EUC CEO Dr. Hadjikyprianou: Our goal is to increase international students from 24% to 40% by 2028

The main goal of European University Cyprus (EUC) is to attract quality students from Central Europe, with a significant number of today's students coming - in addition to Cyprus and Greece - from countries such as France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

As Dr. Christoforos Hadjikyprianou, CEO & President of the Council told InBusinessNews, the European University Cyprus' main pursuit in the immediate future is the dynamic entry into the markets of Italy, Spain, and the United States, thus further strengthening its international presence.

At the same time, according to Hadjikyprianou, the University is strengthening its branch in Frankfurt, further consolidating its position in Germany, and also expanding its presence in China.

In addition, the possible creation of a branch in Greece is also in the pipeline, with the university closely monitoring developments and new legislation in this context.

Attracting foreign students

More specifically, the CEO and President of the Council of the European University Cyprus, speaking to InBusinessNews, referred to the strategy for attracting international students, noting that today 40% of the university’s students come from Cyprus, 36% from Greece and the remaining 24% from other European countries, mainly from France, Germany, Norway and Sweden, and to a lesser extent from the United Kingdom.

In addition, the University hosts students from another 40 countries, including the United States, although in smaller numbers.

Hadjikyprianou emphasised that in order for the University to maintain its strategic course and ensure its sustainability, it will further strengthen its presence in existing markets and will dynamically penetrate the markets of Italy, the United Kingdom and Spain.

As he explained, this strategy is critical, especially in light of developments in Greece with the opening of private universities, but also due to the increased number of universities in Cyprus, which currently stands at 13.

"Our goal is to attract quality students from Europe, increasing the percentage of international students from 24% to 40% within the next two to three years," he emphasised.

At the same time, Hadjikyprianou stated that although the number of students from the United States is currently limited, there is a clear strategy for its long-term increase, further strengthening the University's international reach.

Focus on the medical and health sectors

Responding to a relevant question from InBusinessNews, Hadjikyprianou emphasized "European University Cyprus has strategically focused on Medicine and Health Sciences, responding to the high demand for health-related studies and professions.

Currently, he said, the University has the most comprehensive health, life and medicine curriculum (medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine), as well as 22 other health-related programs.

Hadjikyprianou went on to emphasise that this strategic direction does not, , of course, degrade the other study programmes on offer.

"On the contrary, the University maintains a high level of academic excellence in all areas, in order to meet the modern needs of society and the labor market," he underlines.

Strengthening the branch in Germany

Regarding the operation of university branches abroad, Dr. Hadjikyprianou recalled that the only Cypriot University that currently has a branch abroad is European University Cyprus, specifically in Frankfurt, Germany.

As he indicated, the Medical Branch has been operating successfully for three years, in collaboration with the German authorities, medical associations and high-level German hospitals. Today, it hosts 250 students at the Medical School, offering education that meets the highest European standards.

Hadjikyprianou noted that "another strategic goal is the development and strengthening of the branch in Frankfurt."

European University Cyprus presence in China

The European University of Cyprus (EUC), within the framework of the Belt and Road Education initiative, "has established its position in China as a leading academic partner," according to Hadjikyprianou.

In collaboration with Minjiang University, the European University Cyprus offers study programmes recognised and certified by The Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA), and which are currently attended by more than 1,000 students.

According to Hadjikyprianou, the University's goal is to further strengthen this successful collaboration in China, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by this dynamic academic partnership.

Possible establishment of a branch in Greece

Referring to the possibility of establishing a branch in Greece, Hadjikyprianou clarified that the University is closely monitoring developments and new legislation.

"Any decisions made will be based solely on the University's strategic planning, ensuring that any move will be consistent with the university's academic excellence, sustainability and growth prospects," he pointed out.

The arrival of Greek universities in Cyprus and the sustainability of the sector

Commenting, moreover, on the arrival of branches of Greek universities in Cyprus, Hadjikyprianou pointed out that the primary issue is not the creation of new universities, but the qualitative upgrade and long-term sustainability of the university sector.

"Today there are 13 universities in Cyprus. If we consider the country's population, it is as if the United Kingdom had approximately 1,000 universities, a number that is not consistent with the needs of the market and the sustainability of the academic ecosystem," he noted.

He went on to point out, in this regard, that branches of foreign universities can come to Cyprus, but this must be done based on strict quality criteria.

"Proposals must be evaluated in the same rigorous manner as Cypriot universities are evaluated, in order to ensure quality and academic excellence. At this point, it is important to highlight the recent announcement by the CYQAA, which underlines commitment to adhering to strict criteria in the creation of new universities and, in particular, Medical Schools," he stressed.

At the same time, Hadjikyprianou pointed out that universities must focus on specific areas to remain competitive and sustainable.

"Many universities continue to offer programmes that do not meet market needs, creating a surplus of graduates in specialties that have no professional absorption. Connecting studies with the future job market is crucial in order to avoid the creation of unemployed scientists," Hadjikyprianou concluded.

(Source: InBusinessNews)