Higher Education in Cyprus

REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

Higher Education in Cyprus

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE

D E P A R T M E N T O F H I G H E R A N D T E R T I A R Y E D U C A T I O N

HIG

HER

EDU

CATIO

N IN

CYPR

US

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Contact information:Department of Higher and Tertiary EducationMinistry of Education and CultureKimonos and Thoukidides CornerTel: +357 22 800 616Fax: +357 22 427 560email: [email protected]: www.highereducation.ac.cy


Nicosia, 2012

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION

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General Supervision: Olympia Stylianou, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture

Supervision and General Coordination: Dr Despina Martidou Forcier, Director of Higher and Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education and Culture

Contribution (in alphabetical order): Angelidou Kakia Christodoulou Stella Christophides Stelios Efstathiou Rodoula Giorgoudes Panikos Ioannou Sorayia Nicolaidou Athanasia Phili Andrie Pouyioukkas Christos

Coordination (in alphabetical order): Christodoulou Stella Efstathiou Rodoula

Edited by: Vasiliki KokotiPress and Information Office - Publications ofMinistries and Independent Offices

Published by:Press and Information Office

P.I.O. 234/2012 - 1.000

ISBN 978-9963-50-128-1

Designed by:Anna Theodosiou

Printed by:R. P. M. Lithographica Ltd


CONTENTS

FOREWORD 7

1. CYPRUS IN BRIEF 9

2. HIGHER EDUCATION IN CYPRUS 112.1 Ministry of Education and Culture 112.2 The Department of Higher and Tertiary Education 11

3. THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION 153.1 Vision 153.2 Goals and Challenges of Cyprus Higher Education 16

3.2.1 Introduction 163.2.2 Modernization of HE in Cyprus 16

3.3 Implementation of the Bologna Process in Cyprus 223.3.1 Quality Assurance 233.3.2 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) 253.3.3 The Three Cycles System 263.3.4 The Mobility Development 263.3.5 Diploma Supplement 293.3.6 Inclusion, social dimension 303.3.7 National Qualification Framework 31

4. THE STRUCTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION 324.1 Universities 32

4.1.1 Public Universities 334.1.1.1 The University of Cyprus 354.1.1.2 The Open University of Cyprus 454.1.1.3 Cyprus University of Technology 51

4.1.2 Private Universities 574.1.2.1 Frederick University 594.1.2.2 European University Cyprus 654.1.2.3 University of Nicosia 734.1.2.4 Neapolis University Pafos 79


4.2. Institutions of Higher Education 844.2.1 Public Institutions of Higher Education 844.2.2 Private Institutions of Higher Education 84

5. LIFELONG LEARNING 885.1 Implementing EU Policy for Lifelong Learning in Cyprus 885.2 Lifelong Learning in Cyprus Higher Education 90

6. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 926.1 EU Policy for Research and Innovation 926.2 Implementing EU Research and Innovation Policy in Cyprus 93

6.2.1 University of Cyprus (www.ucy.ac.cy) 956.2.2 Open University of Cyprus (www.ouc.ac.cy) 966.2.3 Cyprus University of Technology (www.cut.ac.cy) 976.2.4 Frederick University (www.frederick.ac.cy) 986.2.5 European University Cyprus (www.euc.ac.cy) 996.2.6 University of Nicosia (www.unic.ac.cy) 1006.2.7 Neapolis University of Pafos (www.nup.ac.cy) 1016.2.8 Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (www.cing.ac.cy) 1016.2.9 Cyprus Institute (www.cyi.ac.cy) 1046.2.10 Research Promotion Foundation (www.research.org.cy) 106

7. INTERNATIONALIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION 1107.1 EU Policy 1107.2 Implementation of EU Policy in Cyprus 111

7.2.1 Cross-border collaborative arrangements 1117.2.2 Programmes for international students and student mobility 1117.2.3 Regional Co-operation Programmes 1147.2.4 Establishing programmes in English in Public Universities 1147.2.5 Attracting International Students to Study in Cyprus 115


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FOREWORD

In this fast changing, competitive world, where technological advancements and scientificdevelopments are the norm, governments know that the fate of a country lies in its people and itseducation. In light of this, the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus enters the second decadeof the 21st century ready to face global challenges and equip people with the skills and theknowledge required to prepare them for the future.

In a very short time, higher education in Cyprus has managed to come a long way, rising up to theneeds of Cypriots, as well as other European and International students. Offering high qualityeducation through a wide spectrum of programs of study, our higher education institutions havegained a reputation of excellence, both nationally and worldwide. Through the pursuance of their

studies, as well as through the knowledge and skills they display within the labor market, our graduates have proven thatour higher education system is currently on the right track. Indeed, it is especially rewarding and encouraging to see ourstudents –both local and international- flourish academically and professionally, equipped with the knowledge andexperience they have been given by our Universities.

Undoubtedly, the road ahead is long and challenging. The process of self-fulfillment on behalf of the universities is endlessand full of dares. However, I am certain that, with the help and the support of the Ministry, our partners and society, they willmanage to overcome any obstacles and grow, both in quantity and in quality. Indeed, I believe that Cyprus is graduallyfulfilling its aspiration to become a technological and educational center of excellence. On our part, the Ministry of Educationand Culture, via the Department of Higher and Tertiary Education, will support their initiatives and will help prove that theCypriot higher education system can face the dares of today and the challenges of tomorrow.

George DemosthenousMinister of Education and Culture

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1. CYPRUS IN BRIEF

Cyprus is an island situated in the northeastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean with a total area of 9.251 km².

Cyprus’ estimated population is 840.000 of which eighty percent (80%) have Cypriot Nationality. Apart from the capital,Nicosia, with an estimated population of 325.000, all major cities of the area under the effective control of the Republic ofCyprus are located on the coast. Limassol is the second largest city and the island’s biggest port. Larnaka and Paphos arethe third and fourth largest cities respectively. Greek and Turkish are the official languages of the Republic but English iswidely spoken and understood.

Cyprus enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with long dry summers from mid May to mid October and abundantsunshine throughout the year. Variations in temperature and rainfall are governed by altitude and, to a lesser extent, distancefrom the coast. The marvelous climate of the island offers endless opportunities to nature lovers. The island has superbmountain scenery, forests, fascinating coastlines and beaches.

Cyprus has also a rich historical and archaeological heritage bearing witness to its long and diverse history. It is a colourfuland sometimes turbulent history that stretches back 10.000 years. Since 1200 BC the island embraced the Hellenic culturewhich prevailed ever a�er. Phoenicians, Persians, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans and British have all le� their footsteps onthe island’s soil.

In 1960, Cyprus gained its independence while in July 1974 Turkey invaded in the Northern part of Cyprus and since thenoccupies 37% of the island’s territory. In May 2004, Cyprus joined the European Union and became its easternmost andsouthernmost outpost while in January 2008, Cyprus joined the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and hence Euro (€)is the monetary unit in use.

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2. HIGHEREDUCATION IN CYPRUS 2.1 Ministry of Educationand CultureThe Ministry of Education and Culture (MOEC),in its present form, includes a number ofdepartments and services. In recent years the core policy of the MOEC is the overallEducational Reform, which spans all educationlevels. Briefly, it states that the projects whichhave been implemented include theconsolidation of dialogue on issues ofeducation (the timetable schedule of secondaryeducation, the assessment system of teachersand teaching), the establishment of an Agencyof Quality Assurance, Accreditation andRecognition of Qualifications in Higher Education,the accreditation of private universities, thedevelopment of the Medical School at theUniversity of Cyprus and the establishment ofpost-secondary vocational training Institutions,curriculum, teacher training, restructuring ofsecondary general and technical vocationaleducation, the establishment of new privateand public universities, restructuring ofMOEC, etc.

Figure 1 illustrates the structure of theEducational System of Cyprus.

2.2 The Department of Higherand Tertiary EducationThe Department of Higher and TertiaryEducation (DHTE) is the competent authoritywithin the MOEC regarding all sectors andissues linked to Higher Education (HE). TheDepartment was established in 1984 and hasplayed a leading role in the development ofHE in Cyprus. The Department aims to furthercultivate the appropriate conditions for theprovision of high quality HE and training inacademic and professional programmes ofstudies, increasing the capacity of provisionas much as possible to the larger possiblenumber of people. It is responsible for thebudget, the legal matters of state universities,the registration of private universities, thedevelopment of international cooperation bydeveloping bilateral/multilateral agreements,the establishment and operation of HEIs, etc.

However, right a�er the independence of theisland (1960) and several years, before theestablishment of DHTE, a number of profes sion -ally oriented public and private non-universitylevel institutions had been developed in Cyprusto cover educational, economical and societalneeds. At the end of 80’s the discussions aboutthe establishment of universities in Cyprus hadmatured. DHTE had an important role in theestablishment and development of universitiesin Cyprus.

Specifically, the first university of the island,‘The University of Cyprus’, was founded in 1989.This University received the first undergraduatestudents in 1992 and the first postgraduatestudents in 1997. The University of Cyprus is


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still in course of development, both in buildinginfrastructure and academic direction. Forexample, the work for the operation of itsmedical school has intensified as it is plannedto admit the first medical students in 2013.

In 2002, the ‘Open University of Cyprus’ wasfounded and received its first student in 2006. It has been offering distance learningprogrammes which reflect the government’spolicy for increasing the possibi li ties of people

to have access to lifelong learning andprofessional development. The following year,2007, the ‘Cyprus University of Technology’ wasestablished to offer fields of studies related toapplied sciences and technology.

In 2007 three private universities were registeredand given probationary license to operate basedon the legislation regarding the establishmentand operation of private universities in Cyprus.These universities are: ‘Frederick University’,


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Private Secondary Education6 - years

State Institutions of Higher Education(non-unviversity)

1 - 3 yearsCertificate/Diploma/Higher Diploma

1st Cycle4 years

240 ECTSPtychio

or Bachelor

1st Cycle4 years

240 ECTSBachelor

2nd Cycle1 - 2 years

90-120 ECTSMasters Degree

Vocational/academic programmesCertificate (1 year), Diploma (2 years), Higher Diploma

(3 years)

Private Institutions of Higher Education (non-university),programmes accredited by the Cyprus Council of

Educational Evaluation-Accreditation (SEKAP)

2nd Cycle1 - 2 years

90 -120 ECTSMagister

Artium/Scientiaeor Masters

Universities(State and Private Universities)

3rd Cycle3 - 8 years

(minimum)Doctorate

Primary School6 years

Preschool1 year

Nursery1 - 2 years

➤

➤

➤

➤

➤

➤

➤

➤➤

➤

➤ ➤ ➤

➤

➤

OptionalEducation

MandatoryEducation

Partially MandatoryEducation

State provision

Private provision

Both state and privateprovision

Structure of the Educational System of Cyprus

Lower SecondaryEducation

(Gymnasium)3 years Upper Secondary

Technical andVocational Education

(Technical School)3 years - Apolyterion

Upper SecondaryGeneral Education

(Lyceum)3 years - Apolyterion

Mediterranean Institute of Management (M.I.M)

Postgraduate Diploma

Figure 1


The numberof students hasincreased rapidlyover the lastten years.

‘European University-Cyprus’ and ‘Universityof Nicosia’. In 2010, a fourth private university,‘Neapolis University-Cyprus’ started its operationon the basis of a probationary license. Theprogrammes, the procedures and the buildingsof all private universities had been evaluatedand accredited by the Evaluation Committee ofPrivate Universities (ECPU). Private universitiesare to a great extend autonomous, howevernew Schools and Departments, as well as newprogrammes, are submitted for evaluationand approval by the ECPU. Still, the privateuniversities are autonomous to define theirown goals and strategies.

It is important to note that all public and privateuniversities have developed undergraduate andgraduate programmes (first, second and thirdcycles) of high quality and are developinginfrastructures for high quality research centres.

As mentioned above, in the early 60’s, a numberof Private Institutions of Higher Education wereestablished. These institutions were operatingwithout a legal framework till 1996. Duringthat year an independent body, the Council ofEducational Evaluation - Accreditation, wasestablished and had the overall responsibilityfor organizing and overseeing the educationalevaluation-accreditation process for theprogrammes of study of Private Institutions ofHigher Education. Currently, there are 36 PrivateInstitutions of HE operating on the island.

In this context, the number of students isincreasing rapidly over the last ten years. Thefollowing graph shows the number of Cypriotand foreign students in Cyprus from 1990-91until 2009-10. Graph 1 shows the rapid increasein the numbers of students.

In this framework, the main priority of theDHTE of the MOEC is the provision of highquality assurance and quality enhancement of the HEIs of Cyprus. For this reason, fourindepen dent bodies have been operating: theCouncil of the Educational Evaluation –Accreditation, the Advisory Committee forTertiary Education, the Evaluation Committee ofPrivate Universities, and the Council for theRecognition of Higher Education Qualificationsof Cyprus which is the competent authority ofthe Republic of Cyprus for the recognition ofHigher and Tertiary Education qualificationsobtained in Cyprus and abroad. These bodieswill soon be replaced by an Agency of QualityAssurance, Accreditation and Recognition ofQualifications in HE which will be the newcompetent authority for quality assurance andrecognition in Cyprus (these Quality Assuranceand Recognition bodies are analysed in page 23further down).


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0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

Cypriot students abroad Cypriot students in Cyprus Foreign students in Cyprus

Cypriot and foreign students in Cyprus andCypriot students studying aboard

Graph 1


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“The fate of empires depends on the education of youth”

ARISTOTLE


The MOEC aspiresfor Cyprus to beestablished as a technological and educational centre of excellence.

3. THEDEVELOPMENT OFHIGHER EDUCATION

3.1 Vision It is a well-known fact, both within Europeand internationally, that the key to a strongand viable economy, as well as to prosperityamongst citizens, lies in education. FollowingAristotle’s wise affirmation that “the fate ofempires depends on the education of youth”,governments, worldwide, further increase theirresources in education and support their HEsystems, because they know that this willeventually result in strong entrepreneurshipskills, high caliber international students, richinvestments, technological and scientificdevelopment.

In light of the above, the MOEC via the DHTEaspires for Cyprus to be established as atechnological and educational centre ofexcellence both within Europe and beyond.As such, and in alignment with the policiesand measures followed by the European Union(i.e. the Lisbon strategy, EU2020 etc), HE ofCyprus enters the second decade of the 21stcentury while aiming to promote excellence inteaching, to encourage quality assurance, and,at the same time, to safeguard diversity anduniversity autonomy. It is believed that HEshould be accessible to all, encompassing boththose who are already at work and those whodid not have the means to pursue universityeducation. Therefore, the MOEC aspires to

further promote lifelong learning by graduallyincreasing the available options to the communityregarding institutions of HE, programmes andmethods of study.

Through the EU programme ‘Youth on theMove’, the DHTE intensifies its efforts toenhance mobility and thus to promote furtherthe internalization of HE. It is believed that,abolishing boarders with regards to HE will notonly benefit the lives of Cypriot and internationalstudents, but it will also enrich Cyprus’ HEsystem, its universities, its industries, and itsculture in general. Mrs Androulla Vassiliou,the Commissioner responsible for Education,Culture, Multilingualism Youth and Sports, inher speech at an EUA Conference in Palermo(2010), very wisely said that “higher educationserves the common good best when it escapesuniformity”. Indeed, the role of HEIs in today’sglobalized world and the vital need forknowledge and innovating thinking makeessential the application of diversity to allaspects of education.

Realizing the goals and facing the challenges,with regards to HE, is not an easy task. However,in collaboration with all international partnersand EU member states and in accordance withEuropean policies, measures and directives,the DHTE, together with its stakeholders,aspires to prove that the Cypriot HE Systemcan face present day challenges successfullyand can provide students and society with aneducation that will prepare them for the future.

The development of higher education

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3.2 Goals and Challengesof Cyprus Higher Education

3.2.1 Introduction

One of the main goals of HE in Cyprus is tosatisfy local and international needs. Duringthe past two decades, important developmentshave been noted in the area of HE, with theestablishment and operation of the public andprivate universities, as well as the researchcentres and quality assurance bodies, whichprovide and safeguard the HE System of Cyprus.

Building a solid foundation and yet with aflexible structure, able to adjust according tolocal and international demands, has becomethe Ministry’s twofold challenge. This goalhas provided the incentive for the CyprusGovernment and its stakeholders to makeimportant decisions with regards to the futureof HE and, at the same time, implement them,in order to create a strong HE System. Indeed,Cyprus HE is currently developing andprogressing in full speed.

A brief overview of Cyprus HE System clearlyshows that its goals and challenges aremultidimensional. Defining and implementingHE policy, modernizing the HE System,developing a culture of quality assurance ineducation, fostering excellence in teaching thatwill ensure the expected learning outcomesare met, and at the same time attempting toincrease the link between education and thelabour market, while supporting a healthyframework of autonomy, are among the mostimportant elements which constitute CyprusHE development.

Satisfying local needs, while at the same timeenvisioning and investing beyond Cypriotboarders, Universities, and other institutionsof HE, as well as governmental authorities aregradually intensifising their efforts to makeCyprus a regional centre of education, researchand excellence.

3.2.2 Modernization of HE in Cyprus

Within the broader EU strategies, policies andpractices, as well as the educational goals setby the member states for 2020, the MOEC hasset the modernization of HE high in its agenda.Through continuous efforts, it aspires to a moretransparent and socially inclusive HE, whichwill offer prospective students, academics andprofessionals the opportunity to makeinformed choices regarding which institutionthey wish to approach and why. Indeed,modernization equates with opening up to theworld, building up contacts and internationalcollaborations and making students moreemployable in the current competitive markets.Despite being still in its infancy, Cyprus HESystem will seek to link education to industryand ensure alignment of curricula with societalneeds. Such achievements will have a positiveeffect on the number of graduates, as well ason the number of students pursuing theirstudies further. Moreover, establishing andreinforcing links between education, industryand research will also affect the quality of HEand, as such, promote striving for excellence.Last, but certainly not least, following theLifelong Learning paradigm, the DHTE togetherwith all competent authorities aspires to makelearning accessible to all people, regardless ofage, sex, societal and financial status.


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Following thelifelong learningparadigm, the DHTEaspires to makelearning accessibleto all people.


Cyprus has placedquality assuranceissues very highon its political andeducational agenda.

3.2.2.1 Quality assurance

As part of the European agenda for the mod -ernization of HE, issues of quality assuranceare constantly being revisited, in an attempt toensure that institutions of HE revolve around andbuild a culture of quality. Within this framework,Cyprus has placed quality assurance issues veryhigh on its political and educational agenda.

