Cyprus Opens English-Taught Degrees at Public Universities to Become Regional Education Hub

Cyprus is taking a significant step towards becoming a regional higher education hub after Parliament approved landmark legislation allowing the country's public universities to offer undergraduate degrees in languages other than Greek. Beginning in September 2026, the reform will enable the University of Cyprus (UCy) and the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT/Tepak) to introduce English-taught bachelor's programmes, marking a major shift in the island's higher education landscape.

The initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to position Cyprus as a centre for academic excellence, research, innovation and international collaboration while expanding access for both domestic and overseas students.

Landmark Reform to Internationalise Public Universities

Until now, undergraduate education at Cyprus' public universities was primarily delivered in Greek, limiting accessibility for many international applicants and graduates of English-speaking schools. The newly approved legislation allows public universities to offer programmes in English and other foreign languages, significantly broadening their international appeal.

According to Education Minister Athena Michaelidou, the reform will strengthen Cyprus' higher education system by attracting international students, fostering global academic partnerships and improving research capacity.

She noted that expanding foreign-language programmes would enhance the international competitiveness of Cypriot universities while contributing to stronger global university rankings.

University of Cyprus to Launch Four English Degrees

The University of Cyprus plans to introduce four English-language undergraduate programmes from September 2026 in:

• Medicine
• Business Administration
• Accounting and Finance
• Economics

The university had already received government approval to launch its first English-language bachelor's degree in Urban Sustainability Studies, offered through the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) alliance.

According to Kleanthis Pissarides, Director of Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Services at UCy, the move removes longstanding barriers for students graduating from private English-medium schools, allowing them to compete for places based on internationally recognised qualifications. He added that English-language degrees will also make the university more attractive to high-achieving students from Europe and beyond while giving local students greater choice.

New Admissions Pathways for Local and International Students

The revised legislation introduces a more inclusive admissions framework.

Eligible applicants include:

• International Baccalaureate (IB) graduates
• Students from private English-speaking schools in Cyprus
• Students completing the Pancyprian Examinations who wish to study in English
• International applicants with recognised qualifications such as A Levels and SATs

Students from Greek-language secondary schools will also be eligible, provided they demonstrate English proficiency through recognised language qualifications or equivalent GCSE-level competency.

University leaders say the new framework creates equal opportunities without excluding any category of students.

Scholarships Not Included, Self-Financing Model Introduced

Unlike existing Greek-language undergraduate programmes—which remain tuition-free for Cypriot and EU students—the new English-language degrees will operate under a self-financing model.

All enrolled students, including Cypriot, European Union and international applicants, will pay annual tuition fees of €5,300. Initially, the Urban Sustainability Studies programme will admit 50 students per academic year, with universities prioritising academic quality over large enrolment numbers.

University officials say the focus is on attracting talented students capable of thriving in a personalised learning environment rather than maximising admissions.

Greek Universities Expand Their Presence in Cyprus

Cyprus' growing international education ambitions are also being supported by developments in neighbouring Greece. Following legislative reforms in Greece that permit English-language undergraduate instruction, several Greek universities have established campuses in Cyprus.

Among them is the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), which has opened a campus within the historic walled city of Nicosia. The university plans to launch an English-taught postgraduate programme in Classical Literature and Archaeology from the 2027–2028 academic year, alongside its existing Greek-language offerings.

According to Sophia Papaioannou, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, International Relations and Outreach, Cyprus has long been an important destination for Greek higher education due to its strong alumni base and cultural ties. She noted that demand remains high, with more than 150 applications received for just 40 places in the university's first programme on the island.

Building Cyprus into an International Study Destination

The Cypriot government views English-language degree programmes as a long-term investment in the country's education sector and global competitiveness.

Officials believe expanding foreign-language undergraduate education will strengthen research collaboration, diversify student populations and position Cyprus as a preferred destination for international learners seeking a European education delivered in English.

As additional programmes are introduced from 2027 onwards, Cyprus aims to build a more internationally connected university system capable of attracting talented students from across Europe and beyond.

Why This Matters

The introduction of English-language undergraduate degrees represents one of the most significant reforms in Cyprus' higher education sector in recent years. As global competition for international students intensifies, countries are increasingly adopting English-medium instruction to improve accessibility, enhance institutional rankings and strengthen research collaboration. Cyprus' latest reforms position the country to compete with established European education destinations while creating new opportunities for domestic and international learners alike.

Editor's Note

Cyprus is following a broader European trend in which universities are expanding English-language programmes to attract globally mobile students. However, what distinguishes this reform is that it transforms the country's public university system, which has traditionally operated almost exclusively in Greek. 

By combining internationally recognised qualifications, English-medium teaching and strategic partnerships with institutions such as the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Cyprus is laying the groundwork for a more globally connected higher education ecosystem. The challenge now will be balancing international growth with affordability and preserving the strong public education model that has long characterised the country's universities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Cyprus introducing English-language undergraduate degrees?

Cyprus is seeking to internationalise its public universities, attract international students, strengthen research collaboration and position itself as a regional higher education hub.

2. Which universities will offer English-taught bachelor's programmes?

The University of Cyprus (UCy) and the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT/Tepak) will begin offering English-language undergraduate degrees from September 2026.

3. Which programmes will be available in English?

Initially, the University of Cyprus plans to offer bachelor's degrees in Medicine, Business Administration, Accounting and Finance, Economics, and Urban Sustainability Studies.

4. Who can apply for the new English-language programmes?

Eligible applicants include International Baccalaureate graduates, students from English-speaking schools, Pancyprian Examination graduates, and international students with qualifications such as A Levels and SATs.

5. How much will tuition cost?

The English-language undergraduate programmes will operate on a self-financing basis, with tuition fees set at €5,300 per year for all students.

6. How does this reform support Cyprus' international education ambitions?

The reform expands access for international students, strengthens global partnerships, improves university competitiveness and supports Cyprus' goal of becoming a regional centre for higher education, research and innovation.