The authority is authorized to establish and administer a program of scholarships, grants, or cancelable loans to economically disadvantaged students who are residents of Georgia enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program in a branch of the university system. The eligibility of students and the criteria for the award of such financial aid shall be determined by the board of regents. Such assistance may be awarded to the extent that funds are provided therefor in the annual appropriations Act of the General Assembly. As used in this Code section, the term 'resident of Georgia' shall mean any person classified by the board of regents as a resident of Georgia for tuition and matriculation fee purposes.Amended by 2024 Ga. Laws 399,§ 2-29, eff. 6/30/2024.