Nicosia, Cyprus. The University of Cyprus renewed its appeal to the finance ministry to proceed with the construction of four new faculties as parliament examined the institution’s €226 million annual budget. The university warned that key academic units remain without permanent premises.
Four faculties without permanent premises
During discussion at the House education committee on Wednesday, university representatives said the philosophy, social sciences, humanities and the postgraduate school continue to operate from rented and scattered facilities. “We have four homeless faculties at the moment,” the university told MPs, saying academic planning and development are being undermined by the absence of purpose-built infrastructure.
2026 budget and oversight
The 2026 budget, amounting to €226 million, covers operational expenditure, salary costs and development projects, but remains constrained by tight state oversight.
Medical school building completion and inauguration
Addressing the committee, vice-rector Ioannis Yiapintzakis said the medical school building will be completed by February 28, with the university formally taking possession at the end of the month. He said the inauguration has been scheduled for March 24, following years of delays to the project.
Student dormitories phase two
Reference was again made to the second phase of student dormitories amid growing frustration over student accommodation. Yiapintzakis said that although a viability study has been completed, the finance ministry requested an additional comparative analysis between two construction methods, architectural competition and design and build.
Additional study and construction scrutiny
The supplementary study, commissioned from the same firm at a cost of €15,000, is expected to be finalised in March. The push for new faculties comes amid increased scrutiny of the university’s construction record.
What do you think should be prioritised in the University of Cyprus budget: new faculties or student accommodation?