Green Light for Foreign Universities to Open Branches in South Cyprus

According to Alithia newspaper, the bill presented by the Ministry of Education, which concerns the establishment and operation of foreign university branches, was approved by the House of Representatives with 33 votes in favor and 13 abstentions during yesterday's session.

The newspaper also reported that the proposal from AKEL, which required universities to deposit a €2 million bank guarantee before receiving permission, was rejected by the majority.

The session was attended by Education Minister Athina Mihailidu and Greece’s Ambassador to South Cyprus, Yoannis Papameletiu. Minister Mihailidu emphasized that the bill sets strict criteria for the arrival of foreign universities, with an aim to maintain quality.

Pavlos Milonas, Chairman of the Parliamentary Education Committee and DİKO MP, thanked those who contributed to improving the bill.

Furthermore, Fileleftheros newspaper noted that the bill defines the term "foreign university branch" as either a non-profit public or private legal entity.