Hector Georgiou
The first English-language undergraduate program of the University of Cyprus is finally taking shape, albeit with some delay, following approval by the Council of Ministers. The program, titled Urban Sustainability (YUFE Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies), is an innovative course offered through the European alliance Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) and is set to begin this September.
University of Cyprus Rector, Professor Tasos Christofides, welcomed the government’s decision, saying the university had promised society that it would fully take advantage of the new legislative framework. He added that more competitive English-language undergraduate programs would soon be announced, with a clear focus on internationalization and the future of higher education.
What the program includes
The program is developed with the contribution of 10 European universities participating in the YUFE alliance. It offers a broad curriculum exploring sustainability challenges in both urban and rural environments.
Following the Council of Ministers’ approval, the University of Cyprus has already begun accepting applications, which will remain open until July 20.
Students will also have the opportunity, during their second and third years of studies, to spend time at partner universities in the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Germany, Finland, Croatia, France, the United Kingdom, and Belgium.
Some of the courses included in the program cover topics such as Human Rights and Reconciliation in Divided Societies, Global Migration and European Identity, and Business and Climate Change.
It is worth noting that this program has already been offered since 2025 at other universities within the alliance, but the University of Cyprus was unable to introduce it earlier due to the pending approval of the relevant legislation on English-language degrees.
Plans for more programs
In a recent interview with Kathimerini, Rector Tasos Christofides said that following this first English-language program, there are already discussions about introducing a bachelor's program in medicine, as well as additional programs under consideration by the School of Economics and Management and possibly other departments. However, he stressed that these plans are still at an early stage, as several steps are required, including internal approvals, clearance from the Ministry of Education, Cabinet approval, and feasibility studies.
The legal framework
Under the law as passed, the University of Cyprus may offer up to eight English-language degree programs, representing 20% of its total of 29 undergraduate programs currently taught in its official languages. These include six existing and new inter-university programs, as well as two inter-departmental programs.
The programs will be self-funded, without burdening public finances, and are expected to generate revenue for the university. Tuition fees will be based on actual costs, subject to oversight by the Ministry of Finance.
The introduction of English-language programs will not affect existing degree offerings. However, each program will require a minimum of 15 enrolled students at the start of the academic year to proceed.
The legislation also requires the Council of Ministers to announce, by June each year at the latest, the English-language programs to be offered, along with the number of available places and tuition fees.
