Nicosia: President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, announced on Wednesday evening an effort to jointly promote Cyprus' public and private universities abroad, and the creation of an organization along the lines of the British Council, in order to enhance the attraction of quality students from abroad. He was addressing the Frederick University 2026 Awards and Excellence Ceremony, at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President highlighted the significance of the education sector in Cyprus, which contributes approximately 7%-8% to the country's GDP, and stressed the importance of maintaining the quality of study programs. During his address, he noted that unemployment in Cyprus is below 4%, with 82% of graduates working in their field of study, and commended Frederick University for its progress and contributions to higher education without state support.
The President specifically mentioned the establishment of the Frederick University School of Medicine as a pivotal step in the institution's development. He praised the university's efforts in fostering a culture of academic responsibility through volunteering, innovation, and research activities, emphasizing that "knowledge has value when it is linked to service to humanity."
Highlighting the achievements of Frederick University, President Christodoulides remarked that the institution has successfully positioned itself as a leading Higher Education Institution in Cyprus. He also discussed the upcoming collaboration with the University of Manchester to establish a Medical School, which he described as a further testament to the dynamic nature of Cyprus' Higher Education sector.
Addressing broader challenges, he noted that Cyprus is navigating significant global changes, such as geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and digital transformation. These changes, he argued, emphasize the strategic importance of higher education in fostering knowledge, innovation, and a skilled workforce.
The President reiterated the government's commitment to a cohesive strategy for Cyprus' Higher Education, aimed at maximizing the potential of the country's human resources and creating pioneering opportunities for young people. He stressed the need to align educational programs with labor market demands, noting Cyprus' high employment rate for graduates in their fields.
In conclusion, President Christodoulides announced that starting next year, the State will extend awards to outstanding students from both private and public universities in Cyprus. Additionally, he confirmed the initiation of preparatory work for promoting Cyprus' universities abroad, with the goal of establishing an organization similar to the British Council to attract international students.