President Nikos Christodoulides has announced an effort to jointly promote Cyprus' public and private universities abroad, and the creation of an organisation 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 on the evening of 24 June.
Christodoulides also highlighted the importance of the education sector in Cyprus, noting that its contribution amounts to approximately 7%-8% of the country's GDP and underlined the need to ensure the quality of study programmes.
In his address, the President noted that unemployment in Cyprus is below 4%, while 82% of graduates work in their field of study. He also praised the university's progress and contribution to higher education, stating that "without state support, you have achieved a lot", referring to its development path and achievements.
The President made special reference to the establishment of the Frederick University School of Medicine, characterising it as an important step in the development path of the institution. At the same time, he noted that the university's contribution to cultivating a culture of academic responsibility, through volunteering, innovation and research activities, is equally noteworthy.
"Knowlege has value"
He emphasised that "knowledge has value when it is linked to service to humanity", underlining the social role of education and scientific knowledge.
He also praised the contribution of Frederick University to higher education and society, stating that tonight's ceremony is a recognition of both the achievements of the students and the long-term course of the institution. He also noted that completing a doctoral degree “does not simply constitute the acquisition of a high-level academic title, but reflects the ability to question, research, synthesise new knowledge and contribute substantially to the progress of science and society.”
Referring to Frederick University, he said that the institution “has managed, through a constantly evolving path, to establish itself as one of the most important Higher Education Institutions in our country,” adding that continuous investment in infrastructure, technology, research and international collaborations creates significant prospects for the student and research community.
He also referred to the decision to establish a Medical School in collaboration with the University of Manchester, noting that this “constitutes another step in the continuous development path of the University, the vision of its people, which also confirms the dynamics of Higher Education in our country.”
At the same time, he praised the University's contribution to society, stating that "its students, in addition to their academic performance, are distinguished for their volunteering, innovation and research activities, proving that knowledge acquires real value when linked to contributions to humanity and society."
World-historical changes
The President underlined that Cyprus is facing significant challenges, as "we are experiencing world-historical changes" linked to geopolitical upheavals, technological development and the digital transition, underlining that under these circumstances, higher education acquires strategic importance for the production of knowledge, innovation and the development of highly specialized human resources.
As he pointed out, the Government is implementing "a coherent strategy for Cyprus' Higher Education", with the aim of utilising the country's human resources and creating opportunities for young people to pioneer.
In this context, he noted that the education sector corresponds to 7%-8% of the country's GDP, pointing out, however, that "we should not get carried away" by quantitative data, but that emphasis should be placed on ensuring the quality of study programs.
Referring to the labour market, he said that unemployment in Cyprus is currently below 4%, adding that the country has one of the highest rates of graduates employed in their field of study, which "exceeds 82%", which, as he said, demonstrates the need to link studies with the needs of the labour market.
The President also emphasised that modern reality requires "scientists with high training, critical thinking, research competence and a strong sense of social responsibility", as well as "researchers who expand the boundaries of science" and young people with vision, creativity and commitment to the principles of democracy, equality and social cohesion.
The President also announced that from next year the State will award outstanding students from private universities in the country and not only from public institutions.
In addition, he announced that the preparatory work for the promotion of public and private universities of Cyprus abroad, with the aim of creating an organisation along the lines of the British Council to attract quality students from other countries.
(Source: CNA)