Recent educational developments on the island,including the establishment of three public andfour private universities, have urged the MOECto form a new legislation which will establishan Agency of Quality Assurance andAccreditation and Recognition of Qualificationsin Higher Education, which will aim at furtherenhancing internal and external qualityassurance procedures, as well as accreditationand recognition matters, in accordance with theEuropean Standards and Guidelines (QualityAssurance is further analysed below).

3.2.2.2 Autonomy

Institutional autonomy is crucial for HEIs. TheMOEC, as well as all the relevant authorities,acknowledge the need to provide an appropriateframework in which universities can fulfill theirmission in the best possible way. Financialautonomy, organizational autonomy, academicautonomy and staff autonomy are differentaspects of Universities’ autonomy in total. TheMOEC will continue to monitor the progressof these aspects since they are consideredimportant conditions for the modernizationof Universities.

3.2.2.3 Education and Industry

Τhe link between education and the businesssector is becoming one of the most importantchallenges for Europe. The continuouseconomic changes taking place in the worlddemand that HE Systems take into account theindustry in order to cope with the ever changingmarket and society. The MOEC, acknowledgingthe increased need for promoting cooperationbetween HEIs, research institutions, employersand enterprises (labor market) supportsinitiatives and actions that promote this link.

The Human Resource Development Authorityof Cyprus (HRDA), a semi-governmentorganization that reports to the Governmentthrough the Ministry of Labour and SocialInsurance, has set as its priority the promotionof Lifelong Learning of Employees and theintegration / reintegration of selected targetgroups to the labour market. “Paramountpursuance is the employability and adaptabilityof human resources in the new socio-economicenvironment which is created by the emergingKnowledge Society (HRDA Annual Report,2010)”. Within this framework, the trainingof HE graduates (including those who areunemployed), and job placements are amongits actions and schemes.

Nevertheless, further and continuous steps needto be taken in order to encourage partner shipsand cooperation between businesses and HEstakeholders, so that academic qualificationsreflect, as extensively as possible, the needsof the labour market and society.


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The MOEC iscommitted tomaintaining anddeveloping Europeanand internationalstandards ofexcellence inteaching andlearningenvironment.

3.2.2.4 Excellence in Teachingand Learning Outcomes in HE

The MOEC, along with all its partners, is com -mitted to maintaining and developing Europeanand international standards of excellence inteaching and learning environment. HEIsare encouraged to invest in the continuousprofessional development of their staff, and toensure that both their academic and researchprogrammes are being distinguished forquality. Efforts are made in order to developand support rewards of excellence in teaching,as well as science and research.

Furthermore, HE Systems are increasinglyreferring to learning outcomes when settingoverall goals and challenges. Taking intoconsideration that learning outcomes aregaining a prominent position in planning andimplementing policies, Cyprus HE attempts tosuccessfully combine excellence in teachingwith what a learner knows and is able to do atthe end of a learning process. Thus, identifyinglearning outcomes in a careful and transparentmanner has become yet another challenge thatthe Cypriot HE System and its stakeholdersneed to, successfully, face.

3.2.2.5 Funding

Public funding of HEIs is the main source ofincome for large parts of the higher educationlandscape in all EU member states. More than70% of HEIs' funding comes from the publicpurse and, for the EU member states, fundingis a major steering mechanism for HE.

The rough percentage of overall public fundingfor HEIs in Cyprus is coming from Nationallevel at 98% and from European level at 2%(reference year 2010). The public HEinstitutions (three universities and five non-university institutions) receive funding from thenational budget. As far as the public universitiesare concerned, the biggest amount of publicfunding is input-based and, according to theirnew infrastructure, they are allowed access tonego tiated allocations and a specific amount isalso given for research purposes. Publicuniversities are also funded through the feespaid by their post-graduate students, and alsothrough dona tions. In general, the use ofprivate funds by public HEIs is included in theannual budget and therefore is monitored bythe General Auditor.

Private institutions (four universities and 36 non-university institutions) are profit organizationsand receive most of their funding throughprivate sources: student financial contributions(fees), donations, funding through researchcontracts and through European Union.

University funding should be reformed so thata high level of teaching and research excellencecan be achieved. The EU target for universityfunding is to allocate 2% of gross domesticproduct (GDP) to the modernization of the HEsystem. Cyprus invests 2,04% of GDP in HE.

The whole effort is to turn funding into aresults-oriented procedure, rather thanresources-oriented. There is a shi� towardsmore diversification of funding and solicitingof more private funding, especially for researchand industrial application. Moreover, fundingmust be based on performance indicators in


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The Bologna processhas paid particularattention to theEuropean dimensionof HE and specificallyto the socialdimension.


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order to clearly measure the relationshipbetween resources invested (inputs) and resultsobtained, both economic and social (outputs).In this way, universities will be moreresponsible for their own financial viability.

The issues of university autonomy andaccountability are moving up the politicalagenda for national governments and theEuropean Union. Autonomy is not an end toitself but a vital means for universities to actquickly in a fast-changing globalised highereducation environment. Greater autonomyand accountability is crucial for universities torespond to demographic changes, to attractinternational talents, and to raise necessaryadditional funding.

3.2.2.6 The EU dimension of Higher Education

The Bologna process has paid particularattention to the European dimension of HEand specifically to the social dimension, whichpresents the most significant challenge toEuropean modernization of HE. The aim is tohave more countries which will link their policyon the social dimension to the Bolognacommitment of raising the participation ofunderrepresented groups to the point wherethe HE population mirrors the overall societaldistribution.

Countries have already set specific targets toimprove the participation of under-representedgroups in higher education, but only about halfof the Bologna countries systematically monitortheir participation. The most common nationalmeasures to widen participation are greaterfairness between students (in particular those

coming from disadvantaged backgrounds),the provision of targeted financial support andthe development of alternative access routesor admission procedures.

Since the end of 2010 and a�er the decisionthat Bologna Process should be continuedby the so called “Bologna Beyond 2010”, thecountries of the Bologna group have widentheir policies to include the new issues thatneed to be addressed. These issues set for aquality HE have the following four main goalsfor the present decade:

● finalizing the structural reform anddeepening its implementation through aconsistent understanding and use of thedeveloped tools,

● implementing quality HE, connected withresearch and lifelong learning and promotingemployability,

● making the social dimension become areality by ensuring that the student bodyentering and completing HE reflects thediverse student body of Europe’spopulations, and

● ensuring that at least 20% of thosegraduating in the EHEA have had a studyor training period abroad.

The MOEC acknowledges the fact thatopportunities to HE should include as largea proportion of the population as possibleand has promoted national policies for theachievement of this goal.


3.2.2.7 Ranking

Given the large institutional diversity that existsin HE in Europe, there is a need for instrumentsthat can help improve its transparency. Rankingsystems are one of these tools that, despitecriticism, are here to stay. However, they shouldevolve in order to shape their methodologies,their frequency, the level of detail they provideto the public regarding the ranked universities.

In this framework, the European Commissionfunded recently two programmes in order tocreate its own system of academic ranking,the U-Map and U-Multirank. The objective ofthe European Commission is twofold: on theone hand, to create a European system ofacademic ranking and, on the other, to improvethe academic classification of Europeanuniversities in the global context and thus theeconomic power of Europe.

U-Map aims to create a classification ofEuropean HEIs. This, in turn, will be a usefultool for all stakeholders involved in trying tolearn the profile of a university. In this sense,the U-Map is a mapping tool for the EHEA. Itprovides a range of universities’ dimensionswhere major similarities and differencesbetween the European universities may bedescribed and compared. Unlike the U-Mapwhich is a classification project, the U-Multirankis a programme of academic ranking. It dealswith what an institution of HE really offers. Whatdifferentiates the programme U-Multirank fromother academic rankings is its multi-dimensionalapproach. HEIs are classified hierarchically ina multidimensional way, both by the level oftheir overall performance and by their level ofperformance for each programme of study.

Regarding Cyprus, it is difficult to create anational ranking system of academic institutionsdue to the fact that only seven universitiesoperate on the island today. However, it ispossible for the Cypriot universities to integratein the European ranking system and, specifically,to join the U-Multirank and U-Map programmesof the European Union. For this reason, theDHTE is encouraging all Cypriot universities toparticipate in the aforementioned programmes.The University of Cyprus participates in theU-Multirank programme and, consequently, isevaluated according to the European Standardsand Guidelines (ESG).

3.3 Implementation of theBologna Process in Cyprus Bologna Process is the process of creationprocess of the EHEA. The Process started onJune 19, 1999 when 29 European Ministersresponsible for HE signed the BolognaDeclaration in which they undertook theresponsibility to create a EHEA that shouldbe completed by 2010.

On 19 May 2001, ministers met in Prague toreview the progress achieved and to set outdirections and priorities for the next stagesof the Process. During that meeting, Cyprustogether with Croatia, Liechtenstein and Turkeyjoined the Bologna Process.

Since then, the DHTE is actively involved in theBologna Process and its implementation inCyprus. For this purpose a national workinggroup is established, which is headed by theDirector of Higher and Tertiary Education.


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Since theestablishment ofits first university,in 1992, Cyprus hasconsidered qualityassurance and quality enhancementas a priority for the country.


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The members of this group include the CyprusBologna Experts, representatives of universities,students unions, Employers Associations, theDirector of the Foundation for the Managementof the Lifelong Learning Programmes andother stateholders.

During the period since Cyprus signed TheBologna Declaration, a series of measureshave been promoted, targeting the qualityassurance of HE,, the enhancement of mobility,the promotion of the inclusion and the socialdimension of HE in Cyprus. The most importantof these measures are the following:

3.3.1 Quality Assurance

Over the last few decades, issues of qualityassurance and quality enhancement havebeen a major focus of attention in Europe andthe world. Since the establishment of its firstuniversity, in 1992, Cyprus has also consideredquality assurance and quality enhancement asa priority for the country. The quality assurancesystem of the country has developed gradually,together with the gradual development ofthe HE scene. As a result, quality assurancein Cyprus is currently carried out by fourdifferent bodies:

1. The Council of Educational Evaluation –Accreditation (www.moec.gov.cy/sekap/)

The Council of Educational Evaluation-Accreditation is the competent authority in theRepublic of Cyprus for carrying out programmeevaluation and accreditation of the PrivateInstitutions of HE. It is an independent body,

appointed by the Council of Ministers upon therecommendation of the Minister of Educationand Culture and consists of the Chairman andsix members, at least five of which must beuniversity professors. The purpose of theevaluations carried out by Council of EducationalEvaluation-Accreditation is to build confidenceand trust among local and foreign studentsconcerning the quality of the offered programmes,to establish the minimum possible criteria tobe fulfilled for the award of an accredited degreefrom the Cyprus Government and to provide abasis of comparison with degree titles grantedfrom foreign Institutions of Higher Education.

2. The Advisory Committeefor Tertiary Education

The Advisory Committee for Tertiary Educationis a consultative body to the MOEC, with a widecomposition including all the social partners.Both the public and the private sector of HE,as well as the employers’, the students’ and thetrade union organisations are represented inthe Committee. The aim of this body is to providea spherical consultancy to the Minister regardingall issues of HE. It is also a body where thevoice of all stakeholders of HE can reach theMinister and the decision makers in Education.

3. The Evaluation Committee of PrivateUniversities (www.ecpu.ac.cy)

The Evaluation Committee of Private Universitiesis the competent authority in the Republic ofCyprus for the examination of the applicationssubmitted for the establishment and operationof private universities. The Committee has


seven members, three of which are membersof the Council of Educational Evaluation-Accreditation and four are university professorsfrom three different countries with extensiveexperience in university governance.

The procedure for the establishment, operationand control of a Private University includes thefollowing stages:

● Submission of an application for theestablishment and operation of a privateuniversity by the founders, which have to bea body corporate registered in the Republicof Cyprus

● Registration of the Private University inthe Universities Registry

● Securing by the private university, of aninitial license for operation, for a period offour years.

● Monitoring of the private university operatingunder initial license, during which periodthe university must pursue constantimprovement of the educational level ofits students, research work, infrastructure,administration and students welfare.

● Securing by the private university of a finallicense for operation

● Periodic evaluation of the private university

4. The Council for the Recognition of HigherEducation Qualifications of Cyprus(www.kysats.ac.cy )

The diversity in the quality of higher educationoffered by different institutions in Cyprus andall over the world and the increasing numberof Cypriots studying and graduating fromsuch institutions, as well as the mobility ofprofessionals and scientists within the Europeanmember states, have led to the need for theestablishment of a National Council for therecognition of degrees awarded by HEIs. TheCouncil for the Recognition of Higher EducationQualifications of Cyprus is the competentauthority of the Republic of Cyprus for therecognition of HE qualifications obtained athome and abroad. It also acts as the EducationNational Information Centre.

The Council for the Recognition of HigherEducation Qualifications of Cyprus awards twotypes of recognition, namely “Equivalence” and“Equivalence and Correspondence”. Equivalenceis awarded if the duration of studies, theconditions of admission, evaluation, promotionand graduation of students and the teachingand learning procedures meet the requirementsof the State HEIs of Cyprus. Furthermore,equivalence is awarded if a programme of studyhas been conducted in a recognised educationalinstitution or in an educationally evaluated-accredited programme of study and a substantialpart of the studies has been conducted in theinstitution which awards the qualification.

Equivalence and correspondence are awardedif, in addition to the prerequisites for recognitionof equivalence, the specific programme ofstudies includes at least two thirds of the


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25

required subjects, including the compulsorysubjects of the corresponding programme ofthe institution which is used as the basis forevaluation.

Based on economic, social and educationalchanges in HE, the government has set as apriority the creation of an Agency responsiblefor quality assurance in HE. Thus the Councilof Ministers has initiated legislation for theestablishment of the Agency of QualityAssurance, Accreditation and Recognition ofQualifications in HE as the competent authorityfor quality assurance in HE in Cyprus. Throughthe establishment of this Agency, it is aimed toenhance the internal and external qualityassurance procedures by also adhering to theEuropean Standards and Guidelines.

All issues concerning evaluation of public andprivate universities, as well as accreditationand recognition matters will be included inthe Agency’s tasks a�er the approval of thelegislation by the Cypriot Parliament. TheAgency, a�er its establishment and operation,will undertake all the responsibilities of thefour existing bodies and will be the competentauthority for:

● The periodical institutional and programmeevaluation of the state universities.

● The periodical institutional and programmeevaluation and accreditation of the privateuniversities operating under initial and/orfinal license of operation.

● The evaluation and accreditation of all formsof cross - border education.

● The recognition of HE qualifications andthe provision of information on recognisedinstitutions of HE in Cyprus and abroad.

● The publication of the list of all therecognised institutions of HE operating inthe Republic of Cyprus and the programmesof study they have been authorised to offer.

● Advising the Minister of Education andCulture on all matters under its jurisdiction.

It is also important to repeat that the Agencywill comply with the European Standards andGuidelines (ESG) and, therefore, will be eligiblefor membership in the European QualityAssurance Register (EQAR). Finally, the Agencywill ensure that HE of high quality is offeredthrough HEIs in Cyprus.

3.3.2 European Credit TransferSystem (ECTS)

In order to make feasible one of the main aimsof Bologna Process, that of the mobility ofgraduates around the EHEA, the transparencyand recognition of degrees earned must beensured. These can be achieved throughincreasing transparency and trust amongeducational systems.

ECTS is considered as the main tool to ensuretransparency. In the past, ECTS was used onlyfor credit transfer, while nowadays has becomenecessary to transform to a credit accumulationsystem, since students are encouraged tospend a study period at another institution.In addition, credit accumulation in regular HEprogrammes, should also provide students

ECTS is the maintool to ensuretransparency.In Cyprus, almostall public andprivate Universitieshave introduced ECTS.


with the possibility to gain credits within informaland non-formal education, thus taking onboard lifelong learning.

In Cyprus, all public and private universitiesand most of the private institutions of tertiaryeducation have introduced the ECTS. So far, theEuropean University-Cyprus has been awardedthe ECTS Label. The institutions that have notyet introduced the system are in the processof adopting it.

3.3.3 The Three Cycles System

The Bologna Process adopted the three-cycledegree structure in order to standardizeacademic degrees making it easier to achieveportability between countries. Across Europe,the early years of the Bologna Process werefocused on introducing and consolidating thebachelor and master cycles. Doctoral educationas third cycle was formally introduced to theBologna Process by Ministers meeting in Berlin in2003 and has since become an increasing priority.

Cyprus adopted a system of easily readableand comparable degrees, a system essentiallybased on three cycles (see Figure 1). Cyprusnever had a long integrated cycle. From thebeginning, the HE system of the country hadthree discrete cycles, which are fullyimplemented:

● Ptychio (Bachelor), which is four academicyears of full time study.

● Masters, with duration of one to two-yearsfull time study.

● Doctoral – PhD. The minimum length of full-time doctoral studies is three academic years.

In addition, there are short cycles of duration ofone to three academic years, as follows:

● The Certificate level, with one year duration

● The Diploma level, with two years durationand

● The Higher Diploma level, with three yearsduration.

3.3.4 The Mobility Development

Student mobility and academic recognition areassumed to be necessary prerequisites for anopen and dynamic European educational areathat will aid European integration and labourmarket mobility. However, students can becomemobile more easily if they have access to othercountries HE Systems and the financialresources enabling them to study abroad.

Outgoing vertical mobility is very popular inCyprus since around 50% of Cypriot studentstake a full undergraduate degree abroad. Themajority of these students continue for theirsecond degree abroad. In addition, manyCypriot students, who have completed theirundergraduate studies in Cyprus, obtain theirpostgraduate degree abroad.

Incoming vertical mobility as well as horizontalmobility is still poor, mainly due to languagebarriers, transparency and funding problems.Some measures, which are currently beingtaken, are expected to improve the situation.Such measures are the introduction ofprogrammes of study in English in the publicuniversities, the use of ECTS and DiplomaSupplement by Cyprus institutions, the use ofEU mobility funding programmes, the mobility


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of students for research programmes etc.

As far as the degree mobility is concerned,there are more Cypriots studying abroad(outgoing students) rather than foreignersstudying in Cyprus (incoming students).According to the Statistical Service of Cyprus,during the academic year 2009-2010, 20,051Cypriots attended foreign universities and11,138 foreigners attended Institutions of HEin Cyprus.

Cyprus has taken specific measures both atgovernmental and institutional level to enhancestudent and staff mobility to overcome mainobstacles to mobility, as follows:

● The University of Cyprus and the CyprusUniversity of Technology operate ForeignLanguage Centres in order to facilitatemobility for incoming and outgoing students.

● The national Erasmus Coordinators areinvolved in mobility schemes.

● All universities participate in the ErasmusMobility Programme and most of themoperate Mobility offices encouragingstudents, faculty and staff to participate inthe Erasmus mobility programmes. ThoseMobility offices have also established severalnew bilateral agreements and try to getinvolved in mobility in the widest possiblerange of subject areas and host countries.

