NKUA opens branch campus in Cyprus, marking a new era in Hellenic academic cooperation
Founded in 1837, NKUA has historically played a foundational role in the academic formation of Cypriot students, with generations of graduates contributing to the island's intellectual, political, and economic life. The establishment of a branch in Cyprus is a continuation of this long-standing relationship and an institutional milestone that reflects evolving educational demands and opportunities for regional integration.
The Cyprus branch’s facilities will be housed in both historic and newly constructed academic buildings, including the Tarsi Arcade and EKATE buildings in the walled city of Nicosia, and new premises in Larnaca.
The branch will initially comprise four Schools and eight Departments, and will begin offering undergraduate programmes in October 2025. The academic offerings have been fully accredited by both Greek and Cypriot quality assurance agencies, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
Academic Units and Programmes:
- School of Health Sciences (Nicosia): Medicine, Nursing
- School of Economics: Economics, Business Administration (Nicosia), Ports Management and Shipping (Larnaca)
- School of Philosophy: Psychology (Larnaca), English-taught BA in Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece (Nicosia)
- School of Education (Nicosia): Pedagogy and Primary Education
Among the flagship departments is the School of Medicine, continuously operating since 1837 and currently ranked among the top 100 medical schools globally. Other participating departments have similarly distinguished academic records and global rankings.
Broad support and acceptance
The initiative has received broad institutional and political support. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides hailed it as a “historic and progressive development”, while Greek Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki described it as a “new chapter in academic excellence and cooperation”.
NKUA's Rector, Gerasimos Siasos, emphasised that the branch represents the most significant leap in university’s internationalisation efforts:
The operation of this branch will further strengthen the existing strong national ties, offer fresh opportunities for students and academics, and serve as a beacon of education, scientific research, and innovation in the wider region of South-Eastern Europe. Building on the exceptionally strong two-century ties with Cyprus in the field of education—with tens of thousands of Cypriot students having studied at the University of Athens—we are particularly pleased by the widespread acceptance of the Branch".
A recent ALCO public opinion survey revealed strong local support for the initiative, with 87% of Cypriots in favor of NKUA's presence, citing the University’s reputation, academic quality, and degree prestige.
The Cypriot and Greek Ministries of Education, along with local municipalities, religious leaders, and academic authorities, played key roles in facilitating the establishment of the branch. The initiative aligns with Cyprus’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional academic hub, attracting international institutions and promoting cross-border research collaborations.
This development marks the first time a Greek public university has opened a branch abroad, and sets a precedent for further academic expansion and integration in the region.
Latest Highlights:
The documentary “Our Homes”, a student-led project inspired by a BIP, ready to take the screen
The BIPs went to South Africa: Exploring Maternal & Neonatal Immunisation in Johannesburg
Living and working in the White Desert - vlogs from Antarctica by a ULB student
Earth observation and geoinformatics empower humanitarian response
SUR researchers identify key elements for food safety and quality