The government’s intention to table a bill allowing foreign universities to establish branches in Cyprus has received lukewarm reactions in the sector.
Public and private universities in Cyprus advocate instead for quality rather than quantity in higher education.
Seeking the input of academic leaders on this matter, Phileleftheros recorded their positions and reservations, emphasizing that their concerns revolve not around competition, which they do not fear, but rather around how this development will be achieved and how to attract quality foreign students.
According to the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Tasos Christofides, there is no opposition to granting licenses to foreign universities to operate branches, as competition is fair.
However, he stresses the need for proper regulation and control. He also questions why a foreign university would come to Cyprus to attract students, suggesting that other significant steps must be taken to truly develop higher education in Cyprus, such as providing housing for students and improving transportation, essential infrastructure for the student community.
Additionally, the delay in granting permission for public universities to offer English-language programs was highlighted by Christofides, stating that it misses the opportunity to attract quality foreign students, with many consequences beyond education.
Similar concerns were expressed by the Rector of the Cyprus University of Technology, Panagiotis Zafeiris, who emphasized that obstacles and delays in offering English-language programs at public universities deter students from choosing them.
He suggests that English-language programs should be established first, followed by branches of foreign institutions, which he doesn’t oppose, as there is no fear of competition.
“The pie in Cyprus is small, and we must attract quality foreign students,” he said, adding that the Ministry of Education will set the appropriate framework for the operation of branches.
“For us, emphasizing quality is of great importance. We cannot prevent foreign universities from expanding into Cyprus, but we must seriously consider certain conditions,” said the Rector of the University of Nicosia, Philippos Pouyioutas, focusing mainly on quality and strict rules and controls.
He mentioned that healthy competition is fair, but with this development, there might be a problem regarding the sustainability of some small universities.
According to Pougioutas, universities have not yet seen the draft law, stating, “We will return.”
The Rector of Frederick University, George Demosthenous, stated that just as the legislative framework is regulated for the creation and operation of branches of Cypriot universities in foreign countries, it must be similarly regulated for the establishment of branches of foreign universities in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
He emphasized the importance of setting strict criteria and quality indicators, as well as full compliance and harmonization of foreign branches with the National Qualifications Framework of our country.
Furthermore, he stressed the responsibility of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in evaluating and certifying the branches and their study programs. Demosthenous pointed out that legislative regulations alone are not sufficient and must be accompanied by other measures primarily the responsibility of the State if it wants to strengthen and empower our university system.
He suggested three essential measures: student dormitories, public transportation, and the establishment of an agency to promote Cypriot universities and their education abroad, aiming to attract a significant number of students with a high academic background.
Without this last initiative, the attraction of a significant number of foreign students is without purpose, and it may rather create problems for the sustainability of existing universities.
The President of the Council of the European University of Cyprus, Christoforos Hadjikyprianou, welcomed the government’s efforts to develop the university sector, acknowledging its contribution to 7% of the country’s GDP and supporting various sectors of the economy. However, he stressed the need to focus on qualitative development.
In his view, the policy of creating more universities will not bring about qualitative development.
He emphasized the necessity of creating quality and innovative universities instead of increasing their number, considering the size of Cyprus. According to Hadjikyprianou, universities should have financial autonomy and long-term sustainability.
Creating branches in Cyprus, according to Hadjikyprianou, should be based on the same rigorous criteria required for existing universities in the country.
He cautioned against offering incentives, such as state land concessions, to these universities, as it would create inequality compared to how the government handles existing universities, which have invested significant funds in the country and employ a large number of researchers and academics.
