Ten students got full marks in the Pancyprian exams, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou announced on Wednesday as 3,113 students secured places at Cyprus universities and Greek military academies.

“The Pancyprian exams are an important milestone, but they are not the whole journey. There are many paths ahead of you, many choices and even more possibilities. Believe in your strengths. Rely on your talents, values and dreams. Don’t be afraid to try, change course and claim what you really want,” Michaelidou said addressing students.

Of the university places offered, 1,590 were at the University of Cyprus (UCy), 1,382 the Technical University (Tepak) and another 141 the military academies of Greece.

This total includes places offered to graduates from lyceums around the island in addition to those from technical and evening schools.

“Your success is the result of hard work, consistency and dedication. It honours you, your families, your teachers and your schools. With your effort and example, you make us all proud and become a source of inspiration for many more children,” Michaelidou said.

President Nikos Christodoulides also congratulated the candidates on the exam results.

“To our young people who today saw their efforts rewarded and secured a place at our country’s top educational institutions, I extend my warmest and most sincere congratulations,” he said.

He acknowledged the students’ achievements as a “culmination of hard work and dedication”, while at the same time encouraging those who failed to get their desired places.

“I urge you not to lose heart. A single exam does not determine either your worth or your future. Life is full of alternative paths, second chances, and other opportunities, and success is ultimately measured by your tenacity and determination to pursue your dreams, no matter how many difficulties you encounter,” he said.

The ten students who achieved a perfect 20 were among a total 4,969 candidates who sat the Pancyprian exams.

Head of the examination service Socrates Mylonas said that regarding the admission process for public universities in Greece, his department would announce the general ranking score of each candidate within the next few days, while the Greek ministry of education would allocate places at Greek universities in August.

Regarding male candidates who have secured a place at public universities in Cyprus, Mylonas said that those who are unable to study at Cyprus universities during the upcoming academic year because they are currently in the army must reserve their place for next year.

An overview of the results can be found here.

Opposition party Akel also congratulated the students and wished them success on their future journey.

“All candidates deserve heartfelt congratulations for the effort, perseverance and dedication they demonstrated throughout this demanding journey,” the party said.

Appealing to the more than 1,000 students who did not secure places following this year’s exams, the party urged them to have faith in their own abilities and “make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead”, telling them they “must continue to pursue their dreams,” Akel said.

Meanwhile Disy described the successful completion of the exams as an “important milestone”, stressing they were a result of dedication and support.

“At the same time, we appeal to those who did not achieve their goal this time. The Pancyprian examinations do not determine the value or future of any young person”.