Nicosia, Cyprus. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and K Treppides & Co Group have signed a memorandum of understanding in Cyprus aimed at bringing university education closer to the workplace. The agreement focuses on students in economics and business administration at the NKUA Cyprus branch.
Agreement details
The memorandum was signed on Monday, June 15, 2026, and centres on the School of Economics and Political Sciences at the NKUA Cyprus branch, particularly students in economics and business administration.
Under the agreement, K Treppides & Co Group will cover 50 per cent of the annual tuition fees of participating students and provide them with paid employment opportunities during their studies.
According to an official NKUA announcement, the company has committed to employing at least 30 students, representing more than one third of the students in the relevant departments of the Cyprus branch, while supporting their professional development in areas linked to finance, audit and advisory services.
Signatories
The agreement was signed on behalf of Treppides by Marios Cosma, and on behalf of NKUA by Nikolaos Eriotis, Dean of the School of Economics and Political Sciences, Dimitrios Thomakos, Chair of the Department of Business Administration and Organisations, and Georgios Dotsis, Chair of the Department of Economics.
Stated aims
“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,” the announcement said.
It added that the collaboration aims to create meaningful opportunities for students, strengthen the link between academic knowledge and professional practice, and contribute to the development of the human capital needed by the Cypriot and Greek economies.
Context and student impact
The partnership comes as Cyprus seeks to strengthen its higher education sector and retain more young talent, while businesses across the island continue to point to skills shortages and the need for graduates with practical experience.
For students, the model is designed to offer both financial support and early exposure to the labour market. Their work experience will be formally recognised as professional experience, allowing them to graduate with academic qualifications as well as a stronger understanding of real business conditions.
“This innovative model transforms the traditional student experience into a comprehensive pathway of academic and professional development,” the announcement said.
