The University of Athens Expands into Cyprus Pioneering a New Chapter in Higher Education—Call for Expressions of Interest in 5 Undergraduate Programmes

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), the oldest and largest University in South-Eastern Europe, is proud to announce the establishment of a new Branch in Cyprus. This exciting expansion strengthens academic ties between Greece and Cyprus, while broadening the University’s international reach.

Our new campus represents a major step forward in fostering collaboration and excellence in Higher Education across the region. It will serve as a vibrant centre for teaching, research, and innovation, offering fresh opportunities to students and scholars alike. By partnering with Cyprus’s leading Universities, the NKUA Branch aims to create a dynamic academic environment that nurtures talent and drives progress in South-Eastern Europe and beyond.

The operation and future prospects of the new Branch were presented at a press conference held on September 11, 2025, in Nicosia, Cyprus, by the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, International Relations, and Extroversion, Professor Sophia Papaioannou, the Dean of the School of Economics and Political Sciences, Professor Nikolaos Eriotis, the Chair of the School of Medicine, Professor Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, the Chair of the Department of Nursing, Professor Pavlos Myrianthefs, the Chair of the Department of Paedagogy and Primary Education, Professor Thomas Babalis, the Chair of the Department of Economics, Professor Georgios Dotsis, the Chair of the Department of Business Administration, Professor Dimitrios Thomakos, and the Executive Director of the University, Dr Eleni Vasilopoulou.

Among those in attendance were the Revd Dr Kyprianos Kountouris, Director of the Theological School of the Church of Cyprus, who conveyed the warm wishes of Archbishop Georgios; the Mayor of Nicosia, Mr Charalambos Prountzos; and the Chairman of the Nicosia Greek Schools Board of Governors, Mr Nicolaos Megalemos.

4 Schools and 8 Departments—Call for expression of interest in 5 Undergraduate Programmes

Strong positive response to the University of Athens in Cyprus

According to a public opinion survey conducted by ALCO, 87% of Cypriot citizens view the establishment of the NKUA Branch positively, while over 70% recognize the University’s history and renown, the high prestige of its degrees, and the quality of its academic programmes.

Located in two cities, the Branch will operate from fully renovated historic buildings in the capital, alongside modern facilities in Larnaca.

In its initial phase, the Βranch will comprise 4 Schools and 8 Departments. 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, Paedagogy & Primary Education, and Nursing also boast similar achievements, as do newer, yet dynamically growing Departments such as the Department of Business Administration, that of Ports Management and Shipping, and the English-taught BA Programme in the Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece (BAAG).

Detailed overview of Schools and Departments

1. i) School of Health Sciences (Nicosia):

–Department of Medicine

–Department of Nursing

1. ii) School of Economics and Political Sciences:

–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)

1. iv) School of Education (Nicosia):

–Department of Paedagogy and Primary Education

Expressions of interest are now open for the following 5 Undergraduate Programmes starting October 2025.

For more information about the programmes, please visit:

https://cy.uoa.gr/, https://hub.uoa.gr/en/, https://en.uoa.gr/

For enquiries, please contact us via email at:

cyprusmed@med.uoa.gr (School of Medicine)

cyprusnurs@nurs.uoa.gr (Department of Nursing)

cyprusprimedu@primedu.uoa.gr (Department of Paedagogy and Primary Education)

cyprusecon@econ.uoa.gr (Department of Economics)

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

 

Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos: The new Departments launching this year will offer world-class academic programmes, continuing the University’s proud tradition of excellence in scholarship.

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

‘The establishment of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Branch in Cyprus represents a landmark moment, embodying our vision to deepen the academic ties between Greece and Cyprus. The new Departments launching in October, as well as those starting next year, will offer students world-class academic programmes, continuing the University’s proud tradition of excellence in scholarship.

