**Students to Gain Paid Work Experience Under New University Agreement**
Cyprus is poised to enhance its educational landscape with a new partnership between the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and K Treppides & Co Group. The two entities formalized their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on June 15, 2026. This agreement aims to bridge the gap between academic education and the professional world, particularly focusing on students enrolled in the School of Economics and Political Sciences at NKUA's Cyprus branch.
Under the terms of the MoU, K Treppides & Co Group will provide significant financial support by covering 50 percent of the annual tuition fees for students who participate in the program. Additionally, the firm has committed to offering paid employment opportunities to these students during their studies, ensuring that they gain practical experience in fields related to finance, audit, and advisory services.
The initiative is set to benefit at least 30 students, which accounts for over one-third of the enrolment in the relevant departments at the Cyprus branch. This move comes at a time when the Cypriot higher education sector is striving to retain young talent and address the skills shortages identified by businesses across the island.
The signing ceremony saw key figures from both organizations in attendance. Marios Cosma represented K Treppides, while NKUA was represented by Nikolaos Eriotis, Dean of the School of Economics and Political Sciences, Dimitrios Thomakos, Chair of the Department of Business Administration and Organisations, and Georgios Dotsis, Chair of the Department of Economics.
In an official announcement, the partnership was described as being grounded in a shared vision to promote educational excellence, advance research and innovation, and create a modern framework that connects higher education with the business community. The collaboration aims to provide students with meaningful opportunities, enhance the link between academic knowledge and practical application, and contribute to the development of human capital essential for the Cypriot and Greek economies.
The program is designed to offer students not only financial assistance but also early exposure to the labor market. The work experience gained through this initiative will be formally recognized as professional experience, allowing students to graduate with both academic qualifications and a deeper understanding of real-world business conditions.
“This innovative model transforms the traditional student experience into a comprehensive pathway of academic and professional development,” the announcement stated. It emphasized that students will have the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, develop essential skills, and prepare effectively for their future careers from the onset of their studies.
The NKUA Cyprus branch is part of a broader effort by the university to strengthen academic ties between Greece and Cyprus. Established in 1837, NKUA is recognized as the oldest and largest university in Greece, boasting an extensive international network of academic and research partnerships. K Treppides, founded in 1985, specializes in audit, tax, accounting, consulting, and financial advisory services, with operations extending to Nicosia, Limassol, London, and Malta.
Marios Cosma, representing K Treppides, expressed the company's belief in the importance of investing in people, stating, “Our partnership with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens reflects our longstanding commitment to education, innovation, and talent development.” He highlighted that the collaboration creates a unique bridge between academic excellence and professional experience, offering students valuable opportunities for growth while contributing to the economic advancement of both Cyprus and Greece.
Nikolaos Eriotis, Dean of the School of Economics and Political Sciences, reiterated NKUA's commitment to providing high-quality education that aligns with the needs of the economy and society. He noted that the collaboration with K Treppides represents a significant step towards strengthening the connection between academia and the business community, creating new opportunities for students.
The partnership is set to commence in the 2026-2027 academic year at NKUA's Cyprus branch, with the MoU also allowing for the potential expansion of the collaboration to the university's main campus in Athens in the future. This initiative marks a significant development in the educational landscape of Cyprus, promising to enhance the employability of graduates and address the pressing skills gap in the region.