CIM-Cyprus Business School collaborates with Flyfish to enable young people to work while studying

CIM-Cyprus Business School has entered a new ground breaking collaboration with global payments platform Flyfish that will provide the opportunity to young individuals to work and study at the same time.

Flyfish will employ the individuals paying them a full salary and at the same time sponsor in full their studies at CIM, through evening classes.

This is the first scheme of its kind in Cyprus, adding to the government’s efforts to link higher education with the business world.

Yangos Hadjiyannis, CEO, CIM – Cyprus Business School, and Chief Business Development Officer at Flyfish, Shay Merary, reveal more about the new programme.

CIM has entered a collaboration with global payments platform Flyfish that will enable young individuals to work and study at the same time. Can you tell us a bit more about this? Who came up with the idea?

YH: New employees at Flyfish through the "Apprenticeship" project, will receive a full salary for their work and at the same time 100% of their tuition fees will be subsidised for studies in any Bachelor or master’s programme offered by CIM-Cyprus Business School in Nicosia and Limassol. All courses are delivered in the evening hours and therefore new employees will be able to combine their work with their studies. Upon completion of their studies, they will be provided with the opportunity for permanent employment and therefore will be guaranteed a professional career in one of the leading technology companies operating in Cyprus.

We monitor market needs and we respond accordingly. The idea came through extended discussions between our teams on what we can do to both help the local community and attract new talent. Other than the fact that this scheme provides the opportunity to our associates at Flyfish to attract new talent, it also has a strong element of corporate social responsibility as it provides the opportunity to individuals who might not have had otherwise the financial means to sponsor their studies. Imagine what it means to parents in Cyprus who invest considerably in their children’s education, to have 2 leading Organisations offering them the opportunity to educate their children and receive acclaimed qualifications at zero cost! Not to mention the exciting and well-paid career path that the scheme provides at Flyfish.

SM: We are thrilled about this brilliant collaboration with CIM-Cyprus Business School. This partnership will help us reach young talents across Cyprus and set them on the right path to a successful career. The combination of higher education alongside full-time employment at Flyfish is an incredible opportunity for any highly ambitious candidate. They will benefit from the support of two leading companies, providing a clear route for success. We are eager to see these bright minds thrive under our guidance as they grow, learn, and make meaningful contributions to our industry and community.

Is this the first scheme of its kind in Cyprus?

YH: It is the 1st project of its kind in Cyprus and offers many advantages since it fully achieves the state's strategy for connecting the labour market with the academic community, it provides the opportunity to people who cannot afford to study and it is providing individuals with a clear career plan, thereby maximising the return on each student's investment.

We have followed the specifications of similar schemes abroad and it is unique in that it places no limits on the selection of the Bachelor or Master programme and no restriction on age so suitable for both young and mature students.

SM: We are committed to making a lasting impact here. This initiative is more than just a first-of-a-kind programme; it’s a testament to our confidence in the talent and capabilities of Cyprus' youth. By creating this pathway, we hope to attract global-minded and highly motivated candidates and give them a unique environment, free from financial distractions.

How beneficial do you think these schemes are for young people?

YH: As already mentioned, this scheme is highly appealing and sets apart the selected participants from other students. The fact that participants are to be employed right away – not an internship – and be fully active in the business world while studying at Cyprus’ leading business school, really secures their future. After 3-4 years of studies, they will earn one of the leading qualifications available in Cyprus and have 3-4 years’ work experience in a leading tech company. The biggest problem young graduates face is that employers always ask for experience. We are solving this problem with our innovative apprenticeship.

SM: Flyfish is devoted to the generation of the future. I believe that planting strong foundations will grow high-performing employees. In our venture, students will earn a salary, plus monthly and annual bonuses, and gain 3-4 years of valuable work experience while we fund their bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

This is the ideal environment for young talents to start their careers and pursue the best version of themselves.

How connected do you believe the higher education sector in Cyprus is to the business world? Is it easy for graduates to find work after their studies?

YH: This scheme bridges the gap between academia and the business world. It is fully aligned with the government’s efforts to implement Vision 2035 and we strongly believe that we will set an example for others to follow. Moreover, it creates a clear career path and maximises return on investment.

Now, unemployment in Cyprus is very low and there is great demand for talent. However, there is a great mismatch between what Universities teach and what the industry requires, especially in a rapidly changing environment.

SM: I completely agree with Yangos. Bridging the gap between academia and the business world is essential, and this programme is a pioneering step in that direction.

At Flyfish, we believe in practical, hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world challenges. Together with CIM-Cyprus Business School, we aim to set a new standard for higher education in Cyprus. Our programme is designed to complement academic studies with valuable work experience, making graduates more competitive in the job market.

I encourage every parent and every student in Cyprus to apply today. Our professional recruiter team will review your application, giving everyone a fair chance to win a career boost.

What is your view of the higher education sector overall currently? How do you suggest it can be improved?

YH: The Higher Education sector in Cyprus has grown immensely in the last 15-20 years and it is now one of the most important pillars of the economy in Cyprus. It has contributed significantly to the development of the island as an investment destination since there is more talent available. However, at the moment the sector is very saturated, and it is not growing significantly. As such there is intense competition amongst Academic Institutions and unfortunately for many the emphasis is on numbers rather than quality and employability. Finally, the recent changes in Greece which will allow for private Universities are a significant threat to the incoming Greek students who are about 35% of the total student population so we are over dependent on them.

We at CIM-Cyprus Business School, remain focused on quality rather than quantity serving a particular segment of the market through evening classes and that is why we have such a profound success.

SM: The higher education sector in Cyprus has indeed grown significantly, but there's still room for improvement. One key area is enhancing the relevance of academic programmes to meet industry demands. We need to ensure that what students learn in the classroom is directly applicable to their future careers.

Another aspect is fostering stronger collaborations between businesses and educational institutions. By doing so, we can provide students with practical experience and skills that are in high demand.
At Flyfish, we are committed to this approach. Our partnership with CIM-Cyprus Business School is designed to offer students not just an education but a comprehensive learning experience that includes hands-on work in a real business environment.

We have seen a lot of movement in the higher education sector lately, with foreign investments flowing into the country. What do you think makes Cyprus an appealing destination for investments in the sector and what policy changes do you think can improve the country’s profile as an education hub?

YH: Cyprus provides a lot of attractions for investors such as the safe and pleasant working environment, the competitive tax rate, pool of talent for employment and the strategic geographical location. Without foreign direct investment, the Cyprus economy would not have experienced the excellent performance of the past few years. A lot of foreign investment has gone into higher education as well and this has been a driver for growth both in terms of the programmes offered but also of the infrastructure improvements.

SM: Cyprus is indeed an attractive destination for investments in higher education. The concentration of business professionals and investors in a small area creates a fertile business atmosphere. In my opinion, by continuously improving the quality and relevance of higher education, Cyprus can strengthen its position as a leading destination for both students and investors.