● In general, the universities have establishedvarious procedures to create moreawareness on staff and student mobilitywhich include direct mail campaigns,

promotional leaflets and posters, informationsessions in various classes, promotion viawebsites, continuous promotion throughthe open-door policy of each HE institutionErasmus office and the enhancement ofclose links with appropriate faculty members.

● At private institutions students are alwaysprovided with a Transcript of Records thatcorresponds to the period of studiescompleted under the Erasmus Programme.The Learning Agreement is also signed andstamped by the Host Institutional Coordinatoras a confirmation of the ECTS creditsawarded during the Erasmus Period.

6

24

7 5

50

1

45

5

28

17

6 2 2 4 6 4 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Number of Cypriot students in Erasmus Programmes, going to other countries- 2009/2010

fist, second and third cycle

Number of Cypriot students in Erasmus Programmes, going to other countries,2009/2010

first, second and third cycle

Graph 2 shows the number ofCypriot students in ErasmusProgrammes, going to othercountries.

Graph 3 further down (p.29)shows the number of foreignstudents in ErasmusProgrammes, coming toCyprus, by country of study.

Graph 2


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● The government of Cyprus provides anannual grant to the families of studentsstudying in Cyprus or abroad, and thissubsidy is portable. The Cyprus StateScholarship Foundation provides portablegrants to high caliber students that canbe used for studies at the universities inCyprus or abroad.

3.3.5 Diploma Supplement

The Diploma Supplement was developed bythe European Commission, Council of Europeand UNESCO/CEPES. The purpose of theDiploma Supplement is to provide sufficientindependent data to improve the international

‘transparency’ and fair academic andprofessional recognition of qualifications(diplomas, degrees, certificates etc.). It isdesigned to provide a description of the nature,level, context, content and status of the studiesthat were pursued and successfully completedby the individual named on the originalqualification to which this supplement isappended. It should be free from any valuejudgements, equivalence statements orsuggestions about recognition.

The MOEC strongly supports the issue ofDiploma Supplement. All public and privateuniversities of Cyprus issue to their graduatesthe Diploma Supplement. So far, the Universityof Cyprus and Frederick University and


29

4 10 3

28

23

9 1

32

19

31

5

35 34

9

28

9

52

5 2 4 4

17

24

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Number of foreign students in Erasmus Programms, coming to Cyprus by country of study, 2009/2010

first, second and third cycle Number of foreign students in Erasmus Programmes, coming to Cyprus by country of study,2009/2010

first, second and third cycle

Many EuropeanStudents chooseCyprus for studiesin ErasmusProgrammes.

Graph 3


The MOEC isworking towardsthe establishmentof equaloppourtunitiesto HE for all.

University of Nicosia have acquired theDiploma Supplement Label. Furthermore,most of the private institutions of highereducation of non university level are currentlypreparing for issuing the Diploma Supplementto their graduates.

3.3.6 Inclusion, social dimension As mentioned above, the Bologna Processpays particular attention to the socialdimension of HE, considering it as the mostsignificant challenge to the European agendafor the modernization of HE.

The MOEC acknowledges the fact thatopportunities to HE should be given to thelargest possible proportion of the populationand is taking measures to meet this target.In addition, the Ministry has set as a priorityto enhance the participation of emigrants,disadvantaged and other underrepresentedgroups in the HE System of the country.

The promotion of inclusive growth and thefocus on ensuring equal access in quality HEare presented in the following national policies:

Widening access to university education

● The establishment of the Open Universityof Cyprus in order to encourage distanceand e-learning for people already in jobsseeking further education.

● The establishment of a choice of options touniversity education (public, private, distancelearning options).

● The encouragement of universities to offershort cycle courses to give more chancesfor studying to people who are already in

jobs or did not have the opportunity beforeto access HE.

● The payment by the state of 100% of thefees of undergraduate students of publicuniversities.

Establishing equal access opportunities

● Specific measures are taken in order toensure equal access rights for underrepre -sented groups (based on socioeconomicstatus, disability and on their participationin religious groups) in public and privateuniversities. For example students withdisabilities have the right of special treatmentfor exams which will define their admissionat a university. Furthermore, a specificpersentage of representation of somereligious groups in the student populationis set by the government.

Providing financial support

● The Ministry of Finance offers a specificgrant to the parents of Cypriot studentsstudying in Cyprus or abroad in accreditedprogrammes of study, on a basis ofsocioeconomic criteria.

● Scholarships are offered by the CyprusState Scholarship Foundation to Cypriotstudents based on merit and, mainly, onsocioeconomic criteria in order to reachstudents from lower income backgrounds.

● Targeted financial support throughGovernment’s Financial Support Packageis available to eligible students to coverliving, books, rental and computerexpenses. The eligibility is based onsocioeconomic criteria.


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3.3.7 National QualificationFramework

National qualifications frameworks describewhat learners should know, understand and beable to do on the basis of a given qualificationas well as how learners can move from onequalification to another within a system.

National qualifications frameworks aredeveloped to be compatible with the overarchingframework of qualifications of the EHEA, whichwas adopted in 2005 and consists of threecycles (bachelor, master, doctorate). Theoverarching framework makes recognition ofqualifications easier since specific qualificationscan be related to a common framework.

In Cyprus, the Council of Ministers with itsdecision of July 9, 2008 (number 67.445) hasdecided to set up a Committee, which iscomposed of representatives of all stakeholderswith the objective of introducing a NationalQualifications Framework (NQF) for Cyprus,in line with the QF for the EHEA and the EQFfor LLL. There will be eight reference levels inthe NQF defined by a series of indicators thatmeasure the learning outcomes such asknowledge, personal and professional skills.The establishment of the National QualificationFramework, together with the other transparencytools, facilitate mobility of students within theEuropean Union and the rest of the world.


4. THE STRUCTUREOF HIGHEREDUCATION

At the present time, within the Cypriot HESystem, there are 48 HEIs: three publicuniversities, four private universities, fivepublic and thirty six private institutions ofhigher education of non university level.

4.1 UniversitiesUniversity education in Cyprus involves studiesin one of the three types of accredited studyprogrammes, bachelor (ptychio), master(metaptychiako) and doctoral (didaktoriko).

In the framework of the Bologna Process,bachelor study programmes are beingintroduced as an obligatory first stage of HEmaking it possible for their graduates either toenter the job market or to continue their studies.

A bachelor study programme lasts four years,and has 240 ECTS. Upon successful completionof the study programme the academic degreeof ‘ptychio’ (bachelor) is awarded.

Master study programmes are designed todeliver new theoretical findings based onscientific knowledge, research and development.The students are required to master applicationon these findings and to develop the skillsnecessary for performing creative and scientificactivities. A Master level programme leads tothe award of a Magister Artium Degree (Masterof Arts) or Magister Scientae Degree (Masterof Science). A thesis is not an obligatorycomponent of second cycle programmes. Forcourses requiring a thesis, the workload of athesis must not be more than half of the overallworkload of the Master course. The duration ofa full - time master programme ranges from12 to 24 months, whereas a part – time Mastermay last up to four years, and it is worth 90 - 120ECTS. The minimal qualification for admissionto a Master programme is a ‘Ptychio’ (Bachelor'sdegree). The academic degree of Master is

The structure ofhigher education

32


Since theestablishmentof its first university,in 1992, Cyprus hasconsidered qualityassurance and quality enhancementas a priority forthe country.

awarded, when the students successfullycomplete the second cycle of studies.

The third type of study programme, “Didaktoriko”(doctorate), takes three to eight academic yearsto complete and leads to the award of a PhDdegree (Doctor of Philosophy). Doctoral studyprogrammes aim at scientific research andindependent creative activities. A Doctorateprogramme consists of a comprehensiveexamination, presentation of a researchproposal to a three-member Committee, andthe defend of an original research thesis infront of a five-member Examination Committee,comprising at least of one external member.The minimum qualification for admission to aDoctorate degree is a Ptychio (Bachelor'sdegree). A doctorate student that has a Mastersdegree may be partially or fully exempted fromsome of the required courses that comprisethe Doctorate degree.

Study programmes are offered in the face-to-face full-time, part-time or distance learning inthe case of the Open University of Cyprus. Therules governing the studies and examinationsare part of the internal regulations of eachHEI. Study results are assessed by means ofexaminations, supervised papers, project workor colloquia.

4.1.1 Public Universities

Public universities are established by law andthey are financed mostly by the government.They are autonomous and self-governinguniversities. At present, there are three publicuniversities in Cyprus. Two of them operate inthe capital city, Nicosia, and one in Limassol.The University of Cyprus and the Cyprus

University of Technology are conventional typeuniversities which have as a main goal topromote education and research to as manyyoung students as possible. On the other hand,the Open University of Cyprus is an open anddistance learning university which aims toinclude adult learners in further education.

Admissions:

The majority of undergraduate students areadmitted at the Universities on the basis oftheir results in the Pancyprian Examinations,the competitive entrance examinationsorganised centrally by the MOEC. Postgraduatestudents are admitted on the basis of othercriteria which are also used by academicinstitutions in Europe and the United States.Overseas students who are graduates ofhigh-schools recognised by the appropriateeducation authority of their country and whopossess a good knowledge of Greek can beadmitted based on GCE or GCSE or otherequivalent examinations, or based on theresults of special examinations set by theabove universities.

Prospective students of the Open Universityof Cyprus can proceed with their applicationon line. The selection process is based on arandom selection.

The structure ofhigher education

33


University of Cyprus34

34-55 UNIVERSITIES.ANNA.7 new:Layout 1 7/18/12 10:21 PM Page 34

University of Cyprus 35

The University of Cyprus (UCY)was established in 1989 as thefirst public university of Cyprus,and accepted its first students in1992. Although newly established,UCY has managed to becomethe leading educational institutionin Cyprus, and one of the mostrespected institutions in theMediterranean, hosting todaymore than 6000 students. UCY isa vigorous community of scholarsengaged in the generation anddiffusion of knowledge. Despiteits brief history, UCY has earnedthe respect of the internationalacademic community and theappreciation of Cypriot society.

34-55 UNIVERSITIES.ANNA.7 new:Layout 1 7/19/12 2:21 AM Page 35


4.1.1.1 University of Cyprus

The University of Cyprus (UCY) was establishedin 1989 as the first public university of Cyprus,and accepted its first students in 1992.Although newly established, UCY has managedto become the leading educational institution in Cyprus, and one of the most respectedinstitutions in the Mediterranean, hosting todaymore than 6000 students. UCY is a vigorouscommunity of scholars engaged in thegeneration and diffusion of knowledge. Despiteits brief history, UCY has earned the respect ofthe international academic community and theappreciation of Cypriot society.

Vision

UCY aims to establish itself as a pioneerresearch institution, achieving internationalscientific recognition in European HigherEducation, offering competitive programmes,and to become a centre of excellence in thewider Euro - Mediterranean region.



Teaching Research Innovation Creativity

Five Pillars of Action

Faculties and Departments

Faculty of Humanities

● Department of English Studies

● Department of French Studies andModern Languages

● Department of Turkish and MiddleEastern Studies

● Language Centre

Faculty of Economics andManagement

● Department of Economics

● Department of Business andPublic Administration

● Department of Accounting andFinance

Medical School (to accept its first students in 2013)

Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences

● Department of Biological Sciences

● Department of Chemistry

● Department of Computer Science

● Department of Mathematics andStatistics

● Department of Physics

Faculty of Engineering

● Department of Architecture

● Department of Civil andEnvironmental Engineering

● Department of Electrical andComputer Engineering

● Department of Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering

Graduate School

Faculty of Social Sciences andEducation

● Department of Education

● Department of Social and PoliticalSciences

● Department of Law

● Department of Psychology

Faculty of Letters

● Department of Byzantine andModern Greek Studies

● Department of Classics andPhilosophy

● Department of History andArchaeology

● School of Greek Language

SocialContribution



Programmes of Study

Study programme Degree

BSc/BA MA/MSc/MEng PhD

Architecture

Architecture √ √

Energy Technologies and Sustainable Design √

Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences √

Molecular Biology √ √

Experimental Molecular Biology √

Medical Genetics √ √

Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies

Byzantine and Modern Greek Language and Literature √

Modern Greek Philology √ √

Byzantine Studies √ √

Chemistry

Materials Chemistry √

Biological Chemistry √

Food and Environmental Chemistry √

Chemistry √ √

Food Chemistry √

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Civil and Environmental Engineering √

Civil Engineering √ √

Environmental Engineering √ √






Classics and Philosophy

Classical Studies √ √ √

Philosophy √

European Masters in Classical Studies √

Computer Science

Computer Science √ √ √

Intelligent Systems √

Internet Computing √

Advanced Information Technologies (Professional) √

Economics

Economics √ √ √

International, European and Economic Studies √

Economics Analysis (in Greek and English) √

Monetary and Financial Economics √

Financial Economics √

Education

Education / Preschool √

Education / Primary School √

Language Pedagogy √

Special and Inclusive Education √

Curriculum Development and Instruction √ √

Didactics and Methodology of Mathematics √

Educational Administration and Evaluation √ √

Learning in Natural Sciences √ √

Mathematics Education √ √

Pedagogical Sciences √ √





Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical Engineering √ √ √

Computer Engineering √ √ √


English Studies

English Language and Literature √

Teaching English as a Foreign Language √

Theoretical and Applied Linguistics √

English Literature and Comparative Cultural Studies √ √

Linguistics √

Translation Studies √ √

Anglophone Literature and Cultural Studies √

French Studies and Modern Languages

French Language and Literature √

Modern Languages and European Studies √

French Studies √ √

History and Archaeology

History √

Archaeology √

History of Art √

Mediterranean Archaeology √ √

Modern and Contemporary History √ √

Byzantine Studies √

Traditional Culture (16th-20th c.) √

Cultural Heritage Management √





Law

Law √

Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics √ √

Mathematics and Statistics √

Applied Statistics √

Applied Mathematics √

Pure Mathematics √

Statistics √

Mathematics (University of Poitiers-France) √

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Mechanical Engineering √

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering √ √


Material Science and Engineering √ √

Physics

Physics √ √ √

Foundations of Physics √

Psychology

Psychology √ √

Cognitive and Educational Psychology √

Applied Programme in School Psychology √

Social and Developmental Psychology √

Clinical Psychology √



International Relations

Internationalization is among the priorities ofthe University of Cyprus. UCY is supporting thedevelopment of a multicultural student body.It has been actively participating in the EUERASMUS Programme since 1998-99, as wellas in other exchange programmes. As a result,UCY was the main actor in placing Cyprus firstin Europe for the year 2009/2012 with thehighest rate of increase in student mobility.



Public and Business Administration

Business Administration/Administration √

Business Administration/Accounting √ √

Business Administration/Finance √ √ √

Business Administration/Management Science √

Business Administration/ Marketing √

Master in Business Administration MBA(in Greek and in English) √

Financial Economics √

Social and Political Sciences

Political Science √ √

Sociology √ √

Social and Political Theory √

Journalism √

Turkish Studies

Turkish Studies √ √ √

Turkish Studies/History and Politics √

Turkish Studies/Linguistics and Literature √

UCY implements the ECTS System.Furthermore, academic excellence at UCYis supported by well established, globalassociations. UCY is an active member in morethan 40 university associations/networksworld-wide. UCY holds the Presidency of theNetwork of Universities from the Capitals ofEurope (UNICA) as well as of the EuropeanUnion Universities of Small States Association


Contact Details

Website: www.ucy.ac.cyemail: [email protected]: +357 22 894 000


(EU²S²). In addition, other members of academicand administrative staff have held leadershippositions in other important networks.Furthermore, UCY has signed more than 120Agreements of Cooperation with institutionsand organisations in Cyprus and abroad, whichprovide for, amongst others, the exchange offaculty and students, joint scientific activities as well as the co-organisation of, and theparticipation in lectures, seminars andconferences.

The University has developed an internationalprofile in teaching and research, with its prioritiesgeared towards creativity and innovation, actingcatalytically in transferring applied researchresults to the society.

Student Life

● Sports ● Housing ● Academic Advisor System● Part-time employment to students either

inside or outside the University● Student Clubs ● Support to students with special needs ● Personal Guidance● Career Guidance


Open University of Cyprus

44


The Open University of Cyprus(OUC) is a State Institution ofHigher Education, which wasestablished in 2002. It is thefirst and only Higher EducationInstitution in Cyprus that providesopen and distance education atthe undergraduate (Bachelor) andpostgraduate (Master and PhD)level. OUC also offers training andvocational programmes aiming tosatisfy the increasing demand forlifelong learning and continuingeducation.


45


4.1.1.2 Open University of Cyprus

The Open University of Cyprus (OUC) is a StateInstitution of Higher Education, which wasestablished in 2002. It is the first and onlyHigher Education Institution in Cyprus thatprovides open and distance education at theundergraduate (Bachelor) and postgraduate(Master and PhD) level. OUC also offers trainingand vocational programmes aiming to satisfythe increasing demand for lifelong learning andcontinuing education.

The Open University of Cyprus is comprised ofthe following Faculties:

● Faculty of Economics and Management

● Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

● Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences

Each Faculty is offering specific undergraduateand graduate courses, which follow a thematicstructure. An Academic Advisor is responsiblefor each programme of study, while themonitoring and operation of the modules that


46

Faculty Course Level of Study

Bachelor Master PhD

Faculty of Economics and Banking and Finance √ √Management Business Administration (MBA) √ √

Health Policy and Planning √ √

Healthcare Management √ √

Faculty of Humanities and Communications and Journalism √ √Social Sciences Educational Leadership (joint degree) √

Educational Studies √ √

Greek Language and Literature √ √

Studies in Hellenic Culture √ √

Theatre Studies √ √

Theory of Education / Curriculum Development (joint degree) √

Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences Environmental Conservation and Management √ √

Information and Communications Systems √ √


Students canefficiently utilise thedistance-learningteaching methodologyby means of aninnovative high-technology


47

comprise all programmes are the responsibilityof Modules Coordinators. Until it reachesautonomy, the Open University of Cyprus isgoverned by an Interim Governing Board,which exercises the duties of the Council andthe Senate that will be formed in due time. Theadministrative work is the responsibility of theDirector of Administration and Finance whoalso assumes the duty of the Secretary of theCouncil and Senate.

In open and distance learning, students havethe opportunity to study at their own time,location and place without attending formallectures, as is the case for conventionaluniversities. Students can efficiently utilise the

distance-learning teaching methodologyof the OUC within the aforementioned context,by means of an innovative high-technologyelectronic platform providing the educationalmaterial in an interactive environment amongstudents and professors. Moreover, at the OUCstudents are given the opportunity to pursue orcomplete university education that for anyreason (work, family, special needs) they werenot able to do in the past; they can furtherenhance their studies at any of the three cycleprogrammes offered in several subject areas,aiming at career progression through the openand distance-learning methodology.



