12 months of internet service from any service provider.

Education Minister Byron Camilleri said the measure forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to keep education accessible to all, while reducing the financial burden on families and facilitating access to essential digital tools needed for learning, research, communication, and skills development.

“In an increasingly digital world, internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity. That is why we are continuing to invest in initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of students and their families. We want every student to have equal opportunities to learn, develop their potential and achieve their aspirations. This scheme is a direct investment in the future of our young people and of the country,” Camilleri said.

Eligible students are those who completed compulsory education in 2025, continued their studies at post-secondary level and qualified for a stipend. Students completing secondary education this year will be able to benefit from the scheme next year, provided they pursue post-secondary studies and meet stipend eligibility criteria.The scheme was first introduced in 2021, and since then more than 9,200 students have benefited from a year of free internet.

Eligible students will be receiving emails from the Student Maintenance Grants Unit to select their preferred internet service provider. Vouchers will start being distributed from mid-July and can be redeemed until September 30, 2026.