Opposition parties on Wednesday criticised the government’s handling of private foreign universities opening branches in Cyprus during a meeting of the House education committee.

Representatives from the universities attended the meeting, and their presence was lauded, but main opposition parties criticised the government for failing to have any detailed plan on allowing them to set up shop in Cyprus.

In addition to Greek academic institutions, high-ranking English and French universities have already expressed interest in the operation of a branch in Cyprus.

In addition, committee chairman Pavlos Mylonas pointed out that there is a transnational agreement between Cyprus and Greece and under the legislation governing the establishment of branches of foreign universities in Greece, a well-known Cypriot private university has applied to operate a branch there.

He also said one of the issues for private universities is the low tuition fees of public universities.

Opposition Disy MP George Karoullas said that it was a productive discussion with the rectors of private universities who, he said, sent out a danger signal as they have made huge investments and plans and are witnessing an attempt of unfair competition from the state itself in relation to private universities.

He added that there is a lack of strategic planning for higher education in Cyprus, referring to a previous presentation on higher education by the education minister as simplistic and without content.

“It is a plan which was done without any meaningful consultation, either with public or private universities or any other stakeholder,” he said.

Opposition Akel MP Christos Christofides said that “the lack of strategic planning for higher education will lead to Cyprus’ higher education becoming the new economic and educational bubble, after the banks, after the gold passports, after the construction industry bubble.”

He added strategic planning is required on the part of the ministry, saying that “when we talk about strategic planning, we do not mean declarations of intentions and vague statements.”

At the same time, Christofides continued, “we want to know specifically how many private institutions the country can support” and wondered if “we will again become a flag of convenience for existing and non-existent branches to come to Cyprus”.

He pointed out that when there are no substantive criteria, Cyprus becomes an open house.