At the same time, we recognize that this initiative serves as a vital bridge, connecting our two countries on both an academic and intellectual level, and contributing to the educational and cultural growth of future generations. Academic excellence and the quality of our programmes remain non-negotiable priorities. For this reason, we have worked diligently to ensure that all Departments within the Branch operate to the highest possible standards.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Republic of Cyprus, and especially to President Mr Nikos Christodoulides, Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, the Municipal Authorities who supported this initiative, as well as to the dedicated teams who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to fruition. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in the progress we have made in reaching this historic milestone in Higher Education’.

 

Mayor of Nicosia, Mr Charalambos Prountzos: Today marks the realization of a vision we worked tirelessly towards. Through patience and perseverance we succeeded—in just 12 months.

Full statement by the Mayor of Nicosia, Mr Charalambos Prountzos:

‘Today marks the realization of a vision we worked tirelessly towards. Through patience and perseverance we succeeded—in just 12 months.

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens will bring a younger demographic to the core of the city and serve as a catalyst for enhancing the local economy, urban life, and intellectual activity. Owing to its recognized quality and prestige, it will firmly establish Nicosia as a regional centre for education, playing a decisive role in the ongoing revitalization of the downtown area.

As the City Council, we worked closely with the University’s leadership, government officials, Archbishop Georgios, and all relevant stakeholders, united by a single goal: to breathe new life into the heart of Nicosia.

We officially welcome the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens into Nicosia’s academic ecosystem at a landmark moment for Higher Education in our country.

The top University of South-Eastern Europe is now setting down roots in the heart of the capital—an important step forward in delivering the Nicosia City Centre Area Plan. Among the plan’s priorities is bringing academic Departments into the city centre’.

 

Chair of the School of Medicine, Professor Nikolaos Arkadopoulos: The School of Medicine of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Cyprus is set to become a benchmark for contemporary medical education.

Full statement by the Chair of the School of Medicine, Professor Nikolaos Arkadopoulos:

‘For nearly two centuries, the School of Medicine at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens—the oldest and largest Medical School in the Greek-speaking world—has played a leading role in medical education, research, and clinical care.

With thousands of graduates, a distinguished presence in the international scientific community, and an active role in global networks, the School consistently ranks among the top 100 to 150 Medical Schools worldwide. It therefore holds a clear leading position among all Medical Schools in Greece, Cyprus, and throughout South-Eastern Europe.

The launch of the Medical Programme of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) – Cyprus Branch marks a historic step that further strengthens the ties between Greece and Cyprus in the fields of Higher Education and healthcare. It will offer students the opportunity to study Medicine in a high-standard academic environment, under the esteemed name and academic guarantee of NKUA. The curriculum will be identical to that of the parent School in Athens—a programme that, for decades, has produced graduates who are highly sought after across the globe.

We are confident that the School of Medicine of the University of Athens in Cyprus is set to become a benchmark for contemporary medical education, attracting Greek-speaking students from Cyprus, Greece, and beyond. It will be a hub of academic excellence and international collaboration, fostering knowledge, research, and innovation, and shaping a new generation of doctors with vision and social responsibility’.

 

Chair of the Department of Nursing, Professor Pavlos Myrianthefs: The Department of Nursing is coming to Nicosia to raise the standards of Nursing education.

Full statement by the Chair of the Department of Nursing, Professor Pavlos Myrianthefs:

‘The Department of Nursing at the School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), is one of the oldest University Nursing Departments in the world, with a distinguished history spanning 45 years. Internationally recognized and highly esteemed, it enjoys a strong reputation both globally and locally. Consistently ranked among the top 40 in Europe and the top 150 worldwide, the Department has proudly graduated numerous Cypriot students. As part of the establishment of NKUA’s new Branch in Nicosia, the Department of Nursing is setting up operations in Cyprus with the aim of elevating Nursing education to a higher standard. It will offer robust Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes, driven by innovative research and cutting-edge curricula. Additionally, it will provide continuing education courses, thereby contributing significantly to Cypriot society, the State, and the economy, while honouring the deep national and historical ties that unite Greece and Cyprus’.

