Budget announces increased allocation for education, reduced VAT on e-books

The government increased the allocation to education by €41 million and among the key measures, Scicluna announced the construction of two new schools, in Dingli and Kirkop. 

VAT on e-books will be reduced from 18% to 5% while publishers of Maltese literature and books will be eligible for a grant.

As from April, teachers will be able to apply for a one-year sabbatical starting from the 2015-16 scholastic year.  

Moreover, post-secondary and tertiary education students will be receiving the full COLA increase of 58c and the €35 one-off bonus. 

School opening hours

The government will launch a White Paper on school opening hours, which could have an effect on the traffic congestions clogging Maltese roads, especially on school days.