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The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Greece’s oldest and most prestigious university, is officially setting up shop in Cyprus.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed Thursday that the university has received all the necessary certifications to operate locally, marking what officials call a “milestone” for higher education and Greek-Cypriot academic ties.
The Cyprus branch will launch in October 2025 with four schools and eight departments spread across Nicosia and Larnaca. Programs include medicine, nursing, economics, business, port and shipping management, psychology, primary education, and even an English-language degree focused on ancient Greek archaeology, history and literature.
Many of the programs already rank among the best internationally at the Athens campus. NKUA’s medical school, founded in 1837, consistently places in the world’s top 100.
The university plans to base its Nicosia headquarters in restored historic buildings in the capital’s old town, including Tarsis Stoa at the end of Ledra Street and the EKATE building near the new city hall.
For Cyprus, the move is more than symbolic. For nearly two centuries, tens of thousands of Cypriot students studied in Athens before returning home to shape the island’s academic, professional and cultural life. A recent poll found overwhelming support for the Cyprus branch, with 87% of respondents welcoming the idea.
“This isn’t just about new degrees,” said officials in the announcement. “It’s about strengthening ties between Greece and Cyprus, boosting research, and making Cyprus a hub for education in the wider region.”
Applications are expected to open ahead of the October 2025 start date.
