National and Kapodistrian University of Athens – Cyprus Branch Welcomes First-Year Students

The University of Athens Cyprus Branch in Nicosia welcomed its first-year students for 2026–2027 on Monday, 21 September 2026, at an event filled with pride and optimism as they embark on their academic journey.

Today marks a historic chapter in the internationalisation of higher education, reflecting the commitment of Greece’s leading university to strengthening its global engagement and deepening academic ties between Greece and Cyprus.

The Rector of the University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, welcomed the new students and congratulated them on their admission after a highly competitive selection process based on academic excellence. Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos warmly welcomed the students, emphasising the city’s support for them as they begin their academic journey. Professor Pagona Lagiou, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, wished the first-year students every success in their studies and future careers. Professors Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, Chair of the School of Medicine, Thomas Babalis, Chair of the Department of Paedagogy and Primary Education, and Konstantinos Tsioufis, Vice-Chair of the School of Medicine, welcomed the new cohort of students and wished them every success. They also pledged, together with the teaching and administrative staff of the Departments, to support the students throughout their studies. Professors Effie Basdra, Nikolaos Kavantzas, Nikolaos Tentolouris, Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein, Christos Klonaris, Heads of the Sections at the School of Medicine, and Professor Dimitrios Vassilopoulos, Head of the Education Office, along with members of the teaching staff, also offered brief words of welcome.

The opening events brought together first-year students from across the University, particularly those from the School of Medicine and the Department of Paedagogy and Primary Education, where teaching began this week. The Department of Psychology, the Departments of the School of Economics and Political Sciences and the Department of Nursing will begin their programmes the following week.

At its White Coat Ceremony, the School of Medicine welcomed its first-year students in a particularly moving atmosphere. During the ceremony, the future doctors put on their white coats for the first time. The white coat is a universal symbol of professionalism, integrity, empathy and a lifelong commitment to patients.

Students from the Department of Paedagogy and Primary Education also took part in the events and met with their lecturers and members of the University’s administration.

The Cyprus Branch reflects the University’s commitment to providing high-quality higher education that meets international standards. With modern facilities, innovative degree programmes and a distinguished team of academics, the University of Athens is creating a regional centre for excellence in education and research.

The University administration, the Department administrations and the teaching staff extend their best wishes to all students at the Cyprus Branch for a successful and rewarding academic year.