 

Chair of the Department of Paedagogy and Primary Education, Professor Thomas Babalis: Collaboration between the new Department and Cyprus’s educational and cultural organizations will strengthen the bond between education and society, thereby making a substantial contribution to progress and development.

Full statement by the Chair of the Department of Paedagogy and Primary Education, Professor Thomas Babalis:

‘The Department of Paedagogy and Primary Education of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) – Cyprus Branch is proud to announce the commencement of its operations in Nicosia. This initiative benefits from the academic oversight and prestige of NKUA’s historic and internationally top-ranked Department of Paedagogy and Primary Education in Athens. Over its 40 years of operation, the Department has produced hundreds of Cypriot graduates who now play key roles in Primary Education and hold significant positions of responsibility across both the public and private sectors. The four-year curriculum of the Department of Paedagogy and Primary Education – Cyprus Branch, which is identical to the fully-compliant programme offered in Athens, will provide high-quality, in-person teaching to all Greek-speaking students. It ensures comprehensive academic training and equips students with the essential skills required for a successful career. Collaboration between the new Department and Cyprus’s educational and cultural organizations will strengthen the bond between education and society, thereby making a substantial contribution to progress and development. The Department is housed in the modern, fully licensed facilities of the Theological School of the Church of Cyprus, generously provided by the Archbishopric, creating an academic environment founded on inclusion and respect. The Department aims to nurture critical and creative researchers, teachers, and scholars who can successfully meet the challenges and demands of a rapidly changing contemporary world, both at the local and international levels’.

 

Chair of the Department of Economics, Professor Georgios Dotsis: The Undergraduate Programme in Economics at the Cyprus Branch of the University of Athens is a dynamic and forward-looking course that responds to international developments and labour market needs.

Full statement by the Chair of the Department of Economics, Professor Georgios Dotsis:

‘The Department of Economics is proud to announce the launch of a state-of-the-art, four-year Undergraduate Programme in Economics (BSc in Economics) at the NKUA – Cyprus Branch. This programme is identical to the one offered at the parent Institution in Athens, ensuring the same high standards of quality and academic excellence that define the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Building on our extensive experience in Greece and having achieved full compliance with the standards set by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA), we offer a programme distinguished by its pluralistic approach.

Students will have the opportunity to explore all schools of economic thought, become familiar with diverse real-world applications of economic theory, and graduate with the tools they need to succeed in their careers or further academic pursuits.

Our goal is to train top-level economists ready to pursue careers in both the public and private sectors or to continue their studies at the postgraduate level.

The programme also focuses on developing contemporary skills and fostering strong connections with the labour market. Students will benefit from a rich variety of modules covering economic theory and its applications, finance and accounting, as well as cutting-edge quantitative methods, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics.

The Undergraduate Programme in Economics at the Cyprus Branch of the University of Athens is a dynamic and forward-looking course that responds to international developments and labour market needs, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to build successful careers in Cyprus, Greece, and beyond’.

 

Chair of the Department of Business Administration, Professor Dimitrios Thomakos: The University of Athens and the Department of Business Administration, foster academic excellence and hands-on learning to shape the next generation of leaders in business and the economy.

Full statement by the Chair of the Department of Business Administration, Professor Dimitrios Thomakos:

‘The Department of Business Administration is committed to delivering a forward-thinking, high-impact academic experience that combines rigorous theory with real-world relevance. Rooted in the strong academic tradition of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), our programmes are designed to merge cutting-edge management thinking with hands-on learning. Located at the crossroads of education and enterprise, the Department maintains close ties with the Cypriot economy and the island’s dynamic business landscape. Students will benefit from meaningful internship opportunities, partnerships with leading companies and organizations, and practical engagement with real business challenges from day one. Our graduates will be ready to take on leadership roles in today’s economy, as professionals who combine deep academic knowledge with practical experience and an innovative mindset’.