48

The degrees awarded by the OUC are equivalentto those of all accredited universities worldwide,regardless of their teaching methodology.All programmes at the OUC are structuredon the basis of the European Credit TransferSystem (ECTS). In this way, students have theopportunity to interchange between conven -tional universities and OUC (for example,through the Erasmus Programme). Part ofwhat makes a successful university is a strongrecord in research and the OUC places greatemphasis on this. Among other projects, theOUC promotes research programmes aimingtowards the development of methodologiesand corresponding high technologies for openand distance learning. One of the OUC’s majorstrategic goals for the future is to increase thenumber of research projects undertaken by theUniversity at both national and European level.

The Open University of Cyprus provides distanceeducation using a range of forms of technology,from print to the computer:

● Educational material, tailored to thespecifications of distance learning, thatstudents receive either in print or in digitalform over the Internet or on CDs and DVDs.

● The possibilities of teleconferencing andvirtual classrooms are exploited so thatstudents can effectively communicate withthe Faculty and fellow students and attendvirtual lectures.

● The effectiveness of telephone and e-mailas a means of direct communication withthe Faculty.

● The potential of the electronic portal, whichstudents can use to:

- Identify all relevant information concerningthe programmes and their modules

- Contact the Faculty using synchronisedand unsynchronised technologies, suchas chat and forums

- Exchange ideas, thoughts and opinionswith fellow students

Once students are registered to the programmeof study, they are placed in groups and theirsupervision is assigned to a particular memberof the Faculty of the Open University, whoserole is to provide distance learning, constantsupport and monitoring of the students’progress. As face-to-face interaction cannotbe entirely eliminated, Group AdvisoryMeetings take place at regular time intervalsand at predetermined places (3-5 times per

OUC promotesresearch programmesaiming towards thedevelopment ofmethodologiesfor open anddistance learning.


Contact Details:

Website: www.ouc.ac.cyemail: [email protected].: +357 22 411 600

academic year). Although attendance tothese meetings is not mandatory, studentsare encouraged to attend in order to directlycommunicate with their tutor, solve enquiriesand problems, and discuss the content of thecourse. The final examination also takes placeat a predetermined time and place and requiresthe physical presence of the student. Wherepossible, both Group Advisory Meetings and thefinal examinations take place at the students’home towns.

In summary, the OUC is a new anddynamically expanding university, operatingon the principles of open and distance learningand consistently promoting lifelong learning,in an innovative, high-technology and peda -gogically sound learning environment. OUCaspires to accommodate the ever-growingneeds of modern society for quality-drivenuniversity programmes at all levels in keysectors of the economy, and to become one ofthe best universities in the geographic areaaround Cyprus.


49


Cyprus University of Technology

50


The Cyprus University ofTechnology (CUT) was establishedby law in December 2003 andaccepted its first students inSeptember 2007. It is a new,public and independent university.The University aspires to developitself into a modern, pioneeringUniversity, able to offer educationand high level research in leadingbranches of science andtechnology.


51


4.1.1.3 The Cyprus University of Technology

The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) wasestablished by law in December 2003 andaccepted its first students in September 2007. Itis a new, public and independent university.

In the academic year 2011-12, more than 2000students are expected to study at the university’sfive faculties and student numbers are expectedto gradually rise up to 7000 in the next twelveto fi�een years. Lectures are mostly held inGreek. At present, courses in English areoffered through the Cyprus InternationalInstitute for Environmental and Public Health(CII), which undertakes research and offersgraduate courses in collaboration with theHarvard School of Public Health. CII offers anMSc course in Environmental Health and anMSc course in Epidemiology and Biostatistics.Most of the departments also run post graduateprogrammes. The University is located at thecity centre of Limassol and most of its premisesconsist of neo-classical buildings that haveundergone extended renovation and restructure.

Vision and Mission

The University aspires to develop itself intoa modern, pioneering University, able to offereducation and high level research in leadingbranches of science and technology whichhave high impact on the economic, technicaland scientific sectors. With its orientationtowards applied research, CUT aspires toestablish a role in support of the state andsociety in their efforts to confront problems,which cover all areas of science and technology.The programmes of CUT to a large extent


52


complement scientific areas, which are notcurrently covered by any other institution ofHigher Education in Cyprus.

Basic aims

The development of all academic departmentsis characterized by the following strategicobjectives:

● To offer education to students of a highscientific, technological, and professionallevel.

● To produce high quality research that willtranscend the traditional boundaries betweenbasic and applied research, so that solutionsmay be offered to major problems of thesociety and the economy.

● To allow Cyprus to achieve an importantposition as a partner in a modern, Europeansetting, and to secure significant externalresearch funding.

● To promote university cooperation withlocal industry in order to participate in thenational effort to innovate and constantlyimprove products and services.

International Relations

CUT is already a member of 70 internationaland European organizations such as EAEC,EAIE, ELIA, EuroCALL, UNWTO, ATLAS,HUMANE and UNIMED.

The University also participates actively innetworks such as EARLINET, RMEI, EMUNI,EARMA, and ENMA. In addition, CUT maintainsGeneral or Departmental Bilateral Agreementswith many European and other universities.

Since 2008, CUT is actively participating inthe Erasmus Exchange Mobility Programmeand has established consequently numerousErasmus Bilateral Agreements andcollaborations with several Universities andOrganizations in most European countries.


53


CUT is currently working in promoting itsinternational and European outlook by adoptingEuropean Programmes under LLP and byjoining external programmes such as ERASMUSMUNDUS, TEMPUS, and sectoral programmessuch as LEONARDO COMENIUS and GRUNDVIG.Following the Bologna Process, the Universityhas applied the ECTS credit system to all taughtand research study programmes and has takenall necessary provisions to offer the DiplomaSupplement to all its graduating students. Incooperation with the Language Centre, theErasmus Office is organizing an ErasmusIntensive Language Course of Greek language

and culture for incoming Erasmus students, inthe beginning of each academic year. Finally atthe local level, collaboration with publicservices or non-profit organization isaccomplished through the signing of numerousMemoranda of Understanding.

University Departments

Five faculties are currently operating within theUniversity, hosting 10 academic departments:

● FACULTY OF APPLIED ARTS ANDCOMMUNICATIONDepartment of Communication and InternetStudiesDepartment of Multimedia and Graphic Arts

● FACULTY OF ECONOMICS ANDMANAGEMENT Department of Commerce, Finance andShipping Department of Hotel and TourismManagement

● FACULTY OF GEOTECHNICAL SCIENCESAND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENTDepartment of Agricultural Sciences,Biotechnology and Food Science Departmentof Environmental Science and Technology

● FACULTY OF ENGINEERING ANDTECHNOLOGYDepartment of Civil Engineering andGeomatics Department of Electrical Engineering andComputer Engineering and Informatics Department of Mechanical Engineeringand Materials Science and Engineering


54


Contact Details:

Website: www.cut.ac.cyemail: [email protected]: +357 25 002 500

● FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCESDepartment of Nursing The academic year consists of twosemesters and the expected time for thecompletion of studies is eight semesters.The programmes of study of CUT are basedon the European Credit Transfer andAccumulation System (ECTS). One creditrepresents 25-30 hours of student workload.The amount of student workload for anundergraduate programme of studies(4 years) is 6000-7200 hours. Attendanceat CUT is obligatory and continuous.

Student Life

The University offers a complete programmeof athletic activities that includes among others:internal championship, recreational sports andcompetitive sports. Based on the students’programme of study, the various activities areadapted in such a way that the students havethe opportunity to participate in their free time.

Moreover, there are student clubs in the CUTthat cover cultural, artistic and recreationalactivities, such as music, dance, journalism,theatre etc.


55


56

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Private Universities 57

4.1.2 Private Universities

Currently four private universities operate inCyprus. Three of them have already beengranted a license and one of them has beengraded an initial license to operate. Alluniversities follow an academic evaluation andaccreditation process by the EvaluationCommittee of Private Universities. PrivateUniversities are established and financed bynon-governmental institutions or founders.

Admissions

All four private universities follow similarguidelines on admissions of their prospectivestudents. High school grades, competence incomputers and English language and otherqualifications and diplomas are the maincriteria of acceptance to the UniversitiesDepartments.

Candidates for a bachelor degree programshould submit a school leaving certificate froma recognized six-form secondary school. Inaddition, a good knowledge of the Englishlanguage is required for all programmes ofprivate universities taught in English. Applicantsmay also be asked to take placement testsdeveloped by the Departments before thedecision on the admission status is made.


Frederick University58


Frederick University is a privateUniversity operating in theRepublic of Cyprus. FrederickUniversity was established a�er a decision by the Council ofMinisters of the Republic ofCyprus on 12th September 2007.Frederick University operatesfrom two campuses, the maincampus in Nicosia, the capital ofCyprus and the other campus inLimassol, the second largest city.

The mission of FrederickUniversity is the provision oflearning opportunities throughteaching and research in theareas of science, technology,literature, and the arts, as wellas a systematic contribution tothe wider social context.

Frederick University 59


4.1.2.1 Frederick University

Mission and Main Objectives

Frederick University is a private Universityoperating in the Republic of Cyprus. FrederickUniversity was established a�er a decision bythe Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cypruson 12th September 2007. Frederick Universityoperates from two campuses, the main campusin Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus and the othercampus in Limassol, the second largest city.

The mission of Frederick University is theprovision of learning opportunities throughteaching and research in the areas of science,technology, literature, and the arts, as well as a systematic contribution to the wider socialcontext.

The main objectives of Frederick University are:a) the promotion of science, knowledge andeducation through teaching and researchaiming at the enhancement of society in general,b) the dissemination, application and scientificexchange of knowledge, and c) the provision of high-quality, internationally-recognizedundergraduate and postgraduate education.

Programmes of Study

At present, Frederick University comprises of 15Departments organized in 6 Schools. It currentlyoffers 25 programmes of study. These cover awide range of fields from several academicdomains and are offered at under graduate,postgraduate and doctoral level. All programmesof study operate under the European CreditTransfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

Frederick University focuses on the developmentof close links with the public and private sectorin order to facilitate the graduating students’entrance in the labor market. In view of this ithas managed to achieve recognition of all itsundergraduate degrees of the School ofEngineering and Applied Sciences, thepostgraduate programme MSc in ElectricalEngineering and the Postgraduate Diploma inArchitecture, by the Technical Chamber of Cyprus(ETEK) with which a continuous cooperationhas been established, thus granting itsgraduates all relevant professional rights.

Further to the above, graduates of the SocialWork programme of study are accepted by theSocial Workers Registration Board and graduatesof the Nursing programme of study are eligiblefor registration with the Nursing and MidwiferyCouncil of Cyprus. In addition, graduates of theBusiness Administration programme of studyare exempted 12 exams for AIA and 8 examsfor ACCA and for the Accounting and Financeprogramme of study graduates are exempted12 exams for AIA and 9 exams for ACCA.

All programmes offered by Frederick University(both undergraduate and postgraduate) areevaluated by the Evaluation Committee ofPrivate Universities (ECPU) and recognized,nationally - by the Cyprus Council for theRecognition of Higher Education Qualifications(KY.S.A.T.S.) - and internationally. The Universityhas been recognized by the Hellenic NationalAcademic Recognition and Information Center(Hellenic NARIC) as equivalent to the Greekhigher education in the university sector.Furthermore, the University has been awardedthe Diploma Supplement Label by theEuropean Commission.




Offered Programmes of Study per School and Department

OFFERED PROGRAMMES OF STUDY

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT PROGRAMME OF STUDY LANGUAGE

Engineering and Electrical Engineering MSc in Electrical Engineering EnglishApplied Sciences BSc in Electrical Engineering English

Mechanical Engineering BSc in Mechanical Engineering English

BSc in Automotive Engineering English

Civil Engineering BSc in Civil Engineering English

BSc in Quantity Surveying English

Computer Science and Engineering BSc in Computer Science English

BSc in Computer Engineering English

Inter-departmental Programmes PhD in Engineering English

MSc in Engineering Management English

MSc in Energy Systems and the Built Environment English

Economic Sciences Business Administration ΒΑ in Business Administration Englishand Administration Economics, Finance and Accounting ΒΑ in Accounting and Finance English

Maritime Studies BSc in Maritime Studies English

Health Sciences Nursing BSc in Nursing (Ptychio) Greek

Architecture, Architecture Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture (5 years)Fine and with exit point at 4 years granting a BachelorApplied Arts Degree (Ptychio) Greek

Applied Arts BA in Graphic & Advertising Design English

BA in Interior Design English

Education Primary Teacher Education BEd in Primary Education (Ptychio) Greek

Pre-primary Teacher Education BEd in Pre-primary Education (Ptychio) Greek

Inter-departmental Programmes MSc in Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development Greek

MA in Educational Sciences: Powerful Learning Environments Greek


The School of Greek Language

The School of Greek Language commenced itsoperation in 2009 and offers courses of ModernGreek Language and Civilization to foreign andlocal students in three different stages.

Certificate of Attainment in Greek Language

In addition, Frederick University is the onlyUniversity in Cyprus that has been validatedand authorized by the Centre for the GreekLanguage which is supervised by the Ministryof Education and Religious Affairs of Greeceas an Examination Centre for the Certificateof Attainment in Greek Language. Theexamination procedures fall under the respon -sibility of the Centre for the Greek Language.

Student Services

Frederick University provides most of thestudent services through its Studies andStudent Welfare Service. The aim of the Serviceis to contribute towards the development ofan academic environment that promotesconstructive learning, academic success andthe socialization of the University students.The Service includes the following Offices:Studies Office, Admissions Office, MobilityOffice, Career Office, International StudentsOffice, Alumni Office, Student Ombudsman,Protection of Health Office, Counseling Center(Social and Psychological Support), AcademicSupport Office, Sports Office, and Housingand Accommodation Office.


OFFERED PROGRAMMES OF STUDY

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT PROGRAMME OF STUDY LANGUAGE

Humanities and Social Work BA in Social Work (Ptychio) GreekSocial Sciences Journalism BA in Journalism (Ptychio) Greek

Inter-school Programme (School of Economic Sciences & MSc in Health Management GreekAdministration and of Health Sciences)



Contact Details

Website: www.frederick.ac.cyemail: [email protected]: +357 22 431 355(Nicosia Campus),Tel: +357 25 730 975 (Limassol Campus)

Student Life

In addition to the numerous opportunities thatCyprus offers for leisure activities, FrederickUniversity aims at supporting students in orderto enjoy an active and vibrant social life. TheUniversity organizes various cultural andleisure activities such as excursions to thecountryside, theatrical plays and musicalevenings. Furthermore the Student WelfareOffice supports students to participate in studentclubs and societies. Additionally, the Universityconsiders athletics as an integral part of theeducational process. It is a member of theCyprus University Sports Federation andparticipates each year in the championshipsorganized by the Federation.

Student Exchanges

Central to promoting the student exchange,and thus enhance student life experience, isthe operation of the Erasmus Office. Throughthe office, students are able to complete part oftheir study in universities at different EuropeanUnion countries, an option that a lot of studentsare taking and the university is actively promoting.

Erasmus Intensive Language Course (EILC)

In collaboration with the School of GreekLanguage, the Mobility Office organises IntensiveLanguage Courses of Greek language andculture to incoming Erasmus students. Thecourses are offered before the beginning ofeach academic year.

Leonardo da Vinci Programme

Frederick University encourages and assistsits graduates to participate in the Leonardo daVinci programme, an opportunity to reinforceknowledge with practical experience. It is worthmentioning that Frederick University is the onlyUniversity in Cyprus so far that participates inthe programme.

International Association for the Exchangeof Students for Technical Experience

Frederick University participates in theInternational Association for the Exchangeof Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)programme. Through the programmestudents can work abroad in a field relevant totheir studies.


European University Cyprus 64



European University Cyprus is an independent, autonomousuniversity offering nationally andinternationally recognized degrees.

Its vision is to be a leadinguniversity in the region, offeringexcellence in teaching, researchand service with a strong studentfocus. Its mission is:

● To educate students forsuccessful careers and lifeachievement

● To understand and serve theneeds of the society

● To create knowledge throughresearch


4.1.2.2 European University Cyprus

European University Cyprus is an independent,autonomous university offering nationally andinternationally recognized degress in 24undergraduate and 3 graduate programmes ofstudy and a doctorate programe (PhD) inEducation Sciences.

Licensed by the Council of Ministers of theRepublic of Cyprus, EUC has approximately120 faculty members who teach and conductresearch in the five schools:

● The School of Business Administration

● The School of Sciences

● The School of Humanities and SocialSciences

● The School of Arts and Education Sciences

● The School of Medicine (underestablishment)

The European University Cyprus aims torespond positively to the needs of themembers of the university community andsociety by investing in centers and institutes,rewarding ambition and drive in the staff andfaculty and continually developing its facilities


and resources. It is committed to being aknowledge entrepreneur - capable ofempowering the community and the regionthrough the application of learning.

Vision

Its vision is to be a leading university in theregion, offering excellence in teaching, researchand service with a strong student focus. Itsmission is:

● To educate students for successful careersand life achievement

● To understand and serve the needs of thesociety

● To create knowledge through research

Member of Laureate International Universities

Laureate International Universities has selectedEuropean University Cyprus to be part of itsnetwork of universities, based on and as a resultof the university’s continuous goal for academicupgrading, expansion and its establishment asan international university of high academicstandard in the East Mediterranean region. Thenetwork of Laureate International Universitiesis the largest and the fastest growing in theworld, operating on 100 campuses in 28countries, serving more than 600,000 students.



Awards/Membership in Associations

EUC is a member of:

● The European Association of Institutionsin Higher Education (EURASHE)

● European University Association (EUA)via the Cyprus Rectors Conference

European University Cyprus has been certifiedby renowned quality models to assess theorganization’s aim towards excellence. Suchmodels include:

● Investors in People (IIP)

● European Foundation for QualityManagement (EFQM)

● The MBA programme of the Universityhas been accredited by the UK Associationof MBAs (AMBA)

● Awarded with ECTS label

Excellent Facilities

European University Cyprus has one of thelargest campuses in Cyprus with cutting-edgefacilities including a computer center, library,conference halls, engineering labs, cafeteria/restaurant, gymnastic center, amphitheaterclassrooms, open amphitheater, culturalcenter, indoor athletic center, student privateapartments and many other facilities.

