athens university — The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is set to open its long-awaited branch in Cyprus this October, marking a historic moment as it becomes the first Greek university with a permanent presence on the island.
After receiving final approval from the Cypriot government, the university will launch with four schools and eight departments located in Nicosia and Larnaca. This initiative is seen as a significant step in enhancing the educational landscape in Cyprus.
The establishment of the Cyprus branch is bolstered by the strong academic reputation of the university’s existing programmes, which have consistently received high marks from Greece’s accreditation body. The Cyprus agency Dipae has also completed its evaluation of the new offerings, ensuring that students will benefit from quality education.
In Nicosia, the School of Health Sciences will house the Medical School and the School of Nursing, while the School of Economics and Political Sciences will offer the Department of Economics and the Department of Business and Organisational Management. Larnaca will be home to the Department of Port and Maritime Management, the Department of Psychology, and the School of Philosophy.
Additionally, the branch will provide unique programmes such as the English-language BA in Archaeology, History and Literature of Ancient Greece in Nicosia, and the Department of Primary Education under the School of Education Sciences. The university’s Medical School, founded in 1837 and currently ranked among the top 100 globally, exemplifies the high academic standards expected from this new branch.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced last week that a new institutional framework has been created to allow Greek universities to open branches in Cyprus. This move is anticipated to attract more educational institutions to the island, bolstering its status as a regional education hub.
Public sentiment appears to be overwhelmingly positive regarding the new branch. A recent poll conducted by Alco in Cyprus revealed that 87 per cent of respondents support the establishment of the Athens University branch, reflecting a strong desire for enhanced educational opportunities.
The university has expressed that this initiative will not only deepen the cooperation between Greece and Cyprus but will also strengthen existing national ties and foster new avenues for research and innovation throughout southeastern Europe. Collaborations with local higher education institutions are also on the agenda, with plans for joint programmes and academic projects that aim to enrich the academic experience for students in both regions.
