Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus is preparing to establish a new organisation modelled on the British Council to promote its universities abroad and attract more international students. President Nikos Christodoulides said preparatory work has begun for a coordinated national effort involving public and private institutions.
Announcement at Frederick University
The announcement was made by Christodoulides during a ceremony at Frederick University in Nicosia on Wednesday.
He said the aim is to present Cypriot universities as an international education destination and improve recruitment of what he described as “quality students from abroad”.
Planned role of the new body
The planned organisation would support overseas promotion and cooperation between institutions.
Higher education strategy
Christodoulides described higher education as a key economic sector, contributing around 7 to 8 per cent of GDP.
He said “we should not get carried away” with figures alone, adding that emphasis must remain on academic standards and course quality.
According to the president, the government is implementing “a coherent strategy for Cyprus’ higher education” aimed at improving opportunities for young people and bolstering research capacity.
Medical school partnership
Christodoulides also highlighted Frederick University’s new medical school in partnership with the University of Manchester, describing it as part of the sector’s “continuous development path”.