A Truly International Student Body

European University Cyprus has a studentbody of more than 4500 students, with themajority being local students, and includingaround 800 international students comingfrom over 25 countries such as Greece, Russia,


Ukraine, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Morocco, Poland,Romania, Spain, Mexico, Moldova, UAE, Syria,Nigeria, Jordan, Iran, India, Nepal, China,Serbia, Bangladesh, Chile, Brazil, Peru andmany others. The university takes extra carein providing all the necessary services for thesmooth integration of international studentsinto academic life.

Student Welfare

Exciting Student Life

One of the many responsibilities the Universityhas towards its students is that of creating aninteresting and supportive environment thatmeets the wide range of interests and talents

of EUC students. Participation in social, athleticand extracurricular programs will give studentsthe opportunity to lead, to plan and gain self-awareness; qualities that will strengthenpersonality and sense of responsibility as acontributing member of an internationalcommunity.

Advising Center

The main objective of the advising center isto assist students to realize their maximumeducational benefits, by helping them to plantheir academic path and to learn to use theresources of the University. The academicadvisors provide students with frequent,


EUC is committed tobeing a knowledgeentrepeneur - capableof empowering thecommunity and theregion through theapplication of learning.



feedback about their academic progress anddevelopment and are helping students toimprove their academic achievement.

Personal Counseling

Qualified counselors are available to helpstudents cope with personal and emotionalproblems that are sometimes difficult to bearalone. The Counseling Center guaranteesthat all counseling contacts are kept in thestrictest confidence.

Employment and Career Office

The EUC Employment and Career Officeconcentrates its efforts in providing assistanceto all graduates who seek career opportunities.The Employment and Career Office (ECO) hascultivated strong ties with the business com -munity and maintains an open communicationline with all companies who are in need ofnew recruitments.

Alumni may use the services of the Career’sOffice for either finding employment orchanging from their present jobs to new ones.The Office arranges on-campus Universityrecruiting by interested companies, organizesa Career Day Exhibition every spring and placesall job vacancy listings on the announcementboards and the web site of the University.

Special Needs Unit

European University Cyprus has long supportedEqual Opportunities in education for all sectorsof society. Taking this further, the Universityhas a specialized committee to formallypromote the culture of disabilities awarenessand good practice at the University.



LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION Greek English

THE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND EDUCATION SCIENCES

Bachelor Degrees

● Graphic Design √

● Early Childhood Education √

● Primary Education √

● Music √

Master Degrees

● Education Leadership (MA) √

● Special (Inclusive) Education (MA) √

Doctorate

● Education Sciences (PhD) √

THE IOANNIS GREGORIOU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Bachelor Degrees

● Accounting √

● Banking and Finance √

● Economics √

● General Business √ √

● Hospitality Management √

● Management √

● Management Information Systems √

● Marketing √

● Public Relations and Advertising √

● Sports Management √

Master Degree

● Business Administration (MBA) √ √

PROGRAMS OF STUDY



LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION Greek English

THE SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Bachelor Degrees

● English Language and Literature √

● European Politics, Law and Economics √

● Law √

● Psychology √ √

● Social Work √

● Speech and Language Therapy √

THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCES

Bachelor Degrees

● Computer Science √ √

● Computer Engineering √ √

● Nursing √

● Physiotherapy √

● Nutrition - Dietetics √

● Radiodiagnostics - Radiotherapy √

Master Degree

● Information Systems √

Contact Details:

Website: www.euc.ac.cyemail: [email protected].: +357 22 713 000


University of Nicosia72


University of Nicosia 73

The University of Nicosia is thelargest private university in Cyprus,combining a dynamic student-oriented learning environment,with quality standards and aninternational philosophy. TheUniversity’s roots date back to 1980and ts predecessor institution,Intercollege. The University ofNicosia emerged in 2007, followingchanges in the relevant locallegislation and a comprehensiveaccreditation process. This was theculmination of an ongoing journey,which began over 30 years ago,and has since established theUniversity of Nicosia as a leadingtertiary education provider inCyprus – in line with the enduringmotto of the institution: “Excellencein Education”.



4.1.2.3 University of Nicosia

A leader in excellence

The University of Nicosia is the largest privateuniversity in Cyprus, combining a dynamicstudent-oriented learning environment, withquality standards and an internationalphilosophy. The University’s roots date back to1980 and ts predecessor institution,Intercollege. The University of Nicosia emergedin 2007, following changes in the relevant locallegislation and a comprehensive accreditationprocess. This was the culmination of anongoing journey, which began over 30 yearsago, and has since established the University ofNicosia as a leading tertiary education providerin Cyprus – in line with the enduring motto ofthe institution: “Excellence in Education”.

A vision for the future

The University of Nicosia aspires to be a leadingcontributor to excellence in education and

research. Its mission is to assist its studentsin becoming educated individuals, in achievingtheir academic and professional goals, andassuming responsible roles in a changingworld of European cooperation and globalinterdependence. In pursuit of the above, theUniversity strives to strengthen its facilities,resources, and services, and to promoteresearch and the generation of knowledge forthe benefit of Cyprus and the wider world,while being of service to society through thedissemination and application of knowledge,as well as, through innovative partnershipswith business and civil society institutions.

A range of study options

The University of Nicosia pursues excellence ineducation through its four Schools: (i) Business;(ii) Sciences; (iii) Education; (iv) Humanities,Social Sciences and Law. Through these,the University offers a range of academicprogrammes of study, leading to Bachelor(4 years), Master (18 months - 2 years) and

UNIC offers a rangeof academicprogrammes thatkeep in pace withchanging trends.


PhD Degrees – modelled on European andAmerican higher education, and continuallyreviewed and updated in order to keep pacewith changing trends.

School of Business:

Bachelor Degrees:

● Accounting ● Business Administration● Hospitality Management● Management Information Systems (MIS)● Marketing ● Sports Management● Tourism, Leisure & Events Management

Master Degrees: ● Business Administration (MBA):

concentrations in Management, Marketing,Finance, Management InformationSystems (MIS), and Human ResourceManagement (HRM)

School of Sciences

Bachelor Degrees:

● Computer Engineering● Computer Science● Electrical Engineering● Human Biology● Medicine (in cooperation with St. George’s,

University of London)● Nursing● Sports Science

School of Education

Bachelor Degrees:

● Dance● Music● Primary Education (Greek)● Pre-Primary Education (Greek)

Master Degrees:

● Education Sciences (MEd) in: (i) EducationalAdministration (ii) Special Education(iii) Theory, Practice and Evaluation ofTeaching (Greek)

PhD Degree:

● Education Sciences (PhD) in: (i) EducationLeadership and Administration (ii) Theory,Practice and Evaluation of Teaching (Greek)

School of Humanities, Social Sciencesand Law

Bachelor Degrees:

● Applied Multimedia● Architecture● Clinical Psychology● Communications (concentrations in

Journalism, Radio & TV)● English Language and Literature● Graphic Communication● Interior Design● International Relations and European

Studies● Law● Psychology● Public Relations, Advertising & Marketing

Master Degrees:

● International Relations (MA)● Media and Communications (MA)



Intercollege remains an associate institution,complementing the University’s study offeringsthrough its vocational and shorter durationprogrammes, and through a variety of jointprogrammes in partnership with reputableUK universities.

A variety of student services

The Department of Student Affairs offers awide range of services to its students, assistingthem make a smooth and productive transitioninto university life. The aim of the Departmentis to offer every possible assistance to students,not only during their studies at the University

of Nicosia, but also a�er they graduate. TheDepartment assists students in finding suitableaccommodation, organizing the orientation dayand facilitating the various activities of thenumerous social and sports clubs.

Additionally, the University runs a Career Centre,to help students explore their career options,enhance their awareness on professionalchoices, and develop their skills to reach theirfull potential. A Counselling Centre is alsooperational on campus, on call to offer importantand impartial advice to new and old students.


UNIC earnedprestigious awardssuch as Global 500,UNESCO Chair,Gold Medal inbusiness Ethicsexcellence.


Contact Information:

Website: www.unic.ac.cy email: [email protected].: +357 22 841 500

A lifetime of recognitions

Along the way, the institution has distinguisheditself on multiple fronts – earning prestigiousawards, such as the United Nations "Global 500"Award, for its contribution in the protectionand improvement of the environment; andestablishing the first UNESCO Chair in Cyprus,for the promotion of cultural diversity andintercultural dialogue. Additionally, the institutionhas been honoured by the Cyprus Employersand Industrialists Federation (OEB) with twoentrepreneurial Excellence Awards, includingthe Excellence Award in Educational Services.

More recently, the University was awardedwith a Gold Medal in Business Ethics Excellence(BEE) by the European Business Ethics Network(EBEN), in recognition of its sound corporate


governance and corporate social responsibility;while it also received the Investors in People(IIP) certification, in recognition of the practicesthat it follows in the area of human resourcemanagement and development.

The University has also been recognized bythe European Commission, being awardedwith an Erasmus University Charter. It has alsoreceived the European Commission DiplomaSupplement Label. Moreover, the University ofNicosia is a member of the European UniversityAssociation (EUA).


Neapolis University Pafos 78



The vision of the University is to be an institution that is seen by itsmany stakeholders as student-centred, forward-looking,research-led and contributing tothe economic, social and culturallife of the district of Pafos, Cyprusand the region. Its fundamentalobjective is to produce graduateswho will be able to developenduring and relevant skills andwho will be able to succeedprofessionally in an internationallabour market. Its mission is to beestablished as an internationaluniversity attracting students fromCyprus, Europe as well as theMiddle East and Asia.


4.1.2.4 Neapolis University Pafos

Vision

The vision of the University is to be an institutionthat is seen by its many stakeholders asstudent-centred, forward-looking, research-ledand contributing to the economic, social andcultural life of the district of Pafos, Cyprus andthe region. Its fundamental objective is toproduce graduates who will be able to developenduring and relevant skills and who will beable to succeed professionally in aninternational labour market. Its mission is to beestablished as an international universityattracting students from Cyprus, Europe as wellas the Middle East and Asia.

The University’s strategy to realise its visionand to meet its objectives is based on fourpillars. Academically rigorous and professionallyrelevant programmes that respond to the needsof the regional economy and job markets;high-quality academic staff with long experiencein teaching and research at leading overseasuniversities; extensive use of the latest teachingand learning technologies; complete and fullyequipped teaching and student facilities.

Programmes of Study

The University offers a number of undergraduateand postgraduate programmes covering awide range of popular disciplines, such asBusiness Administration, Finance, Accounting,Architecture, and Psychology. It also offerssome innovative and unique programmesin the fields of Real Estate and ConstructionManagement. All undergraduate programmeshave duration of four years, except the

programme in Architecture, which continuesto a fi�h year that leads to the Diploma inArchitecture, a necessary qualification forsecuring professional accreditation by theCyprus Technical Chamber.

The following undergraduate and postgraduateprogrammes are offered by Neapolis University:

Undergraduate

● Bachelor of Science in Psychology ● Bachelor and Diploma in Architecture and

Environmental Design ● Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Valuation

and Development● Bachelor of Science in Business

Administration● Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Banking

and Finance (with specializations in Bankingand Finance, or Accounting and Finance)

Postgraduate

● Master of Science in Educational Psychology

● Master of Science in Real Estate

● Master of Science in ConstructionManagement

● Master of Business Administration (withspecializations in Finance, Real Estate,General Management, ConstructionManagement and International TourismManagement)

● Master of Science in Banking, Investmentand Finance

● Master in Public Administration

● Master in Theological Studies


The Universityoffers a numberof undergraduateand postgraduateprogrammes coveringa wide range ofpopular disciplines.


Research Mission

Research at Neapolis University is a core activityand a reflection of the belief that the creationand dissemination of knowledge is at the heartof its mission, informing and shaping teachingand learning approach and all other scholasticactivities.

Neapolis University aspires to become a regionalcentre of research excellence in business andmanagement, in educational psychology, andin architecture and environmental sciences,attracting and retaining first class academics andcreating critical mass of expertise in these areas.This is done by recruiting staff with an establishedtrack record in research and publications.

Each member of academic staff is expected toengage in high-quality research at the forefronts

of knowledge and to be active participant in theresearch initiatives in Cyprus and abroad. At atime when most problems require inputs froma variety of disciplines, the University promotesan interdisciplinary approach through researchcentres and institutes that transcend traditionalacademic barriers.

Campus Life

The University campus in the busy area ofPafos only 300 metres for the beautiful beachand a stone’s throw from the archaeologicalsites, offers students a unique environmentconducive to their academic and personaldevelopment.

Campus life revolves around the Ariston theUniversity’s large cafeteria, situated in front of


The Campus offersstudents a uniqueenvironmentconductive to theiracademic andpersonal development.


the swimming pool and featuring sofas andloungers, as well as TV screens with digitalservices. Beyond its main use as the studentmeeting place, its vast space is frequently usedby Cinematography and Sports Student Clubsto host cinema and sports nights with snacksand beverages. There are WI-Fi routers aroundcampus, enabling free access to wirelessinternet both indoors and outdoors.

Neapolis students live a busy life, attendinglectures, working in the library or in studios andlaboratories, writing their essays or engagingwith their tutors and fellow students. A respiteto their work is provided by the two large

outdoor areas of the campus the Pool Gardenand the Quadrangle that offer the students arelaxing environment in which they can rest,meet their friends and socialise. During theirfree time, students can play chess and otherboard games under the shaded and landscapedareas around the pool and the snack bar or inthe gardens.

Students live and study in diverse multilingual,multicultural and international but safe campuscommunity that fosters understanding, toleranceand friendships that last for life.


Students live andstudy in diversemultilingual,multicultural andinternational butsafe community.


Contact Details:

Website: www.nup.ac.cyemail: [email protected].: +357 26 843 300

Student Union

The student Union is the hub of the student lifeat Neapolis, with its rich cultural, social andathletic activities and clubs. The Union arrangesfrequent extra-curriculum activities and tripsthat accommodate most interests and hobbies.In addition the City of Pafos hosts numerouscultural, social and sporting events, throughoutthe year enabling young people to take part.The University co-organizes and collaboratesin a number of these events and students havea chance to get actively involved in the localcommunity.

Student Housing

Every first year student is guaranteedaccommodation. All are en-suite rooms andare fully-furnished with balconies overlookingthe interior landscaped gardens and swimmingpool or offer a seaside view. They are supportedby communal fully-furnished kitchens. The lowmonthly rent includes electricity provision andwater supply, as well as wireless unlimitedinternet services.

Sports Facilities

The university campus has its own sports centrewith indoor swimming pool, gym, weights room,fitness room, shower and changing rooms, aswell as outdoor tennis courts and a swimmingpool. Furthermore, the students can use, freeof charge, the facilities of the near-by GeroskipouMunicipality Sports Centres, that include anOlympic-size swimming pool, gym, football,tennis, basketball and beach-volley courts.

Living in Pafos

Living in Pafos is a unique experience for astudent. Pafos is a Unesco World Heritage Site,where you come across history and traditionat every step. At the same time it is a vibrantand bustling modern and multicultural citythat offers a myriad of things to do and someamazing places to see. The mild climate, thebeautiful natural landscapes in and around thecity and the city’s Mediterranean lifestyle makecity-living, relaxed, easy-going and comfortable.

The City’s position along the shoreline and itsclose proximity to the rolling foothills of theTroodos Mountain Range, the Pafos Forest andthe natural reserve of the Akamas Peninsula,offer great and exciting recreational outdooractivities. The restored harbour square,the southern waterfront esplanade and theLighthouse promenade in Kato Pafos, areexcellent places for leisure walks whereasthose inclined in more demanding peripateticventures can visit the Mouttallos and Moussallasdistricts located on rocky outcrops overlookingthe city and the coastal valley.



4.2. Institutionsof Higher Education

4.2.1 Public Institutions of Higher EducationThe Cyprus Government has the responsibilityfor the operation of the Public Institutions ofTertiary Education. They operate under thesupervision of various Ministries, such asthe Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance,Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture,Natural Resources and Environment, Ministryof Commerce, Industry and Tourism andMinistry of Justice and Public Order. EachMinistry is responsible for the organisation andadministration of the institution. Regarding theacademic supervision the responsibility comesunder the MOEC. The main objective of theseinstitutions is to provide education and trainingin professional disciplines to satisfy the localdemands. Each institution has a differentstructure and offers programmes of studiesin specific technical – professional fields whichlead to a Higher Diploma.

The following Public Institutions of TertiaryEducation operate:

● THE HIGHER HOTEL INSTITUTE OF CYPRUS Tel. +357-22404800, email: [email protected]

● THE CYPRUS FORESTRY COLLEGE Tel. +357-25813606, www.moa.gov.cy/fc

● THE MEDITERRANEAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT Tel. +357-22806000, www.kepa.gov.cy

● THE POLICE ACADEMYTel. +357-22808030, www.police.gov.cy

● THE SCHOOL FOR TOURIST GUIDES Tel. +357-22691142

4.2.2 Private Institutions of Higher Education

The Private Institutions of Higher Educationwere established mainly during the last twodecades. They are non-university institutionsof higher education which offer a wide rangeof academic and professional programmesof study at various levels as follows:

● Diploma (One Year)● Diploma (Two Years)● Higher Diploma (Three Years)● Bachelor Degree (Four Years)● Masters Degree (One to Two Years)

Private Institutions of Higher Education offera wide range of academic as well as vocationalprogrammes of studies in the various fields of:

● Business Studies● Hotel and Tourism Administration● Engineering● Hotel and Tourism Management● Education● Secretarial Studies● Social Sciences● Culinary● Computer Science● Aesthetics● Graphic Design● Music - Arts & Drama

Institutions of Higher Education

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The language of instruction at the PrivateInstitutions of Higher Education is Englishfor 95% of the programmes of studies offered,thus attracting scholars and students in amulticultural environment.

The establishment and operation of PrivateInstitutions of Higher Education is regulated bythe corresponding law, according to which allsuch institutions should be registered in theRegister of Private Higher EducationInstitutions of the MOEC.

The registration of a Private Institution of HigherEducation does not imply recognition of thedegrees awarded by it. The evaluation –accreditation of a programme of study is possibleonly a�er successful educational evaluation –accreditation by the Council of EducationalEvaluation and Accreditation, the competentauthority responsible for this purpose. In January2000, the first programmes of study wereeducationally evaluated – accredited and theresults were published in the Official Gazette ofthe Republic of Cyprus. The evaluation continuedin the following years and as of June 2012, 139programmes of study offered by the PrivateInstitutions of Higher Education have beeneducationally evaluated – accredited by theCouncil of Educational Evaluation andAccreditation. The evaluation is valid for aperiod of four years. More information regardingaccredited programmes of study can be foundat www.moec.gov.cy/sekap/index.html

The Law regulating the establishment,control and operation of Institutions of TertiaryEducation in Cyprus has been amended toallow the collaboration of foreign institutionsof HE with local colleges for the provision ofcross border education. Any privateeducational institution in Cyprus may nowaward qualifications from European Unionmember state HEIs and/or they can allowEuropean Union member state HEIs to awardtheir qualifications within the Republic ofCyprus provided that they follow somecriteria.


