The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Announces the Launch of its Branch in Cyprus – A Milestone for Higher Education, the University’s Internationalization, and the Cooperation Between the Two Countries

Since its foundation in 1837, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens has maintained deep and enduring ties with Cyprus, thanks, first and foremost, to the presence of hundreds of thousands of Cypriot students in its lecture halls for over two centuries. As a matter of fact, the University of Athens was the first academic Institution in South-Eastern Europe and, for one hundred years, served as the sole pillar of Higher Education for Greeks worldwide.

Having received a high-quality education, thousands of Cypriot graduates—women and men—returned to the island and made a decisive contribution to its intellectual and economic growth. It is common knowledge, after all, that many key figures of modern and contemporary Cyprus went to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

The opening of a Branch of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Cyprus will mark a milestone in Higher Education and academic cooperation between Greece and Cyprus. The operation of this Branch will further strengthen the existing strong national ties, offer fresh opportunities for our students and academics, and serve as a beacon of education, scientific research, and innovation in Cyprus and in the wider region of South-Eastern Europe. Moreover, it will create opportunities for academic and research collaborations with the existing high-level Institutions of Higher Education in Cyprus.

According to a public opinion survey conducted by ALCO, Cypriot society holds a very positive view regarding the establishment and operation of a Branch of the University of Athens in Cyprus, with 87% of respondents expressing support. It is important to note that the University is appreciated not only for its history and renown (85%) but also for the high prestige of its degrees (76%), and the quality of its academic programmes (72%)—key attributes sought after by Cypriot citizens.

In its initial phase, the Βranch will comprise four Schools and eight Departments, located in two cities: Nicosia and Larnaca. The academic programmes have achieved full compliance with the standards set by the competent accreditation authority in Greece, and have now also been fully evaluated and accredited by the corresponding body in Cyprus (CYQAA). All Departments have been operating successfully for decades at the parent University in Athens and consistently hold top positions in global University rankings. A prime example is the School of Medicine, which has been operating in Athens since 1837 and ranks among the top 100 Medical Schools worldwide. The Departments of Economics, Psychology, Pedagogy & Primary Education, and Nursing also boast similar achievements, as do newer, yet dynamically growing Departments such as the Department of Ports Management and Shipping and the English-taught BA Programme in the Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece (BAAG).

More specifically, the Schools and Departments are as follows

i) School of Health Sciences (Nicosia):

– Department of Medicine

– Department of Nursing

ii) School of Economics:

– Department of Economics (Nicosia)

– Department of Business Administration (Nicosia)

– Department of Ports Management and Shipping (Larnaca)

iii) School of Philosophy:

– Department of Psychology (Larnaca)

– English-taught BA Programme in the Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece (BAAG) (Nicosia)

iv) School of Education (Nicosia):

– Department of Pedagogy and Primary Education

The Administration of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, fully aware of the Institution’s special mission and history, looks forward to further strengthening and developing the ties between the two countries in the field of Higher Education and hereby announces its intention to launch the following Undergraduate Programmes in October 2025.

For further information and expressions of interest contact details are attached:

– Department of Medicine (Nicosia): cyprusmed@med.uoa.gr

– Department of Nursing (Nicosia): cyprusnurs@nurs.uoa.gr

– Department of Economics (Nicosia): cyprusecon@econ.uoa.gr

– Department of Business Administration (Nicosia): cyprusba@ba.uoa.gr

– Department of Ports Management and Shipping (Larnaca): cypruspms@pms.uoa.gr

– Department of Psychology (Larnaca): cypruspsych@psych.uoa.gr

– English-taught BA Programme in the Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece (BAAG) (Nicosia): baag_cyprus@uoa.gr

– Department of Pedagogy and Primary Education (Nicosia): cyprusprimedu@primedu.uoa.gr

President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides: ‘An important institutional, political, and progressive evolution that strengthens our enduring ties with Greece and contributes to the enhancement of the educational system in Cyprus. I warmly thank the Rector and the Administrative Authorities of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens’

Full statement by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides:

‘It is with great satisfaction that I welcome the accreditation of the programmes of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) for the establishment of a Branch in Cyprus.

This milestone reinforces the Government’s strategy for the internationalization of education and firmly positions Cyprus as a regional academic hub, delivering tangible benefits for society, the economy, and the country’s global profile.

Collaboration with Universities and Research Centres abroad strengthens Cyprus’s standing, while expanding the prospects for academic and scientific advancement.

