The education ministry issued a statement on Saturday saying the current admission process for Greek-language programmes at public universities will remain unaffected.
The statement comes in response to recent publications regarding the ministry’s proposed bill to introduce foreign-language undergraduate programmes at public universities.
“The bill is part of the government’s strategy to enhance the country’s higher education sector and has already undergone public consultation,” the ministry statement said. “During this period, no formal objections were raised by any organised groups.”
The ministry was responding to criticisms of the bill by parents’ groups and teaching unions speaking to the House education committee this week that the ministry says are unfounded and incorrect.
The ministry highlighted that while Cyprus’ public universities already offer foreign-language postgraduate programmes, the new bill is designed to introduce a small number of undergraduate courses in foreign languages. The aim is to boost Cyprus’ status as an international hub for higher education. By attracting foreign students, the bill is expected to support local research, create jobs and bolster the economy.
The ministry emphasised that the current admission process for free Greek-language programmes remains unchanged and will continue to be governed by the pan-Cypriot exams, and the number of available spots will not be affected.
The ministry said that a provision in the bill ensures transparency, confirming that Greek-language programmes will not be impacted in any way by the introduction of foreign-language courses.
The proposed foreign-language undergraduate programmes will be limited in number and specific to certain fields and will require students to pay tuition fees and will be based on international exams.
The ministry said these new programmes will be self-financing, further enhancing the financial independence of public universities. The ministry clarified that the regulation of tuition fees and the number of available spots will be overseen by the education and finance ministries and the council of ministers.
The ministry also noted that Cyprus’ current ban on offering English-language undergraduate programmes at public universities is increasingly out of step with broader European trends, particularly after the UK’s departure from the EU.
“Many European universities, including those [private universities] in Cyprus, offer English-language programmes, attracting both local and international students who are willing to pay for the privilege,” the ministry said.
In response to criticisms from certain organised groups, the ministry expressed surprise at the timing of the objections, describing them as lacking valid arguments.
Once discussions are concluded, the bill will be forwarded to the House of Representatives for a vote.
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