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1. A.C AMERICAN COLLEGE Tel. +357-22661122, www.ac.ac.cy

2. ΑIGAIA SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN Tel. +357-22445757, www.aigaia.com.cy

3. ALEXANDER COLLEGE Tel. +357-24532373, www.alexander.ac.cy

4. ARTE MUSIC ACADEMYTel. +357-22676823 www.artemusic.ac.cy

5. ATLANTIS COLLEGE Tel. +357-23819664, www.atlantiscollege.com

6. C.D.A COLLEGE (Nicosia) Tel. +357-22661104, www.cdacollege.ac.cy

7. C.D.A COLLEGE (Larnaka)Tel. +357-24656676 , www.cdacollege.ac.cy

8. C.D.A COLLEGE (Limassol) Tel. +357-25356810, www.cdacollege.ac.cy

9. CASA COLLEGE Tel. +357-22681882, www.casacollege.ac.cy

10. COLLEGE OF TOURISM AND HOTEL MANAGEMENT Tel. +357-22462846, www.cothm.ac.cy

11. CYPRUS COLLEGE (Nicosia)Tel. +357-22713000, www.cycollege.ac.cy

12. CYPRUS COLLEGE (Limassol) Tel. +357-25867300, www.cycollege.ac.cy

13. CYPRUS COLLEGE OF ART Tel. +357-25341387, www.artcyprus.org

14. CYPRUS INTERNATIONALINSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT Tel. +357-22462246, www.ciim.ac.cy

15. CYPRUS SCHOOL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE - THE CYPRUS INSTITUTE OFNEUROLOGY AND GENETICS Tel. +357 22358600, www.cing.ac.cy

16. FREDERICK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (Nicosia)Tel. +357-22431355, www.fit.ac.cy

17. FREDERICK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (Limassol) Tel. +357-25730975, www.fit.ac.cy

18. GLOBAL COLLEGE Tel. +357-22814555,www.globalcollege.com.cy

19. INTERCOLLEGE (Nicosia)Tel. +357-22841570, www.intercollege.ac.cy

20. INTERCOLLEGE (Larnaca)Tel. +357-24747500, www.intercollege.ac.cy

21. INTERCOLLEGE (Limassol) Tel. +357-25381180, www.intercollege.ac.cy

22. INTERNAPA COLLEGE Tel. +357-23829840, www.internapa.ac.cy

23. KES COLLEGE Tel. +357-22875737, www.kes.ac.cy

24. LARNAKA COLLEGE Tel. +357 24828899,www.larnacacollege.com

25. LEDRA COLLEGE Tel. +357-22514044, www.ledra.ac.cy

26. M.K.C. CITY COLLEGE LARNACA Tel. +357-24818571, www.citycollege.ac.cy

27. P.A COLLEGE Tel. +357-24624975, www.pacollege.ac.cy

28. SUSINI COLLEGE (Limassol) Tel. +357-25366196, www.susini.ac.cy

29. SUSINI COLLEGE (Nicosia) Tel. +357-22676663, www.susini.ac.cy

30. THE C.T.L. EUROCOLLEGE Tel. +357-25736501, www.ctleuro.ac.cy


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The following private Institutions of Higher Education operate in Cyprus:


31. THE CYPRUS INSTITUTE Tel. +357-22208700, www.cyi.ac.cy

32. THE CYPRUS INSTITUTEOF MARKETING (Nicosia) Tel. +357-22778475, www.cima.com.cy

33. THE CYPRUS INSTITUTEOF MARKETING (Limassol)Tel. +357-25343556, www.cima.ac.cy

34. THE LIMASSOL COLLEGE - T.L.CTel. +357-25381095,www.thelimassolcollege.ac.cy

35. THE PHILIPS COLLEGE Tel. +357-22441860, www.philips.ac.cy

36. VLADIMIROS KAFKARIDES SCHOOL OF DRAMATel. +357-99639609, www.satiriko.com


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5. LIFELONGLEARNING

5.1 ImplementingEU Policy for LifelongLearning in Cyprus

Education and training, through the policy ofLifelong Learning (LLL) are, in recent years, thefocus of the economic and social developmentpolicies. Today they constitute an integralpart of the overall effort to address the globaleconomic recession. In the EU, knowledge isthe key to building the future and it constitutesa deterministic component of the triptychvision of the new development strategy of"Europe 2020" for smart, sustainable and

Lifelong learning88


inclusive growth. Four out of the ten integratedEU guidelines in the sectors of the economyand employment, for the implementation of thenew Strategy, on which any recommendationsfrom the Council to the member states will bebased, are directly applicable to Lifelong Learning.

The EU in order to give its citizens the opportunityto participate in the Lifelong Learning hasestablished the European Lifelong LearningProgramme (LLP) 2007-2013 (Decision of

the European Parliament and Council No.1720/2006/EC dated 15.11.2006). Furthermore,in the European Council Conclusions (EuropeanCouncil, Conclusions on new Skills for new Jobs,9.3.2009) it is stated that the development of acoherent and comprehensive LLL strategy,including investments in education and trainingis the key to building future capabilities.

Within the above development framework,Cyprus Council of Ministers approved theNational Lifelong Learning Strategy 2007-2013.The Strategy has been developed throughcollaboration of the Planning Bureau with theMOEC, the Ministry of Labor and SocialInsurance, Cyprus Productivity Centre and theHuman Resource Development Authority.

The Cyprus vision for Lifelong Learning hasbeen defined in line with the EU Communication(COM (2001) 678), according to which thelifelong learning is every learning individuals´activity throughout their whole life, aiming atstrengthening their ability to face the challengesof the knowledge based society, moving freelybetween learning frameworks, professions,regions and countries for the accomplishmentof learning, for combating exclusions as well asfor more prosperity, tolerance and democracy.

Within the above-mentioned EU policyframework, Cyprus vision for lifelong learningis the development of a system which ensuresthat all individuals will be motivated andsupported and will be provided with resourcesas well as the time to participate in trainingactivities throughout their whole lives, with thepurpose of creating a society in which all citizenswill participate actively and equally and willcontribute to the reinforcement of productivity,

Lifelong learning 89

Lifelong Learningconstitutes one of themain goals of thegovernment policyregarding HE inCyprus.


innovation, competitiveness and the dynamismof the country.

The National Strategy for Lifelong Learning”focuses on four priorities in order to achieveits targets:

● Access and participation for all in LifelongLearning: Targeted promotion of access ineducation for all.

● Infrastructure for Lifelong Learning:Enhancement of the quality of LifelongLearning by strengthening infrastructureand content of education and training, andalso promotion of a national qualificationsframework.

● Research and Development: Diverseresearch and development on key issuesfor Lifelong Learning in Cyprus.

● Effective Governance: Diverse actionsto strengthen governance systems andmechanisms of Lifelong Learning withinthe education system and the trainingsystem through the active participation ofall stakeholders in the Lifelong Learningprocess.

For the participation of the citizens of theRepublic of Cyprus to the European LifelongLearning Programme 2007-2013 (LLP),the Cyprus Government has established, theFoundation for the Management of the EuropeanLifelong Learning Programmes.

Τhe Foundation for the Management of theEuropean Lifelong Learning Programmes aimsat the promotion of the objectives and policiesof the European Union, in the fields of Educationand Professional Training, as well as the

promotion of the objectives and policies ofthe Cyprus Republic in these fields. Promotingthe above objectives is successful through:

● Providing information to the public about theEuropean education/training pro grammesand about the relevant policies

● Subsidy of mobility of individuals towardsother countries for training purposes

● Encouragement of people from all agesfor attendance to LLP, including peoplewho belong to minority groups

● Exchange of good practices in theeducational/professional fields betweenthe countries that take part in the LLP

● Distribution and treatment of the resultsof the LLP

5.2 Lifelong Learning inCyprus Higher Education Lifelong Learning consists one of the maingoals of the government policy regarding HEin Cyprus. For this purpose, the DHTE, hasdeveloped a strategy for promoting LifelongLearning in Cyprus HE.

The establishment of the Open University ofCyprus (www.ouc.ac.cy) constitutes the mostimportant step of the island, towards thepromotion of lifelong learning. With continuouslyincreasing in number programmes of studyand continuously widening the spectrum ofcovered areas, the Open University gives theopportunity to working people and adults tostudy in a distance learning mode.

Lifelong learning90


Open University gives the opportunityto working people and adults to study in a distance learning mode.

At the same time, all HE institutions introducedlifelong learning programmes of study. Theseprogrammes are addressed to a wide range ofpeople groups:

● To people already in the labour market thatneed to get a higher qualification.

● To unemployed people who are willing toattend a training course in order to widentheir professional status and find a job.

● To unskilled manpower who wish to acquirenew skills.

These programmes of study are offered in part-time, distance learning or other modes of study,to suit these groups lifelong education needs.

Some other popular lifelong learningopportunities that are offered by the HE systemof Cyprus are:

● Undergraduate and postgraduate programsof study offered by private universities, ina part-time mode and in evening courses.

● Postgraduate programs of study offered bypublic universities, in a part-time mode andin evening courses.

● Undergraduate and diploma level coursesoffered by HEIs in evening courses andin part-time or in modules, in vocationalsubjects for working adults andunemployed people.

● Special professional subjects offered bythe HEIs in areas like, banking, accounting,finance, shipping etc, designed to assistprofessionals to improve themselves or tocope with new professional requirements.

● Short courses mainly in professionalsubjects offered by private institutionsand the Open University.

In addition to the above, Lifelong Learning inHE is promoted by Law and Regulations of HEI’sand the government policy on funding LLL, since:

● The laws applicable to students are thesame for LLL and for young students.

● A number of students older than 30 yearsold can be accepted by Public Universitieson the basis of special criteria.

● Students from public and private universitiesare funded by the government regardlesstheir age.

● Funding of LLL activities promoted by thegovernment is based on European and onpublic funds.

● Incentives are given to employers who give0,5% of their employees salary directly to theHuman Resources Development Authority.The Authority then organizes free trainingcourses for these employees, or sendsthem abroad for seminars related to theirprofessional sector.

● Public Universities offer their LLLprogrammes through state fundingand private universities offer their LLLprogrammes through private funding.

● The government does fund privateproviders to provide LLL programmes,and more specifically computer a�ernoonlessons for employees are publicly funded.

● The students of LLL programmes offeredby approved private universities do receivepublic grants.

Lifelong learning 91


6. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

6.1 EU Policy forResearch and Innovation The landscape of EU research and innovationprogrammes has been developed over recentdecades and now constitutes a significant shareof the EU budget (7.41 % of the EU Budget willbe devoted to research and innovation in 2013).

Delivering on the widely supported Europe2020 objectives of smart, sustainable andinclusive growth depends on research andinnovation as key drivers of social and economicprosperity and of environmental sustainability.This is why the European Union has set, in thecontext of the Europe 2020 strategy, the objectiveto increase spending on R&D to reach 3% ofGDP by 2020. The Innovation Union flagshipinitiative advocates a strategic and integratedapproach to research and innovation. This setsthe framework and objectives to which futureEU research and innovation funding shouldcontribute, based on the provisions of the Treaties.

The Council called for future EU fundingprogrammes to focus more on Europe 2020priorities, address societal challenges and keytechnologies, facilitate collaborative andindustry-driven research, streamline theinstruments, radically simplify access andfurther strengthen excellence.

The EU new programme for research andinnovation, Horizon 2020, is part of the drive to

create new growth and jobs in Europe. Horizon2020 is the financial instrument implementingthe Innovation Union, a Europe 2020 flagshipinitiative aimed at securing Europe's globalcompetitiveness. Running from 2014 to 2020with an €80 billion budget, it will combine allresearch and innovation funding currentlyprovided through the Framework Programmesfor Research and Technical Development,the innovation related activities of theCompetitiveness and Innovation FrameworkProgramme (CIP) and the European Instituteof Innovation and Technology.

The adoption of Horizon 2020 will:

● Strengthen the EU’s position in science witha dedicated budget of €24.598 million. Thiswill provide a boost to top-level researchin Europe, including an increase in fundingof 77% for the very successful EuropeanResearch Council (ERC).

● Strengthen industrial leadership in innovation€17.938 million. This includes majorinvestment in key technologies, greateraccess to capital and support for SMEs.

● Provide €31.748 million to help addressmajor concerns shared by all Europeanssuch as climate change, developingsustainable transport and mobility, makingrenewable energy more affordable, ensuringfood safety and security, or coping with thechallenge of an ageing population.

During these times of global economicturbulence, with the crisis that started at theend of 2008 now peaking in many EU economies,there is a need for sustainable policy responsesin order to get the European economy back to

Research and Innovation92


Research is at thecentre of the academicactivities of public andprivate universitieswhich aspire tobecome centres of excellence.

track. It is widely accepted that the main wayout of crisis is through increased investment inresearch and innovation, which will stimulateeconomic growth, increase the levels ofemploy ment and drive the European compe -titiveness forward. It is for this reason that EUfunding programmes need to have an ambitiousand at the same time targeted approach,facilitating the Member States efforts to exitthe crisis and enabling them to gradually movetowards sustainable economic growth in thenext few years.

6.2 Implementing EUResearch and InnovationPolicy in Cyprus Research, development and innovation constitutean integral part of the economic developmenttarget of Cyprus. Investing in knowledge andinnovation is considered as a factor of majorimportance for economic development inthe country.

The medium and long term strategic objectivesof Cyprus for Research and Innovation are:

● To upgrade existing and develop newresearch infrastructure, allowing high-levelresearch activities in cutting-edge fields tobe carried out

● To involve enterprises in research andinnovation activities as well as to increasetheir contribution to the total R&D spending

● To increase the number of human capitalemployed in research

● To attract experienced researchers andscientists from abroad, as a means ofutilising their research experience andknow-how

● To encourage the participation of Cypriotorganizations in European researchprogrammes

● To promote international networking andcooperation.

Research is at the centre of the academicactivities of public and private universitieswhich aspire to become centres of excellence.The universities have adopted a dynamic andproactive strategy on research, aiming to reachout to all stakeholders and to work with themin developing ideas for basic and appliedresearch, for the betterment of the community,the country and the wider region. Aiming at theadvancement of scientific knowledge and atfacilitating the study and solution to real lifeproblems, a wide collaboration network isestablished, between research centres anduniversities in Cyprus and abroad.

Research is one of the main activities of theacademic staff at the universities in Cyprus.Postgraduate students as well as postgraduateAssistants are also important contributors toresearch conducted at the universities. Researchprogrammes are funded either through thebudget of the universities or by variousorganisations in Cyprus and abroad, andespecially, by national and EU research fundingprogrammes. Collaborations, through inter-stateor inter-university agreements, with universitiesand research centres abroad, are promoted inorder to enhance scientific research, cooperation

Research and Innovation 93


and exchange of information. Research is alsopartly funded by the Research PromotionFoundation (RPF), which allocates public fundson a competitive basis.

In 2008, the University of Cyprus was awardeda project funded by the European Social Fund.The project is titled “Development and operationof Industry Liaison Offices with the Universitiesoperating in the Republic of Cyprus” and itinvolves six public and private Universities. Itspurpose is to develop the infrastructure andsupport the cooperation between the Universitiesand Industry. It is planned to be set in fulloperation by the end of 2014.

The project concerns the establishment andoperation of Offices for the Liaison with Business,in each of the six universities in the Republic ofCyprus with the aim of attaining a better andstronger communication and cooperationbetween Business and the Universities onsubjects such as, technology transfer, promotion

of applied research responding to specificindustrial problems, collaboration in researchprogrammes, placement of students in Industryand, generally the promotion of innovation inBusiness and the Universities in Cyprus.

The main strategic aims of the Project are:

● The establishment of a network of modeloffices for liaison between the academicand business worlds.

● The utilisation and exploitation of the resultsof University innovation by the CypriotBusiness.

● The enhancement of the employmentpotential of students and graduates resultingfrom their contact with Business duringtheir studies.

The professional qualifications and the statusof the staff as well as the physical arrangementand appearance of the Offices standardisedto meet such quality specifications that willcontribute towards establishing a recognisableidentity for the Project. At the same time, anadditional aim is the spread of an entrepreneurialculture that will promote cooperation withother entities supporting technologicallyinnovative business in Cyprus. By means of awide publicity campaign, the Project will cometo the attention of the Business community aswell as the general public. In this way, the workof the Liaison Offices and the significantbenefits derived from securing finance fromEU Structural Funds shall have a substantialcontribution to the progress and developmentof our society.



Apart from Universities, several ResearchCentres contribute to research developmentin a very important way. The research supportactivities of the Cyprus’ Universities, the mainResearch Centres and the Research PromotionFoundation are described, in brief, below.

6.2.1 University of Cyprus(www.ucy.ac.cy)

Research has been one of the main pillarsof the University of Cyprus (UCY) since itsestablishment. The University’s researchprogrammes cover a wide range of fields thatcorrespond to existing specializations anddepartments, and employ over 400 scholars.Research programmes are funded eitherthrough the University’s budget or by institutionsin Cyprus and abroad. The majority of theexternally funded research programmes areEU programmes, such as the FrameworkProgrammes (FP6, FP7), LLP and programmesof the newly established European ResearchCouncil (ERC). The University also participatesin programmes funded by the Cyprus ResearchPromotion Foundation (RPF), an independentorganisation that promotes and funds scientificand technological research in Cyprus. UCY hasrecently received extensive funding for fourstrategic grants for research infrastructure.

The University of Cyprus:

● has increased its external funding by 8 timesin the last 5 years

● in the year 2010 it ranked first in the totalexternal funding and for the number ofprojects as coordinator or partner institution.

Currently there are 10 Research Unitsoperating at UCY, while the University plansthe establishment of a Research andInnovation Institute, with the aim to furtherpromote the development of research andinnovation and its active participation inthe programme HORIZON 2020.

