Budget 2026: Free ChatGPT subscription for people who complete AI course
The government will also be providing free courses in AI
Anyone who completes an AI course will be handed a free subscription to an AI service, such as ChatGPT or Gemini, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced in the Budget speech.
Describing it as "AI for everyone", Caruana explained how the government is ready to provide free courses, national certifications and practical sessions on AI for parents, students, workers and seniors.
"When you complete the course, we will give you a free subscription to an AI service, such as ChatGPT, Gemini or any other service of your choice," Caruana said.
An AI programme able to answer questions by pulling from a large dataset, ChatGPT has become, for many, a part of their daily routine. So common is its use among students, that University of Malta professors said they are increasingly turning to oral exams, as more students turn to AI to complete their assignments.
No further details on the measure were given, and the finance minister said work on the measure is at an "advanced stage" and is expected to start early next year.
Free versions of ChattGPT and Gemini (Google's AI model) are available, but paid subscriptions offer more advanced features and higher usage limits.
The ChatGPT Plus subscription includes expanded messaging and uploads, faster image creation and deeper research, and is a total of $20 (€17.18) per month.
Pro CHATGPT subscription is a total of $200 (€171.85) per month. Pro Plan Gemini is $19.99 per month (€17.18), while the Gemini Ultra plan is priced at $249.99 (€214.80) per month.
Caruana also introduced a €100 million investment for companies to adopt AI and digital technologies, including blockchain and robotics.
“We will dedicate these funds through Malta Enterprise schemes, European funds and other agencies of the government,” he said, with the main aim to boost productivity and to make Malta’s workforce more resilient.