Students studying at public universities in Cyprus face acute problems in finding housing close to their faculty, as highlighted by the House education committee during a recent meeting.
- Students studying at public universities in Cyprus face acute problems in finding housing close to their faculty, as highlighted by the House education committee during a recent meeting.
Disy MP and committee member George Karoullas expressed concern over the situation, stating, “There are excellent students who secured a place at the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak) in Limassol but ultimately choose to study at private universities in other cities, due to the very high rents.”
The pressing need for student dormitories at both Tepak and the University of Cyprus (UCY) was underscored by Karoullas. He urged the government to consider an increase in the housing allowance provided by public universities in light of the soaring costs.
Students are currently facing “outrageous housing prices” that range from €800 to €1000 a month. This has led to many opting to live with their parents, resulting in lengthy commutes from as far away as Paphos to Limassol. Education committee chairman and Diko MP Chrysanthos Savvidis reported that approximately four out of ten students have made this choice due to the lack of affordable accommodation.
“The aim to increase the number of students at public universities is incompatible with the current situation,” Savvidis remarked, stressing the necessity of expanding student housing options. The committee also heard from Akel MP Christos Christofias, who called for the government to formulate a strategy to better support students and their families, ensuring they can study in Cyprus.
Christofias noted that while plans for additional student housing have been announced in recent years, they have yet to materialise. He warned against the risks of losing students to other institutions due to ongoing challenges in the housing sector. “We are observing that the government remains inactive,” he stated.
As the meeting progressed, MPs discussed other critical issues affecting various levels of education, including a much-anticipated teacher evaluation scheme, staffing shortages, and necessary upgrades to school facilities. Savvidis, emphasising the need for continual improvement in education, expressed hope for a timely agreement between the ministry and teachers regarding the evaluation scheme.
Addressing the urgent requirement for school upgrades, he projected a “significant budget allocation in the 2026 budget” that would facilitate further installations of air conditioning before the summer of next year. Meanwhile, staffing issues continue to plague public schools, with Christofias highlighting the pressing problem of understaffing in secondary schools.
“The school year begins and the position of directors is filled in by deputy directors or even ordinary teachers within the school units,” he added. The committee also discussed the appointment of temporary teachers, emphasising that these matters needed to be revisited promptly with the education ministry and the Christodoulides government.
As discussions unfold, the urgency of addressing the high rents for student housing remains paramount, with a clear call from lawmakers for a proactive approach to support students in their pursuit of education.