● disseminates research results since 2004,through the «Diogenes» Business Incubator

● was included in the “Production andOperations Management” Scientific Journalamong other 343 leading universities inthe world for its research activity in the fieldof business administration, in the period1990-2006

● researchers submitted proposals to ERC(2007) resulting in Cyprus coming first inEurope in success rate of ERC programmes

● has been running a Jean Monnet Centreof Excellence since 2007, as a proof of itsdedication to European Integration teaching

● received an UNESCO Chair in Gender Equalityand Empowerment (2009)

● coordinates NARNIA, a New ArchaeologicalResearch Network for Integrating Approachesto Ancient Material Studies, which is thelargest European Research Programmethat Cyprus has won, with a budget of 4.6million € (FP7)

● coordinates iSENSE: Making Sense ofNonsense, which is a project with a budgetof 4 million € on the reliable operation oflarge-scale distributed systems in thepresence of errors (FP7)

● had 18 Marie-Curie funded Programmesapproved in 2011



Patents

Several outstanding advances and innovationshave been achieved through university appliedresearch. UCY registered its first patents in 2005and eleven patents in total by 2010. It is currentlyworking towards their commercialization. Thisis a significant achievement since the transferof technology in the global market results inimportant economic benefits. What is more,the inventions patented by the academicresearchers at the University constitute anintegral part to the progress of the scienceand technology in Cyprus and in Europe; suchachievements strengthen the economy, createnew jobs and enhance the welfare of the

Cypriot population. A full list of the patents andtheir inventors can be found in www.ucy.ac.cy.

6.2.2 Open University of Cyprus(www.ouc.ac.cy)

The Open University of Cyprus (OUC) placesgreat importance on the field of researchprogrammes which aim towards thedevelopment of metho dologies for distancelearning education and the promotion of thecorresponding high technologies. The academiccharacter of the Open University is based onthe continuous and systematic challenge todevelop the triptych Education – Training –


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Research. Essentially, the overall objective isthe establishment of a modern EuropeanOpen University.

OUC, as a university which aspires to join theEuropean sphere of HE, aims principally towardsa close collaboration with other HEIs of both theEuropean Union and of other countries, withorganizations, businesses and high technologycompanies. Collaborating with internationalorganizations and research centres, networksof universities and esteemed enterprises, willproduce a notable impact to the advancement ofCyprus, within the framework of a Europeanenvi ron ment of economic, social, cultural andscientific development.

Although newly founded, OUC is participatingas a coordinator or partner in variousprogrammes undertaken with other EuropeanUniversities for the promotion of research,technology and innovation in the fields itserves, thus contributing to the growth of the Cypriot economy.

The Section on Research Programmesengages with the monitoring of the invitationsto submission of proposals to the EuropeanUnion, aiming to improve open and distancelearning education, both in terms of methodologyand technical implementation.

Research proposals have been prepared incollaboration with other universities andorganizations, such as NETTUNO (Italy), CzechTechnical University (Czech Republic), EuropeanAssociation of Distance Teaching Universities –EADTU (Netherlands), Universidad de Barcelona(Spain), EUTELSAT (France), concerning theuse of new technology in the field of open anddistance education and the evaluation of thecorresponding educational methodology.

OUC actively participates in university networksand international organisations. This initiativeencourages the exchange of views on highereducation and research at the European andinternational level. By participating in thesenetworks, OUC promotes policy positions relatingto lifelong learning and the development ofdistance education and establishes partnershipsfor the exchange of academic staff, administrativepersonnel and students with other universities,members of the networks. OUC is a member ofthe following international university networksand educational organisations:

● European Association of Distance TeachingUniversities (EADTU)

● European Distance and e-Learning Networt(EDEN)

● European Foundation for Quality ineLearning (EFQUEL)

● European Association of ErasmusCoordinators (EAEC)

● European University Association (EUA)● European University Continuing Education

Network (EUCEN)● European Association of Institutions in

Higher Education (EURASHE)● International Council for Open and Distance

Education (ICDE)

6.2.3 Cyprus University of Technology(www.cut.ac.cy)

Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) has asits strategic target the design and developmentof research activities both within the Universityand in cooperation with other research Institutesin Cyprus and abroad. The research emphasisof CUT is reflected in the substantial funding


Researchprogrammes arefunded either throughthe budget of theuniversities or byvarious organisationsin Cyprus and abroad,and especially, bynational and EUresearch fundingprogrammes.


provided to academics for the establishmentof research centres and laboratories.

CUT aims at transferring knowledge (education)and producing new knowledge through basicand applied research in all the academic fieldsof the five Faculties. Research at CUT is carriedout in each different Department or betweentwo or more Departments, under the responsi -bility of one or more members of the Academicstaff. University research activities are realizedthrough funding secured from the followingtwo major sources:

a) from the University’s state funded budget.

b) from different organizations, entities orprivate sources at national, European andinternational level who award, with or withouta competition, specific research projects toresearch groups and/or individual membersof the Academic staff.

Strengthening of the research management,support and infrastructure, with the aim ofsecuring externally funded projects, is anothermajor objective of the University. The Universityhas adopted the following principles in relationto Research, which conform with the EuropeanUnion’s declarations relating to the creation ofa European Research Area:

● Effective access and information support.

● Equal research opportunities to all membersof Academic staff.

● Effective support of Research Activities.

● Promotion of competition, quality andsupport of research projects.

● Start-up funding for new members of theAcademic staff for the setting-up of research

infrastructure, mainly for the creation ofresearch laboratories.

CUT research and academic staff is involvedin various Research Programmes, which arecovered by internal and external researchfunding. CUT managed to secure a significantnumber of Research Programmes funded bythe Research Promotion Foundation, theEuropean Research Framework Programmes(FP6 and FP7), the LIFE Programme, theEuropean Territorial Cooperation Programmessuch as Interreg IIIB Archimed, Interreg IVC,MED and others.

6.2.4 Frederick University(www.frederick.ac.cy)

Frederick University puts great emphasis inenhancing its standing as a significant researchinstitution by creating a vibrant research centreof international recognition. The researchinitiatives and activities that are being carriedout at the University, within the context ofnational and international research programmes,place the University among the most importantand successful research organisations of Cyprus.The University has developed an integratedstrategy for the promotion and support of itsresearch activities, which involves mainadministrative and academic bodies, such asthe University’s Council, the Senate, the ResearchCommittee, the Research Service and theFinance Service.

Over the last few years, the academic staff ofthe University has participated in more than100 research projects with external funding ofseveral million Euros by national or international



Programmes, most of which have beencoordinated by the University’s staff. Thisfunding has been acquired in a very competitiveenvironment by the Cyprus Research PromotionFoundation, the European Union, the CyprusGovernment, the United Nations, business andindustry. The University supports the imple -men tation of these projects by providingadministrative and financial support. TheUniversity’s own contribution to most of theseprojects is approximately 20-25% of the budget.

In an effort to develop a research culture amongstudents, the University has incorporatedresearch oriented courses in many undergra -duate programmes of study. This endeavor isstrengthened by the post graduate programmesoffered by the University. With these programmesFrederick graduates are well trained incontemporary research methodologies andthus able to contribute to the socioeconomic,scientific, and technological development. Theresearch activities of the University cover awide range of disciplines, such as Engineering,Information Technologies, Applied Sciences,Economics, Maritime, Business, Humanities,Social Sciences and Environmental Sciences.

Frederick University is equipped with contem -porary research facilities, which are vital forthe successful implementation of researchprojects in cutting edge fields and for theeducation and training of its students. Certainof the University’s research labs have becomepoint of reference in Cyprus. This infrastructureprovides to the University the opportunity toparticipate in advanced international researchnetworks and seek new funding sources forresearch through competitive programmes.

Frederick University collaborates with otherUniversities, research centres and the productivesector in Cyprus and around the world. Withinthe framework of its research projects, theUniversity has collaborated with 69 Universitiesand Research Centres and 93 other organizationsfrom 31 countries of Europe, USA, Asia, Africaand Oceania. Moreover, the University hasdeveloped research cooperation with all privateand public Universities in Cyprus and 65organisations and enterprises from industry.

6.2.5 European University Cyprus(www.euc.ac.cy)

European University Cyprus (EUC) is one ofthe Eastern Mediterranean premium research-intensive universities; it has been ranked by theEuropean Commission, ResearchRanking.orgin the 5th position among the top 32 researchinstitutions of Cyprus. EUC is the only academicorganization in Cyprus that has become partnerin three (out of five) ESFRI (European StrategyForum on Research Infrastructures) projectsfunded under the FP7Capacities programme.These three major research projects are: (a)ESS (European Social Survey) project, the firstsocial science project to win Europe’s top annualscience award, the prestigious DescartesPrize “for excellence. (b)“Preparing DARIAH”(Digital Research Infrastructure for the Artsand Humanities) with an estimated budgetof 3 million Euros. (c) The CLARIN (CommonLanguage Resources and TechnologyInfrastructure) project (5 million Euros). Since2007, EUC has developed an intense actionin a wide spectrum of disciplines throughcoordination or/and participation in national/



international and European Union-fundedresearch programmes. All faculties are activeand innovative in many areas of research andhave established renowned research clusters.In addition, cutting-edge research based onresearchers' open ideas is being promotedin inter-university research centres andlaboratories or units. With external research(total) funding exceeding 25.079.874 Euro inthe last 5 years, the EUC is supported by severalfunding agencies both in Cyprus and abroad[E.U]. Moreover, EUC faculty staff extensivelyget published, cited and/or bibliographed inhigh ranking academic publications; plethoraof faculty staff are members of the EditorialBoards of high ranking academic journals.

Meanwhile, the European University Cyprushas both hosted and organized or co-organizedplentiful international refereed conferencesworkshops, performances and/or workshopsof learning societies and academic foundations.EUC researchers are affiliated with over sixtymajor research centres and networks. Giventhe above performance, a vast number of highranking universities – University of Zurich,Aarhus Universitet, University of Cambridge,London School of Economics, University of Oslo,University of Athens, Vienna University, etc – havebeen collaborated and/or developed synergies.

6.2.6 University of Nicosia(www.unic.ac.cy)

Over the years, the University of Nicosia hasadopted a dynamic research strategy, with anaim of reaching out to all its stakeholders, towork with them in developing ideas foracademic and applied research, to better the

Cyprus community, country and wider region.Within these parameters, and through itsproactive role in research, the University isinvolved in funded projects at the national, EUand international level. Faculty and researcherswork towards developing and implementingthese grants with the support of the Research& Innovation Office. This build up of support,through the pooling of expertise, has led tosuccessful bids and outcomes, in particular inthe fields of Sciences, Education and Humanities.As of 2007, faculty and researchers of theUniversity have been actively involved in fundedprojects with a total budget of over thirty (30)million Euros. Furthermore, the University hasplayed a pivotal role in the development ofa network of academically affiliated centres,founded predominantly by University faculty:

● University of Nicosia Research Foundation(UNRF)

● Cyprus Academic Research Institute (CARI)

● Centre for the Advancement of Researchand Development in Educational Technology(CARDET)

● Cyprus Centre for European and InternationalAffairs (CCEIA)

● Centre for Leisure, Tourism and SportResearch Development (CLTS)

● Mass Media & Communication Institute(IMME)

● Centre for Therapy, Training and Research(KESY)

● Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies(MIGS)

● Research Unit in Behavior and Social Issues(RUBSI)



In addition to the network of academicallyaffiliated centres, the University plays a keyrole within society through parallel researchconsortiums alongside many civil societyassociations, government bodies and industry.Moreover, the University has sought anddeveloped links within the economy throughactive bodies such as the University of NicosiaBusiness Centre, the Helix Business Incubator,the Law Clinic and the Business School AdvisoryCouncil, working together towards industry-based solutions and projects.

6.2.7 Neapolis University of Pafos(www.nup.ac.cy)

Research & Innovation Infrastructure hasbeen established at Neapolis University ofPafos (NUP) in order to facilitate:

● the dissemination of the relevant informationamong its academic staff and the submissionof research proposals,

● the involvement of the academic staff inresearch and innovation,

● the development of collaboration with otheracademic and research institutions and themanagement of approved research projects.

In particular, there have been established:

1. The NUP Research Committee.

2. The NUP European Programmes Office.

3. The NUP Entrepreneurship and InnovationOffice.

Up to now, Neapolis University of Pafos has been:

1. A partner to an approved research projectin the context of 7th F.P. titled «New microbial

carbonate precipitation technology for theproduction of high strength, economicaland Ecological Cement», with the acronym«ECO-CEMENT» and Grant AgreementNumber 282922. The implementation ofthe project started on 28/10/11.

2. The coordinator of a project under thecontext of Leonardo da Vinci – Transferof Innovation, titled «Identification andsus tainable exploitation of wild ediblemushrooms in rural areas», with theacronym «MYCOT.I.CO.N.» and the approvalcode 2011-1-GR-LEO05-06802. Theimplementation of the project startedon 18/11/11.

3. A member of the 3rd cohort of theInstitutional HR Strategy group that theEuropean Commission is running to supportthe implementation of the «European Charterfor Researchers and Code of Conduct for theRecruitment of Researchers» at institutionallevel.

NUP purports to submit joint innovativeresearch proposals to National and EuropeanFunding Organizations in the near future.

6.2.8 Cyprus Institute of Neurologyand Genetics (www.cing.ac.cy)

The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics(CING), was established in 1990 by The CyprusFoundation for Muscular Dystrophy Research,as a bi-communal, non-profit, private, academic,medical and research Institute. Followinga generous donation from the United States,through the Cyprus Office of the United NationsHigh Commission for Refugees, in 1995 the CING



built its own premises made up of an area of10.000m². The Institute is equipped with thelatest high-tech laboratory and clinical equipment.Its personnel numbers 160 individuals.

The Vision of CING is to function as a NationalCentre of Excellence and a Regional ReferralCentre, and its Mission is to develop and pursueadvanced research, provide postgraduateeducation, and develop and provide specializedmedical and clinical laboratory services inthe areas of neurology, genetics, biomedical,medical and other related sciences to all Cypriotcitizens, irrespective of ethnicity and religion.CING’s ultimate scopes are to improve andupgrade the quality of life of patients, andstrengthen its international role in the areasof its specialties.

CING is comprised of eight Departments andsix Clinics providing highly specialised servicesand the most competitive and pioneeringbiomedical research, aiming towards early

detection and prevention of disease. CING offersdiagnosis and treatment for many commonand rare diseases, some of which are unique tothe Cypriot people and the region. The servicesare offered to doctors, clinics, hospitals andthe police authorities in the government andprivate sector.

CING has also established the Cyprus Schoolof Molecular Medicine (CSMM,www.cing.ac.cy/csmm) and providespostgraduate education including MSc andPhD programmes, as well as other activitiessuch as training programmes for students,doctors and scientists. With the operation ofthe Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, inSeptember 2012, research at CING will beenhanced even further through the enrolmentof MSc and PhD students who will producecompetitive research as part of their studies.

Since its establishment, the Institute has achievedmany internationally renowned accomplishmentswith huge scientific, medical, social andfinancial benefits.

The CING is dedicated to lessening the sufferingof patients and their families and preventingdiseases through patient care, research andeducational programmes. The Institute carriesout basic as well as translational research inthe areas of medical and biomedical sciences.Research activities are focused on areas suchas neurological and neuromuscular diseases,genetic diseases and syndromes, inheritedcancer, cardiovascular diseases, nephrologicaldiseases, thalassemia, neurodegenerativedisorders, autism, chromosomal syndromes,syndromes associated with mental impairment,inborn errors of metabolism, infectious diseases,



rare and common genetic diseases, forensicsciences, mouse models, etc.

CING has the largest and most technologicallydeveloped research infrastructure in Cyprusand the neighboring area in the areas ofneurology, genetics and biomedical sciences.CING scientists obtain research grants fromfunding organizations in Cyprus and abroad,such as the European Commission, 5th,6th and 7th Framework, DG for Health andConsumers, DG Enlargement, The MuscularDystrophy Association (USA), AssociationFrançaise Contre Les Myopathies (France),National Multiple Sclerosis Society (USA),Glaxo Smith Kline Pharmaceutical Company(UK), Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC),UNOPS (United Nations), Anastasios G. LeventisFoundation (Cyprus), Muscular DystrophyCampaign (UK), Human Frontiers ScienceProgramme (Japan), Research PromotionFoundation (Cyprus), etc. There are 37 researchgrants currently running with a total funding of5,5m euros. CING has established more than100 international research collaborations withuniversities and research institutes abroad.

The results of the successful completion ofresearch programmes are depicted in thenumber of original scientific publications andbook contributions. During the last five years,146 peer reviewed papers have been publishedin international journals with an average ImpactFactor of 4. From 1 January 2011 to 30 June2011, a further 36 peer reviewed papers havebeen published in international journals. Thescientists of CING have received a large numberof invitations to provide lectures in academiccentres abroad and at international scientificconferences.

During the last five years, 28 national andinternational awards have been granted toCING scientists by organizations such as theResearch Promotion Foundation, Cyprus MedicalAssociation, European Science Foundation,European Union Networks of Excellence, USState Department and others.

The research output of the Institute isoutstanding. This is depicted in the large numberof publications of scientific peer review highimpact factor papers in international journals;publication of books; obtaining of competitiveexternal grants for research; invitations forlectures; the establishment of internationalscientific collaborations; and the number ofnational and international awards received.CING’s achievements during its short 20-yearhistory, fully justify it to be considered as anInternational Centre of Excellence.



6.2.9 Cyprus Institute (www.cyi.ac.cy)The Cyprus Institute (CyI) is a non-profit scienceand technology research and educationalinstitution. Research at the CyI is carried incross-disciplinary Research Centres thataddress problems of great scholarly relevance,global significance and regional focus. Theoverall goal of its research programme is toapply rigorous scientific and technologicalmethodology in order to address issues thatare of clear relevance to Cyprus, the EU, theEastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Multi-level founding partnerships withinternationally prominent institutions ensurethe development of the CyI Research Centresin close collaboration with world leaders intheir respective fields. Additional collaborationswith other research and academic institutionstogether with local authorities further enhanceits development.

Individual Research Centres are structuredaround thematic areas, not scientific disciplines.Each Centre initiates research projects, consistentwith the overall strategy and priorities of theCyI. Shared infrastructures incorporating stateof the art technology support all researchactivities. Currently, there are three operationalResearch Centres:

1. The Energy, Environment andWater Research Centre (EEWRC)

The Energy Environment and Water ResearchCenter (EEWRC) is actively researchingproblems facing the Mediterranean andMiddle East regions, such as:

● Regional climate change. Significantlydryer and warmer conditions, directimplications on air quality, humanhealth, land and marine ecosystems,as well as energy and water demand.

● Energy and water shortage – SolarEnergy. A plant for co-generation ofelectricity and desalinated sea waterbased on solar power is being researchedand prototyped on an experimental-scale, allowing for a test-bed whereideas and concepts for the varioussubsystems are being tested underrealistic conditions.

● Atmospheric and earth observations. An autonomous flying platform has beendeveloped to yield an unprecedentedmonitoring ability for changes inatmospheric and earth-surfaceconditions, yielding measurementsthat are boundary conditions in climateprediction algorithms.