The accreditation of NKUA’s programmes lays the foundation for the establishment of a new institutional framework that will facilitate the entry of other academic and research Institutions into Cyprus.

The Government continues to strengthen Cyprus’s academic and research landscape, creating the necessary conditions for the development of a vibrant academic community. Through collaboration with Universities and Research Centres abroad, our country is increasingly recognized as a hub of excellence and innovation within the global academic sphere.

In a broader context, the operation of the Cyprus Branch of the University of Athens—an Institution with a History and academic tradition dating back to 1837— marks an important institutional, political, and progressive evolution that strengthens our enduring ties with Greece and contributes to the enhancement of the educational system in Cyprus.

I warmly thank the Rector and the Administrative Authorities of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.’

His Beatitude Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus: ‘The time has come to express our gratitude’

Full statement by the Archbishop:

‘I express my sincere joy that, after many difficulties and what I consider unjustified delays, the necessary approval has finally been granted, allowing the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens to establish its branches in Cyprus.

My joy stems not only from the fact that I also pursued studies at the University of Athens, but primarily from the opportunity this occasion gives us to express our gratitude to the Institution, which for many decades admitted Cypriot High School graduates into its various Departments without entrance examinations. This, particularly during the colonial period, safeguarded our national spirit by preventing British plans to send students to English Universities, which would have diluted our national consciousness.

We wish every success to the University of Athens, which is also our own University.’

Greek Minister of Education, Sofia Zacharaki: ‘The establishment of the Cyprus Branch of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens marks a historic moment for Higher Education and for both countries’

Full statement by the Minister of Education, Sofia Zacharaki:

‘Greece and Cyprus, guided by education, are jointly writing a new chapter of academic excellence and cooperation. The establishment of the Cyprus Branch of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens marks a historic moment for Higher Education and for both countries. It is an endeavour that will further strengthen the relationship between our two countries.

A relationship rooted deeply in our shared language and our common vision for education. It is an initiative that represents an investment in the future of the youth of Greece and Cyprus. At the same time, it is a source of emotion, as thousands of Cypriots have studied at Greek Universities—most notably at the University of Athens. The University of Athens, our nation’s oldest and most historic University, is now extending its reach beyond Greece’s borders, creating new opportunities for students, academics, and researchers alike.

This reaffirms that the quality and prestige of Greek public Universities can stand confidently on the international stage and rise to meet today’s challenges. I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and to thank the Government of Cyprus for its tangible support and cooperation. I also thank my predecessors at the Ministry of Education, Niki Kerameus and Kyriakos Pierrakakis, for their legislative initiatives, as well as all political, social, and academic stakeholders for their support of this endeavour.’

Cypriot Minister of Education, Athena Michaelidou: ‘The presence of the University of Athens enriches our educational landscape and opens up new opportunities for students, researchers and society at large’

Full statement by the Cypriot Minister of Education, Athena Michaelidou:

‘It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of satisfaction that I welcome the accreditation of the academic programmes of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens for the establishment of a Βranch in Cyprus. This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing internationalization of Higher Education in our country and advances our strategic objective of positioning Cyprus as a regional hub of knowledge, research, and innovation. The presence of the University of Athens enriches our educational landscape and opens up new opportunities for students, researchers and society at large.

At the same time, it consolidates the newly established institutional framework that enables other international universities and research centres to set up branches in Cyprus, to the benefit of the academic community and the country’s economic development. At the same time, it inaugurates a new institutional framework that enables other Universities and research centres abroad to set up branches in Cyprus, to the benefit of the academic community and the country’s economic development.

The establishment of the Cyprus Branch of the University of Athens further strengthens the enduring and unbreakable ties between Greece and Cyprus, as through education and research, we are building a shared future founded on knowledge, collaboration and excellence. At the Ministry of Education, we will continue to support every initiative that enhances Higher Education and expands international collaboration, with the vision of establishing Cyprus as a hub of education and innovation within Europe and beyond.’

Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos: ‘The opening of a Branch campus of the University of Athens in Cyprus marks a milestone in Higher Education and academic cooperation between Greece and Cyprus This represents the greatest leap in the internationalization of Greece’s oldest, most historic, and internationally renowned University. The University of Athens is making history’

Full statement by the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos:

‘The opening of a Branch campus of the University of Athens in Cyprus marks a milestone in Higher Education and academic cooperation between Greece and Cyprus. The operation of this Branch will further strengthen the existing strong national ties, offer fresh opportunities for students and academics, and serve as a beacon of education, scientific research, and innovation in the wider region of South-Eastern Europe. This represents the greatest leap in the internationalization of Greece’s oldest, most historic, and internationally renowned University. Building on the exceptionally strong two-century ties with Cyprus in the field of education—with tens of thousands of Cypriot students having studied at the University of Athens—we are particularly pleased by the widespread acceptance of the Branch, embraced by almost 90% of Cypriots, as well as by numerous organizations on the island, who have enthusiastically supported this endeavour.

