Kraken awards six postgraduate scholarships at University of Cyprus

Nicosia, Cyprus. Kraken has provided six postgraduate scholarships through its parent company, Payward, to University of Cyprus students studying finance and data science. The awards reinforce the international financial technology group’s ties with Cyprus’s academic community.

Scholarships to support tuition costs

A ceremony held in Nicosia on Monday, October 12, marked the presentation of the scholarships for the 2026 – 2027 academic year. Three recipients study MSc Finance, while the other three study MSc Data Science.

The published announcement said the initiative was part of Payward’s collaboration with the university’s Faculty of Economics and Management. Recipients were chosen under established university procedures, taking account of both academic achievement and financial need.

The scholarships will help cover tuition costs. The announcement did not disclose the amount awarded to each student.

Company highlights Cyprus’s academic role

Alexia Theodorou, European Head of Derivatives and CEO of Kraken Cyprus, said the collaboration demonstrated the company’s trust in Cyprus’s academic institutions and their role in the financial services sector.

“Cyprus is one of our two hubs in Europe, and the quality of its universities is part of the reason,” Theodorou said.

She said the scholarships directly supported six students whose work would influence the way finance functions in Cyprus and throughout Europe.

Rector emphasises links with business

University of Cyprus rector Tasos Christofides highlighted cooperation between businesses and higher education as important in equipping graduates to respond to economic change.

He described support for talented young people as an investment in the future. University education, he said, went beyond gaining qualifications by developing practical abilities and critical thinking.

Christofides added that collaboration with private-sector partners could open new opportunities and deepen the university’s connections with the broader economy.