2. The Science and Technology inArchaeology Research Centre (STARC)

The Science and Technology in ArchaeologyResearch Center (STARC) is devoted to theintroduction, development and use ofadvanced science and technology inarchaeology and cultural heritage. Itsresearch topics derive from a use-inspiredbasic research approach and include:

● Natural and Material Sciences applied toArchaeology and Cultural Heritage (CH);

● Digital Heritage (DH); Information andCommunication Technologies (ICT),digital documentation and semantics,scientific visualization and virtual realitymethods;

● Diagnostics for CH conservation, suchas chemical and physical analyses forthe preservation of heritage items;

A digital capturing data laboratory, including3D stereoscopic visualization facilities, has

been established and a mobile laboratorywith facilities for digital data acquisition,geophysical and remote-sensing studies,data processing and archaeometry is nowin the process of purchasing and it is expectedto be fully operational starting 2013.

3. The Computation-based Science andTechnology Research Centre (CaSToRC)

The Computation based Science andTechnology Research Center (CaSToRC)promotes the use of high performancecomputing and enable the computationaland simulation needs in various fields inCyprus and the Eastern Mediterraneanregion. To this end, the center is participatingin PRACE and LinkSCEEM European projectsand has created a Tier-1 research facility,including HPC infrastructure to supportcutting-edge scientific applications in fieldssuch as computational fluid dynamics, high-energy and plasma physics, material scienceand chemistry, 3D visualization, and financialand economic modeling.



Educational mission of CyI

As part of its educational mission, theCyprus Institute offers Doctoral Programs,approved by the MOEC, to young scientistsin the following fields: ● Computational Sciences● Digital Cultural Heritage● Environment and Atmospheric Sciences

The language of instruction is English.The programs are intensive, rigorous, verydemanding and are intended for thoseeager to shape and drive the internationalknowledge economy of tomorrow. A limitednumber of applicants are admitted eachyear based on strict criteria.

The Doctoral candidates admitted canexpect to become members of a vibrant,truly international research communityoperating in Cyprus and partnered withsome of the leading Universities andResearch Centres of the world. ResearchAssistantships and Fellowships could beawarded to the admitted candidates.They can also expect to experience:

● An educational environment whereexcellence in education and researchare fostered through interdisciplinarycollaborations addressing regionalproblems of global significance.

● Cooperation with prominent scientistsand researchers who excel in theirdisciplines and who are committed topromote regional and global cooperationand understanding through educationand research.

● A collegiate spirit which understandsthe Institute as a centre of excellencefor students and scholars from allcountries regardless of race, religionor nationality.

● Tutorship in exceptional and demandingcurricula that will provide them withthe theoretical and applied knowledgenecessary to equip them to leadtomorrow’s knowledge frontier.

● Be challenged with a wide variety ofconcepts and approaches and enforceinternational standards of excellencein their relevant field of studies.

6.2.10 Research PromotionFoundation (www.research.org.cy)

The Research Promotion Foundation (RPF)was established in 1996 at the initiative of theGovernment of the Republic of Cyprus with themission to serve as the official national body forthe management and promotion of researchand innovation in the country. The establishmentof RPF was realised as an acknowledgement ofthe fundamental importance of research andinnovation in the contemporary society andeconomy, the high educational level of thehuman resources of the country, as well asthe significant need for support of the nationalresearch and innovation activities and capacities.



RPF is an independent organisation governedby a thirteen-member Board of Directors,which is appointed by the Council of Ministersfor a five-year period. In order to achieve theFoundation’s mission to support scientific andtechnological research and innovation in Cyprus,several specific objectives and priorities havebeen defined by the Foundation’s Statute andthe decisions of its Board of Directors, includingthe following:

● To monitor and coordinate the scientificand technological research and innovationin Cyprus.

● To identify appropriate thematic areas forconducting demand-driven research, takinginto consideration the long-term nationalstrategy for research and innovation.

● To design and manage research programmesfor the funding of research and developmentprojects and innovation activities.

● To promote the participation of Cypriotresearch organisations in European researchprogrammes.

● To evaluate the potential of organisationsor individual researchers for carrying outresearch.

● To advise the government and other relevantbodies on research and innovation issues.

● To upgrade research infrastructure and todevelop new research and technologycentres.

● To facilitate support mechanisms in thebusiness sector for technological upgrading,promotion of innovation, technology transferand exploitation of research results.

● To promote public awareness in Cyprus onthe importance of research and innovationin contemporary societies.

In the context of its core objectives and priorities,RPF has developed a wide range of activities,which fall into two main categories:

● Design and Management of ResearchProgrammes for the Subsidisation ofResearch and Innovation Activities

● Management of European Programmesand Promotion of International CooperationActivities in the Field of Research andInnovation

For more than fi�een years now, RPFdesigns and announces Programmes forthe subsidisation of research activities on acompetitive basis. RPF Research Programmesare announced within the context of aFramework Programme (“DESMI”) and aredivided into five strategic areas:



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● The support of high-level multi-thematicresearch, in a wide range of scientific fieldswhich are directly related to the Cyprusreality and the national strategy on researchand innovation.

● The upgrading of research infrastructure.

● The development of human resources inresearch and the enhancement of researchand innovation culture.

● The support of research and innovationactivities in the business sector.

● The development of international networkingand research collaboration.

Since 1997, RPFs competitive ResearchProgrammes have provided funding to morethan 1300 research projects, with a total fundingreaching 125 Million Euros.

The related funds for RPF’s ResearchProgrammes come from the Cyprusgovernment budget and, as from 2007, alsofrom the European Union’s Structural Funds.

The second category includes several activitiesto facilitate networking between Cypriot andforeign research teams. The majority of theseactivities refer to the promotion of Cypriotresearch teams’ participation to Europeanresearch programmes, cooperation withinternational organisations supporting researchand innovation activities and the preparation andimplementation of bilateral agreements betweenCyprus and other countries in the field of researchand technological development. Some keyactivities of the Foundation currently include:

● The promotion of Cypriot research teams’participation in the 7th FrameworkProgramme for Research and Technological

Development 2007 -2013 (FP7) and theCompetitiveness and Innovation FrameworkProgramme 2007-2013 of the EuropeanCommission.

● The participation of Cypriot researchers inthe European Programme for Cooperationin the Field of Scientific and TechnicalResearch (COST).

● The design of measures for the participationof Cypriot organisations in the IndustrialResearch Programme of EUREKAOrganization.

● The promotion of Cypriot researchers’participation in the activities of the JointResearch Centre (JRC) and the EuropeanScience Foundation (ESF).

● The promotion of Cyprus’ participation inthe European Service Network “EURAXESS– Researchers in Motion”, which supportsthe mobility of researchers among Europeancountries.

● Coordination and operation, since 2008,of the Business Support Centre Cyprus(www.bsccyprus.org.cy - member of theEnterprise Europe Network), for theprovision of support services to Cypriotorganisations on topics including technologytransfer, development of businesses innew markets and access to EU financeand EU funding.

As a result of the above, a considerable numberof Cypriot teams have participated in internationalcooperation and research activities, whereas bythe end of 2011, Cyprus had managed to attractover 44 Million Euros of funding from theEuropean Commission’s FP7, through morethan 200 funded projects.


7.1 EU Policy Internationalization of Higher Educationincludes the policies and practices undertakenby Governments, educational systems, andinstitutions to cope with the global academicenvironment and to develop an internationalhigher education strategy, which is aimed atimproving coherence and complementaritybetween existing international cooperationinitiatives at both EU and national level.

In the Council conclusions of 11 May 2010, theMember States were invited to adopt measures,in coordination with HEIs, which are aimedto foster a truly international culture withininstitutions, to increase the internationalattractiveness of higher education institutionsand to promote the global dimension andawareness of the social responsibility of highereducation institutions. Such actions would include:

● Promotion of cooperation, networking andinteraction with the research world andthe business sector at international level,

● Establishment of institutional environmentwhich encourages the participation ofstudents, teaching staff and researchersin international programmes, joint, doubledegrees and research projects,

● Enhancement of mobility of internationalstudents, teachers, researchers andother staff,

● Training for jobs in an open internationalenvironment and high quality curricula alongwith application of teaching methods whichtake the international dimension into account,

● Promotion of academic excellence ofEuropean campuses and improvementof their international visibility,

● Improvement of quality of servicessupporting the reception, stay and returnof international students, teaching staff,researchers and other staff,

● Establishment of mechanisms for recognitionof qualifications and study periods abroad,

● Promotion of new and innovative forms oftransnational cooperation, and improvementof equity in access to higher education andinternational mobility schemes through theprovision of adequate incentives and support.

Accordingly cross-border collaborative arrange-ments in teaching and learning as well as inresearch, programmes for international studentsand student mobility and establishing English-taught programmes and degrees in Universities,as well as developing branch-campusesabroad and other similar develop ments wouldhelp towards Internationalization of HE.

Internationalization of higher education

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7. INTERNATIONALIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION


Mobility contributes to the enrichment of human capital and to thestrengthening ofemployability throughthe acquisition andexchange ofknowledge, andinterculturalcompetences.

7.2 Implementationof EU Policy in CyprusOver the last 15 years, the internationaldimension of higher education in Cyprus hasbecome more central on the agenda of thegovernment, HEIs and their representativebodies, student organisations and accreditationagencies. The main policy of the Republic ofCyprus, as regards to HE, is to fulfill not only thelocal needs for HE, but to establish Cyprus as aregional educational and research centre andas a hub for international scholars and students.

Towards the above policy, specific measureshave been taken, or are still in progress, andmany others are in the agenda for future actionas part of the internationalization of HE. Someof them are the following:

7.2.1 Cross-bordercollaborative arrangementsThe MOEC as well as HEIs in Cyprus havebeen developing agreements to createchannels of communication and collaborationwith countries and institutions from all over theworld. International co-operation among HEIsis primarily based on bilateral agreementsorganized by individual institutions. Universitiesin Cyprus have already developed cross-bordercollaborative agreements mainly with universitiesfrom Europe and EHEA countries, from theU.S.A and Asia.

Co-operation has also being developed within the framework of Inter-governmentalEducational and Cultural Agreements. Theseofficial agreements include academic exchangesof staff and students, exchanges of administrativestaff, exchange of good practices and expertise,

as well as policy-based decisions on mutualrecognition of degrees, development ofprogrammes and more.

Cyprus co-operates also with Unesco. Throughthis cooperation, two Cyprus universities havebeen nominated with Unesco Chairs.

7.2.2 Programmes for internationalstudents and student mobility

The MOEC places great emphasis on promotinglearning mobility in HE for students, teachingstaff and researchers. Such mobility contributesto the enrichment of human capital and to thestrengthening of employability through theacquisition and exchange of knowledge, andintercultural competences.

Considering that international cooperationprogrammes with third countries in the field ofHE contributes to enhancing the quality andinternational visibility of HE and to fosteringmobility and intercultural dialogue, the MOECencourages and supports HEIS of Cyprus toactively participate in European and internationalcooperation programmes, such as the following:

● ErasmusSince 1998/99 Cyprus joined Erasmusprogramme which addresses the teaching andlearning needs in HE, including trans-nationalstudent placements in enterprises and traininginstitutions. In the academic year 2009-2010,the total number of outgoing students joinedthe Erasmus Programme in Cyprus was 199(see Graph 2, p.27).


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● Erasmus MundusErasmus Mundus (2009-2013) is a cooperationand mobility programme in the field of highereducation that aims to enhance the quality ofEuropean higher education and to promotedialogue and understanding between peopleand cultures through cooperation with Third-Countries. In addition, it contributes to thedevelopment of human resources and theinternational cooperation capacity of Highereducation institutions in Third Countries byincreasing mobility between the EuropeanUnion and these countries.

Since the establishment of the programme,Erasmus Mundus National Structure of Cyprushas been working for the implementation ofErasmus Mundus. For this purpose, a nationalsupporting team to the Erasmus MundusNational Structure (EMNS) was created inorder to support participation of Cyprus HEIs inconsortia for Erasmus Mundus Master Coursesand recently Doctoral Courses.

The EMNS of Cyprus, in order to support theparticipation of HEIs of Cyprus in the ErasmusMundus Programme, has been participating inthe project Erasmus Mundus Active Participation(EMAP 1 and 2) which is a common project ofErasmus Mundus National Structures whichaims to enhance the participation of HEIs fromcountries which so far have been less wellrepresented in the Erasmus Mundus Action 1.In order to achieve this aim the project partnersidentify and select consortia of HEIs as potentialapplicants for new Erasmus Mundus JointProgrammes, and organize training seminarsin order to help them to prepare good qualityapplications.

● Tempus Tempus EU programme supports themodernisation of higher education in thepartner countries of Eastern Europe, CentralAsia, the Western Balkans and the Mediterraneanregion. It aims to promote the cooperationbetween European Universities and Universitiesfrom third countries and focuses on thedevelopment of higher education systems inthese countries through co-operation withinstitutions from the Member States of theEuropean Community.

In order to promote and support the participationof Cyprus HEIs to Tempus programme, CyprusTempus Contact Point has organized its nationalsupporting team through which information onpossible collaborations with eligible countriesare disseminated to HEIs of Cyprus.

● Marie CurieThe Marie Curie actions under the SeventhFramework Programme for Research andTechnological Development promote excellenceand mobility in European research and providebroad support for the development of dynamicworld-class human resources in the Europeanresearch system.

The MOEC encourages and supports theparticipation of Cyprus HEIs in the Marie Curieprogramme. The level of this participation will bean important factor towards the Government’saim to develop a knowledge-based society.In particular, the training of early careerresearchers through the Marie CurieProgramme will contribute to shaping thedevelopment of career structures forresearchers in Cyprus universities.


7.2.3 Regional Co-operation ProgrammesCyprus supports also participation andcollaboration in the framework of RegionalCo-operation Programmes such as:

● Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)Asia - Europe Meeting (ASEM) is an informalprocess of dialogue and co-operation bringingtogether the 27 European Union Member Statesand the European Commission with 19 Asiancountries and the ASEAN Secretariat. The ASEMdialogue addresses political, economic andcultural issues, with the objective of strengtheningthe relationship between our two regions, in aspirit of mutual respect and equal partnership.

The MOEC, in order to establish a soundrelationship between Asian and Europeanexperts, regarding Higher Education issues,organised, on the 6th and 7th of December2010, the Conference “Quality Assurance andRecognition in Higher Education: Challengesand Prospects”. The aim of the Conference wasto enhance the dialogue between Europe andAsia on issues regarding quality assuranceand recognition. Moreover, the Conferencegave the opportunity to Senior Officials andExperts to exchange experiences, expertiseand good practices.

● Euro-Mediterranean Partnership(Euromed)Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (Euromed), isa “partnership” to strengthen Europe’s relationswith countries in the Mashriq and the Maghrebregions. Euromed is in fact a EuropeanProgramme in which countries within theEuropean Union and non-EU Mediterraneancountries can collaborate in several areas, such

as Higher Education and Research andInnovation. Cyprus is actively involved in thepartnership. It participates in most of theactivities as well as in the operation of theEuromediterranean University Institutute(EMUNI). The Rector of the TechnologicalUniversity of Cyprus is a member of thecommittee of EMUNI.

● The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is amultilateral partnership of 43 countries fromEurope and the Mediterranean Basin: 27member states of the European Union and 16Mediterranean partner countries from NorthAfrica, the Middle East and the Balkans. It wascreated in July 2008 as a relaunched Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (the BarcelonaProcess), when a plan to create an autonomousMediterranean Union was dropped. The UfMaims to promote cooperation of non-EuropeanMediterranean countries with European UnionCountries in a wide area of subjects such asenvironment, energy, maritime, pollution of theMediterranean, Education, Telecommunicationsetc. Cyprus is actively involved in the UfM parti ci-pating in a number of projects in different areas.

7.2.4 Establishing programmesin English in Public Universities

Τhe official languages of the Republic of Cyprus,as stipulated by the Constitution, are Greek andΤurkish. Within this framework, according tothe Public Universities' Laws, their languagesof instruction are Greek and Turkish. Consideringthe fact that the language of instruction is one ofthe main tools for attracting foreign students,there is an initiative from all the relevant bodies


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Cyprus aspires tobecome a regionaleducational andresearch centre, a hub for internationalscholars and students alike.

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to establish targeted programmes of studyoffered by Public Universities in English. Thisinitiative is among the efforts conducted inorder to further promote the internationalizationof Cyprus HE. Nevertheless, based on thesame laws, the postgraduate programmes ofstudy may be offered in another language, ifthey are offered in one of the official languagesof instructions. The Private Institutions (PrivateInstitutions of HE and Private Universities) offermost of their programmes in English, due toflexibility as stipulated by the Private Universities(Establishment, Operation and Control) Lawand the Institutions of Tertiary Education Laws.

7.2.5 Attracting InternationalStudents to Study in Cyprus

Making European education systems morevisible and more attractive to internationalstudents is one of the primary objectives of theLisbon Strategy and the Bologna Process. Withinthis framework, Cyprus has adopted certainpolicies to attract international students, such as:

● Information provision:Cyprus is making information regarding itseducation system, and HE in particular, availableto international students by:

a) Translating information material, regardinghigher education in Cyprus, in various languagessuch as Arabic and Chinese.

b) Publishing information on its official website.[www.highereducation.ac.cy]

c) Marketing Cyprus as an attractive destinationfor excellent students, scholars and researchersas well as investors in HE, primarily throughthe Ministry’s participation in Higher EducationalFairs abroad. Hence, the DHTE, as well as the

public and private universities and other HEI,participate in international fairs in Europe (e.g.Greece, Russia), as well as in Asia (e.g. China,India) and the Middle East (e.g. Abu Dhabi,Oman). Additionally, the MOEC addresses orreceives invitations by foreign countries forofficial visits in order to exchange informationand promote the collaboration regarding theeducation system of Cyprus, as well as theeducation systems of other countries.

● ScholarshipsOpportunities for international students to studyin Cyprus have been broadened. EU studentscan spend certain time period in universities inCyprus through the Erasmus programme. It isimportant to note that studying in undergraduatecourses in public universities is free for allCypriot as well as European citizens.

Cyprus offers a number of short-term andlong-term scholarships to international students.Scholarships are provided through BilateralExecutive Programmes of Cultural, Scientific,and Educational Collaborations, signed withvarious countries including Asian Countries.HEIs in Cyprus have also been applying theirown scholarship policy on international students.At private universities, international studentsreceive a subsidy up to 30% of their tuition andthey are eligible to receive grants based ontheir academic performance.

● Institutional activitiesThe universities of Cyprus have signed interna -tional agreements for research collaborationwith high ranking European universities andErasmus agreements to equip students withthe knowledge, skills and internationalperspective required by all professions.



Higher Education in Cyprus

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