Cyprus is positioning itself as a reliable, high-quality education hub for expatriates and investors' families

Cyprus has become an increasingly popular destination for private education, driven by its stable geopolitical environment and growing expatriate population. Ongoing crises in the Middle East and Ukraine have further heightened demand, nearly doubling foreign student enrolment in private secondary and primary schools over the past decade.

In response, the Cyprus Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Business Facilitation Unit, has streamlined the licensing process for private schools to accommodate the educational needs of foreign families relocating to the island. Additionally, the tertiary education sector has seen remarkable growth, with the number of foreign students at private universities doubling from approximately 13,500 in 2015-2016 to over 26,800 by 2022. It's safe to say that Cyprus is positioning itself as a reliable, high-quality education hub for expatriates and investors' families.

Dr Marios Americanos, President of the Cyprus Association of Private Tertiary Education Institutions (CAPTEI), elaborates on the benefits in choosing to study at a private Cypriot university and examines some of the challenges facing the sector.

What are the latest issues that CAPTEI has been handling and how are they expected to promote private education in Cyprus?

The Cyprus Association of Private Tertiary Education Institutions (CAPTEI) is currently addressing two key issues: proposed changes to the law relating to the establishment of branches of foreign universities in Cyprus and the introduction by the University of Cyprus of undergraduate programmes in languages other than Greek. Recently, we participated in meetings of the House Education Committee to discuss these matters and to present our opinions and recommendations. We subsequently submitted letters outlining our suggestions to the committee members, the political parties, the Education Minister and the Head of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA). Additionally, we held individual discussions with a number of committee members to further explore these issues. Both topics are expected to significantly influence the higher education landscape in Cyprus. The establishment of foreign university branches and the introduction of English- language undergraduate programmes by the University of Cyprus will enhance the country’s appeal to international students.

Some concern has been voiced by the established private higher education institutions regarding the criteria for the opening of foreign university branches in Cyprus. What can you tell us about this?

No specific criteria regulating the opening and operation of branches of foreign universities in Cyprus have been prescribed in the proposed amendments to the relevant law, whereas numerous criteria are in place, which regulate the opening and operation of private universities and colleges. If the proposed amendments remain unchained, that will lead to unfair competition. Also, concerns have been raised regarding the quality of education that these branches will offer. The legal amendments need to set out criteria similar to those in the Private Universities (Establishment, Operation and Control) Law, on issues such as the required infrastructure.

What makes the private higher education sector such an important pillar of the Cypriot economy?

The private higher education sector plays a significant role in the Cypriot economy for several reasons. Cyprus has become a regional hub for higher education, attracting students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. This influx brings significant revenue to the country through tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. Colleges and private universities are major employers, providing jobs for academic staff and administrative personnel. Moreover, the demand for housing, food, transport and other services by students generates indirect employment opportunities in sectors like real estate, retail and hospitality. In addition, private higher education institutions contribute to government revenues through taxes and their operations stimulate economic activity in adjacent sectors. Finally, the higher education sector provides an alternative revenue stream to traditional industries like tourism and shipping, helping diversify the Cypriot economy.

Why do students choose Cyprus to complete their higher education studies and how can it become a bigger regional education hub?

Students in Cyprus face relatively lower tuition fees and living expenses than their counterparts in many Western European countries. Academic institutions in Cyprus are known for their modern facilities, qualified academic staff and adherence to international standards and they offer a wide variety of accredited, internationally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in English. Cyprus is a safe environment, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. Students in Cyprus are now allowed to work part-time while studying, which helps them gain experience and supplement their income. To become a bigger regional educational hub, Cyprus needs to develop and promote a strong brand as a premier educational destination, emphasising its strengths. Moreover, it needs to build stronger ties with other countries and sign bilateral agreements so that the qualifications earned in Cyprus are fully recognised academically. Finally, it needs to simplify its visa processes for international students and allow them to work during their studies in more economic activities and occupations and provide post-graduation work permits.

Cyprus stands out for its stability in a volatile region. How has the current situation affected the private education sector on the island?

Ongoing conflicts and political instability in neighbouring countries have prompted students to seek safer educational destinations. Cyprus, with its stability, safety and strategic location, has become an attractive alternative for students from these countries. We have seen an influx of migrants and refugees, some of whom have enrolled in higher education programmes of study.

What trends do you believe will shape the sector in the coming decade?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will increasingly be used for personalised learning experiences, adaptive course delivery and administrative automation. Higher education institutions will need to adapt their programmes to include AI-related courses. There will also be growing demand for programmes focused on renewable energy, environmental science and sustainable business practices. Students will increasingly demand flexible learning options that allow them to balance education with work or other commitments. Online learning and hybrid learning (a mix of in-person and online classes) are likely to dominate in the future. The increase in demand for online education will intensify competition for institutions offering only traditional education. We will also see a rise in micro-credentials and alternative education. Demand for micro-credentials (short courses, certificates and badges) will grow as employers seek skills-based training rather than traditional degrees. Inflation will increase operating costs for higher education institutions, potentially leading to higher tuition fees. This could deter some students or push them toward more affordable online options. Moreover, students will increasingly evaluate the return on investment of education, favouring programmes that lead directly to employability and higher earnings.

This interview first appeared in the December edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.