The support of the Branch of the University of Athens by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and His Beatitude, Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, has been pivotal. From the very outset, they elevated the presence of the University in Cyprus—a University that has been the first choice for Cypriot students for two centuries—to a matter of utmost importance. Equally significant was the contribution of the Mayor of Nicosia, where the Branch’s registered office will be located, the Mayor of Larnaca, the local government authorities, the Nicosia Greek Schools Board of Governors, and all institutional and academic bodies on the island. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Director of the Theological School of the Church of Cyprus for the unwavering support and assistance provided by the School throughout the accreditation process of the Cyprus Branch of the University of Athens. Also instrumental was the support of the Greek Government, which shaped the institutional framework and actively supported every effort to internationalize our public Universities. We extend our sincere thanks to the political leadership of the Ministry of Education, in particular the Minister, Ms Sofia Zacharaki, as well as her predecessors, Mr Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Ms Niki Kerameus, who created favourable conditions for the establishment and operation of branches of Greek public Universities abroad. Their actions offered tangible support for advancing the international presence of Greek Universities in the global academic landscape.

With its registered office and teaching facilities housed in iconic, newly renovated buildings within the historic walled city of old Nicosia, as well as in newly constructed premises in Larnaca, we are committed to continuing to offer high-quality education to students—now also on Cypriot soil.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS IS MAKING HISTORY.’

Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos: ‘Nicosia is on the move. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens strengthens Nicosia’s academic ecosystem’

Full statement by the Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos:

‘The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens strengthens Nicosia’s academic ecosystem.

The approval of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens’ application to establish a Branch in Nicosia marks a historic moment for our city and a decisive step towards enhancing its academic character.

The presence of the leading University in South-Eastern Europe in the capital of Cyprus is a high-calibre addition with multifaceted benefits:

-It bolsters Higher Education,

-It advances medical research and science,

-It revitalizes the historic centre,

– It injects life, energy, and new prospects for our young people.

The Branch will be housed within the city walls, making use of iconic buildings such as the Tarsi Arcade, the EKATE building, and other premises in the heart of the city. At the same time, the halls of residence managed by the Municipality are ready to welcome the first students, alongside new accommodation facilities that have been completed or are being developed by private individuals and organizations.

This achievement is the result of a sustained and well-coordinated effort by the Municipality of Nicosia, in excellent cooperation with the University of Athens and all involved parties. I must especially thank the Archbishop, as well as the Government, for their invaluable contribution.

Nicosia is on the move!’

Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Konstantinos Letymbiotis:

‘The accreditation of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens’ programmes for the operation of a Branch in Cyprus marks the beginning of a new era for Higher Education in our country’

Full statement by the Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Konstantinos Letymbiotis:

‘The accreditation of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens’ programmes for the operation of a Branch in Cyprus marks the beginning of a new era for Higher Education in our country, as it paves the way for the first time for the establishment of University branches in Cyprus. Greece’s oldest and largest University, with a history spanning back to 1837, has been accredited to operate under specific conditions, ushering in a development of considerable institutional, political, and strategic significance, while also reinforcing the deep-rooted ties between Cyprus and Greece.

This will be the first University branch to operate in our country, opening new horizons and solidifying the approach we have developed as a Government for the internationalization of Higher Education.

Through the design and implementation of the legislative initiative, the Government has made possible a development that is not merely an isolated event, but the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s academic and research journey. Our plan for the internationalization of Higher Education is now taking tangible shape, with Cyprus further strengthening its position on the global academic map and becoming a hub for students, academics, and researchers.

The presence of the University of Athens in Cyprus, an iconic and leading University where thousands of Cypriot students have been educated for the past two centuries and continue to be educated today, is not an isolated event but the beginning of a process that opens up prospects for the establishment of additional University branches in our country. It is a significant milestone in the further evolution of our country into a regional hub for Higher Education, with multiple benefits for society, the economy, and our global standing.

It is also further proof of the trust that Higher Education in our country has earned—not only through the excellent Universities already operating here, but also by becoming a destination of choice for leading Institutions abroad. It is clear that the Government’s strategy in the field of Higher Education has multiple benefits for the Cypriot society as a whole.’