**University of Cyprus Proposes Four New English-Language Degree Programs**
The University of Cyprus has taken a significant step toward expanding its academic offerings by submitting proposals for four new English-language undergraduate degrees to the Ministry of Education. This initiative follows the successful launch of the university's first foreign-language bachelor’s program earlier this year, marking a notable shift in the institution's approach to higher education.
University officials confirmed to the Cyprus Mail that the proposals have been submitted to Education Minister Athina Michaelidou. The new degree programs are set to cover key areas including medicine, business administration, and economics. If approved by the cabinet, the university plans to welcome its first cohort of students for these programs in September 2027.
This initiative comes on the heels of the government's earlier approval for the University of Cyprus to offer its first English-language undergraduate degree—a bachelor’s program in urban sustainability studies. This program was developed in collaboration with the Young Universities for the Future of Europe alliance, emphasizing the university's commitment to international collaboration and educational innovation.
The proposed English-language programs will be available to a diverse student body, including Cypriots, EU nationals, and international students. However, unlike existing undergraduate programs taught in Greek, which are free for eligible Cypriot and EU students, the new English-language degrees will require tuition fees. The annual tuition is set at €5,300, resulting in a total cost of approximately €15,900 for the three-year degree programs.
The University of Cyprus aims to attract a significant number of students from abroad, particularly those seeking internationally recognized qualifications within the European Union. The university anticipates interest from students completing the International Baccalaureate, as well as graduates from private English-speaking schools in Cyprus. Additionally, the institution seeks to engage students who complete the Pancyprian examinations and are interested in pursuing their studies in English.
To ensure that all applicants meet the necessary language requirements, those coming from the Greek-language secondary education system will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English. This can be achieved through recognized language qualifications or equivalent evidence of competence at the GCSE level.
University representatives have expressed that these new programs are designed not only to enhance the institution's international profile but also to create new revenue streams that can support ongoing academic development and investment. This initiative reflects a broader strategy by the University of Cyprus to expand its reach beyond the domestic market and to compete more effectively with private universities and international institutions operating in the region.
The ability to offer foreign-language undergraduate degrees was made possible through recent legislative changes approved by the Cypriot parliament. These changes allow public universities to introduce programs in languages other than Greek and Turkish, provided that the courses are fully self-funded and adhere to regulations regarding tuition fees and operational costs.
As the University of Cyprus moves forward with its proposals, the education community will be watching closely to see how these new programs will impact the landscape of higher education in Cyprus and beyond. The institution's commitment to expanding its offerings in English aligns with global trends in higher education, where English-language programs are increasingly sought after by students around the world.