The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and K Treppides & Co Group have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking the beginning of a landmark strategic partnership aimed at bridging academic excellence with professional experience and creating new opportunities for the next generation of economists, business professionals, researchers and leaders in Cyprus and Greece.
As noted in a relevant announcement, the MoU was executed on Monday, 15 June 2026.
The Memorandum was signed on behalf of K Treppides & Co Group by its Managing Partner, Mr. Marios Cosma, and on behalf of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens by Professor Nikolaos Eriotis, Dean of the School of Economics and Political Sciences, Professor Dimitrios Thomakos, Chair of the Department of Business Administration and Organizations, and Professor Georgios Dotsis, Chair of the Department of Economics.
"The partnership is founded on a shared vision: to promote excellence in education, advance research and innovation, and establish a modern framework that effectively connects higher education with the business community. Through this strategic collaboration, both institutions seek to create meaningful opportunities for students, strengthen the relationship between academic knowledge and professional practice, and actively contribute to the development of the human capital that will shape the future of the Greek and Cypriot economies," the announcement said.
Under the terms of the Memorandum, K Treppides & Co Group will sponsor 50% of the tuition fees of participating students while simultaneously offering paid employment opportunities throughout the duration of their studies. The professional experience acquired through this employment will be formally recognised as professional work experience, enabling students to graduate not only with a strong academic background but also with substantial practical experience.
As the announcement continued, "This innovative model transforms the traditional student experience into a comprehensive pathway of academic and professional development. Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real business environments, develop practical skills, gain valuable workplace experience and prepare effectively for their future careers from the early stages of their studies."
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the first university established in modern Greece and one of the most prestigious academic institutions in Europe, has played a pivotal role for nearly two centuries in advancing scientific knowledge, promoting research and educating generations of scholars, professionals and leaders who have contributed significantly to economic and social progress.
K Treppides & Co Group is one of the largest and fastest-growing professional services organisations in Cyprus and the wider region, with a strong presence in advisory, tax, audit, accounting, technology, regulatory compliance and financial services.
"The significance of this partnership extends far beyond the two organisations. At a time when economic competitiveness increasingly depends on the quality of human capital, innovation and knowledge, building strong links between universities and businesses has become a strategic necessity," the announcement pointed out, continuing, "Students will gain access to high-quality university education, significant financial support and meaningful professional experience. The University will further strengthen its engagement with the business community and expand the opportunities available to its students. K Treppides & Co Group will actively contribute to shaping the professionals of tomorrow while investing in the development of a new generation of highly skilled, knowledgeable and career-ready talent."
This initiative is expected to make a meaningful contribution to the development of human capital in both Greece and Cyprus, creating new employment opportunities, enhancing business competitiveness, fostering innovation and supporting the growth of knowledge-based, productive and sustainable economies.
Implementation of the partnership will commence immediately with the start of the 2026–2027 academic year at The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Cyprus, enabling students to benefit from the programme from its very first year. Furthermore, the Memorandum provides for the possibility of extending the collaboration to the University’s main campus in Athens.
Marios Cosma, Managing Partner of K Treppides & Co Group, commented, "At K Treppides & Co Group, we firmly believe that investing in people is the most important investment any organisation can make. Our partnership with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens reflects our longstanding commitment to education, innovation and talent development. Through this collaboration, we are creating a unique bridge between academic excellence and professional experience, offering students meaningful opportunities for growth while contributing to the economic advancement of Cyprus and Greece."
Professor Nikolaos Eriotis stated, "The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens remains committed to providing high-quality education that combines academic rigour, innovation and relevance to the needs of today's economy and society. Our collaboration with K Treppides & Co Group represents an important step towards further strengthening the connection between academia and the business community and creates new opportunities for our students."
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and K Treppides & Co Group are confident that this partnership will serve as a model for collaboration between higher education institutions and the business community and contribute meaningfully to the development of future generations in Greece and Cyprus, the announcement concluded.
