European University Cyprus aims for academic excellence

The European University Cyprus hopes to attract more students following its accreditation as a university and is counting on its link with Laureate International Universities to boost overseas enrolment.

The new university’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Andreas Orphanides, told the Financial Mirror in an interview that the transformation from a college to university is a historical milestone for Cyprus College and also for the country as the objective to become a regional and international educational centre is now possible.

“Cyprus may become a role model of how a country can upgrade its education system, in line with the objectives of the EU as stated by the Bologna Process in which 46 European countries participate,” said Dr. Orphanides, who is also a member of the board representing Cyprus.

 

— High standards

 

European University-Cyprus has four main schools and has been operating under a new charter for many years in preparation for the changeover.

The four main schools are School of Arts and Education Sciences with four undergraduate courses, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the I. Gregoriou School of Business Administration and the School of Sciences.

It has over 100 faculty and teaching personnel backed by 100 administrative and support staff with an annual budget in excess of CYP 5 mln.

Dr. Orphanides clarified that Cyprus College will continue to operate offering 2-3 year programmes concentrating in professional studies such as ACCA, CFA, dance and office administration. There will be a small scale professional study programme on offer in Limassol.

 

— Doubling capacity

 

The new university has the capacity to double the number of students from 3,500 at Cyprus College after the completion of its new building. Dr. Orphanides said that while 80% of students are from Cyprus and the rest from 35 countries, the objective is to increase capacity both locally and internationally.

With 15,000 Cypriots studying for a university degree in Cyprus and an equal number abroad, the prospects of attracting local students is now better after the university accreditation, which will also save the country foreign exchange outflow and contribute to the economy.

The Admissions and International Office will also undertake a marketing drive to attract international students with Dr. Orphanides hopeful that Cyprus can compete with other universities considering that the average tuition fee of CYP 4500 or EUR 7680 compares favourably with GBP 8.000 or EUR 11.500 charged by European universities for international students.

Dr. Orphanides is hoping a bill currently in parliament will help attract more international students as it will provide for the legal employment of foreign students for ten hours a week.

 

— Laureate

 

Laureate International Universities owns a 45% stake in the company that founded the Cyprus College and now owns the European University Cyprus with the rest of the shares owned by the Eleftheriades and Gregoriou families.

The Laureate network is the largest and the fastest growing in the world covering 25 recognized academic institutions in the USA, UK, Spain, France, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, China and now Cyprus.

The link provides support, knowhow, and help in the development of new programmes, helps in attracting international students and after graduation, helps locate jobs for the graduates.

European University Cyprus has its own research institute and last year it became eligible for CYP 2 mln in EU and Cyprus government funds. It has a special programme to help faculty teach, research and help community projects.