Cyprus' Higher Education Sector Transforms with New Law for Foreign Universities

New Legislation Aims to Attract Top International Universities to Cyprus

As Cyprus opens its doors to foreign universities, local institutions are gearing up to face increased competition. The introduction of strict quality assurance measures by the Cyprus Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (Dipae) ensures that foreign branches must meet high academic, financial, and operational standards. The key question remains: will these regulations attract top institutions or deter them from entering Cyprus? This development presents both challenges and opportunities for the country’s higher education sector. The new legislation establishes a comprehensive framework for foreign universities in Cyprus, setting strict criteria to ensure quality education with oversight from Dipae. Foreign institutions must meet the same standards as local universities, including accreditation and financial sustainability. Although no applications have been submitted yet, the law aims to attract reputable institutions while preserving the credibility of Cyprus' higher education sector.

The approval of a new law regulating foreign university branches is transforming Cyprus' higher education sector. The law provides a clear framework for international institutions to set up campuses in Cyprus, ensuring compliance with national and international academic standards. Terpsa Konstantinidou, President of the Directorate of Higher Education, explained that the law addresses a legal gap from 2015 and aims to regulate foreign university operations in the country. She further clarified that, although previous laws permitted the presence of foreign universities, they did not specify the necessary procedures, requirements, or oversight mechanisms, leaving a significant legal gap. The new amendment comprehensively addresses this issue.

The new law ensures that foreign universities meet the same academic standards as local institutions, with Dipae overseeing this process. Professor Mary Ioannidou-Koutselini, President of Dipae, emphasized that all higher education institutions, including foreign branches, must meet rigorous academic and operational standards. Each application will undergo a thorough evaluation, covering program accreditation, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, and legal compliance.

Although the law is in effect, no foreign universities have applied to establish branches in Cyprus. Terpsa Konstantinidou confirmed that interested institutions must submit a formal application, which will be assessed based on academic, financial, and operational criteria. The approval process will follow the same principles as for private universities, ensuring consistency in oversight and academic quality. The evaluation period for each application will take up to 16 months, including a comprehensive review and on-site inspection by an external evaluation committee. The House Education Committee clarified that before 2015, there were no specific regulations for foreign university operations, leaving the sector largely unregulated. Dipae follows European standards (ESG) and is accredited by organizations like ENQA, EQAR, and WFME for medical schools. Professor Ioannidou-Koutselini emphasized that these criteria ensure foreign university branches align with European directives and maintain quality education.

Akel committee member Stylianos Ioannou stated that the legal framework for foreign universities had been discussed in six committee sessions. He explained that the new regulations aim to address long-standing gaps, ensuring proper oversight and governance. Ioannou emphasized the importance of robust oversight for maintaining quality and sustainability, especially with the planned expansion of foreign university branches. Terpsa Konstantinidou highlighted that the new law ensures foreign university branches operate as private legal entities, securing their funding without state support. She explained that these institutions will be registered as either for-profit or non-profit entities, with their financial sustainability safeguarded through provisions aligning with regulations for private universities in Cyprus. Mary Ioannidou-Koutselini stated that financial stability would be evaluated during accreditation, with external experts reviewing the sustainability of each foreign university branch.

Addressing concerns about significant enrollment losses at local institutions, Terpsa Konstantinidou noted that Cyprus' public and private universities have established strong reputations, academic offerings, and international partnerships to attract students. Konstantinidou suggested that competition from foreign universities should be seen as an opportunity for improvement. She compared their arrival to the establishment of a new private university in Cyprus, emphasizing that all institutions must enhance academic quality, offer innovative programs, and remain competitive in attracting students.

As Cyprus aims to become a regional education hub, the success of this initiative depends on foreign universities' willingness to enter and comply with strict regulations. Mary Ioannidou-Koutselini stated that Cyprus welcomes quality institutions but prioritizes maintaining the country's higher education standards and credibility. All attention is now on the first applications, which will determine whether foreign universities enhance Cyprus' academic ecosystem or merely increase competition. Cyprus' higher education landscape is set for transformation, shaping its global academic position for years to come.

Editor's Note:

As Cyprus opens its doors to foreign universities, the higher education landscape is set for a significant transformation. The introduction of stringent quality assurance measures by the Cyprus Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (Dipae) ensures that only institutions meeting high academic, financial, and operational standards will establish branches in the country. This move presents a dual opportunity: it will drive local institutions to elevate their standards and offer innovative programs, while also attracting top-tier international universities. The success of this initiative hinges on the willingness of foreign universities to comply with these regulations, ultimately enhancing the quality and credibility of Cyprus' higher education sector. 

Skoobuzz appreciates this bold step as it positions Cyprus as a potential regional education hub, fostering a competitive and dynamic academic environment.