Higher Education in Cyprus www.moec.gov.cy www.highereducation.ac.cy October 2016, Russia

Cypriot-Russia relations in Higher Education Current framework: Program of Cooperation in the field of Sciences, Education and Culture for the period 2015-2018 Collaboration between Universities of the two countries Scholarships offered by the Russian Federation Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Education, Qualifications and Academic Degrees, 22 October Moscow Higher Education is an area with emerging prospects for collaboration between our countries for the reasons that I will present in the next few minutes. Let me tell you that many Cypriots carried out their studies in Russia and some of them are now distinguished scientists or politicians. Currently, the two Countries have share a Program of Cooperation in the field of Sciences, Education and Culture covering the period 2015-2018……   Moreover, certain Cypriot Universities have established collaboration with Russian Universities – I guess that the Rectors of our Universities will later on refer to these relations , Additionally, Russian Federation offers scholarships to Cypriot students that are considered highly important, since they provide opportunities for Cypriots to study in Russia. The most important development in the collaboration between Cyprus and Russia in the area of Higher Education is the signing of an Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Education Qualifications and Academic Degrees that will take place later today.

Agreement between Cyprus and Russia on Mutual Recognition of Education, Qualifications and Academic Degrees Current framework: The Agreement, signed 22 October opens up new pathways in Cypriot-Russian cooperation. The Agreement: aims to enhance cooperation in education and sciences facilitates mutual recognition of education, qualifications and academic degrees offered in Cyprus and Russia We consider this agreement extremely important, since it will facilitate the mobility of students and scientists between the two countries as well as the collaboration of their higher education institutions. Let me tell you that Russia has signed only one agreement like this, with France, and the agreement with Cyprus will be the second. This underlines how important this agreement is for Russia. Today, I have with me representatives of almost all the Cypriot Universities. This underlines how important this development is for Cyprus. Therefore, we consider that the Agreement is a symbol of the growing collaboration in higher education between our countries. It opens up new pathways in Cyprus-Russian cooperation, while it indicates our commitment to academic exchange and cooperation between our countries.

Government policy as regards to higher education in Cyprus aims to: establish Cyprus as a regional educational and research centre, a hub for international scholars and students alike provide the framework for our universities to offer high quality, competitive programmes of study, fully recognised at an international level – complying with the Bologna Process I will now briefly refer to our policy regarding Higher Education. Our core objective is to establish Cyprus as a regional educational and research centre, a hub for international scholars and students alike, and to provide the framework for our universities to offer high quality, competitive programmes of study, fully recognised at an international level.   Within this framework, Cyprus has already become an international student destination. During the last years, the number of students studying in Cyprus HEIs has increased tremendously.

The Development of Higher Education in Cyprus Within the last 2 decades 3 public universities, and 5 non-public universities started their operations in Cyprus. There is also a large number of institutions of higher education Higher education institutions operate under the effective control of the laws and regulations of the Republic of Cyprus, focusing on quality in education, and excellence in teaching whilst protecting academic freedom. They offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Greek and English. Qualifications awarded by Public and Non-Public Universities have the same academic recognition in Cyprus and abroad. Higher Education in Cyprus has rapidly developed during the last three decades. The establishment and operation of Universities in Cyprus begun in the late 80s with the operation of the first public university, the “University of Cyprus”. Since then, the Republic of Cyprus has taken a series of measures, which have contributed to upgrade higher education and to lay the foundations for offering Quality in Higher Education.   The establishment and operation of three public Universities, five private Universities and a large number of institutions of higher education has been among the most important developments in Higher Education in Cyprus. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus has set the necessary framework for our Universities to operate under the effective control of the laws and regulations of the Government, focusing on quality in education, excellence in teaching and protecting academic freedom. Our Universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Greek and in English. Public and Non-Public Universities are all recognized by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and, as a result, by the EU as well as non EU countries.

“Cyprus, the ideal destination for international students” Universities in Cyprus “Cyprus, the ideal destination for international students” Three (3) Public Universities University of Cyprus Cyprus University of Technology Open University of Cyprus Five (5) private Universities Frederic University European University Cyprus University of Nicosia Neapolis University Pafos University of Central Lancashire - Cyprus These are our Universities. Their representatives will present them later on. Large number of Private and Public Institutions of Higher Education

Quality Assurance in Cyprus The Ministry of Education and Culture makes sure that all Universities comply with International, EU and National Quality Assurance Standards and Accreditation All Higher Education Institutions in Cyprus apply effective internal and external quality assurance policies, standards and procedures The MOEC, pays a lot of emphasis on Quality Assurance in Higher Education. Through our Quality Assurance and Accreditation policy in HE we make sure that all Universities comply with EU, International and National Quality Assurance Standards and Accreditation. All HEIs in Cyprus apply effective internal and external quality assurance policies, standards and procedures.

Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (www.dipae.ac.cy) The competent authority responsible for ensuring the Quality Assurance in Higher Education on the basis of European Standards An important development in relation to Quality Assurance was the recent establishment of the Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education. The Agency is responsible to ensure the quality of Higher Education in Cyprus and to support the continuous improvement and upgrading of higher education institutions and their programs of study.

Εuropean Programmes Cypriot Universities are actively involved in EU funded research and mobility programmes EU programmes bring a number of opportunities and positive impacts that both countries could benefit from Cypriot and Russian Universities can join forces to benefit from EU programmes An important aspect of Cyprus Higher Education is the fact that EU supports collaboration and mobility between Europe and non-EU countries. For example, within Erasmus+ programme, HEIs are supported and encouraged to form partnerships. Our countries should give emphasis on areas of highest importance for both sides. Russian and Cypriot Universities can join forces to benefit from the numerous EU research and mobility programmes.

Why Study in Cyprus High Quality Education Advanced Higher Education Institutions offering a wide range of high quality programs of studies Fully recognized qualifications Affordable cost A variety of activities (theater, cinemas, concerts, cultural events, museums, leisure activities, water sports, etc) Mediterranean climate, superb mountain scenery, forests, fascinating coastlines and beaches A student from Russia could wonder, why to select Cyprus for my studies? There are a variety of reasons that you should consider studying in Cyprus. The establishment of Cyprus as an ideal destination for international students is supported by the following characteristics.   High quality education Advanced Higher Education Institutions offering high quality programs of studies The qualifications that a students will aquire from HEIs of Cyprus are fully recognized internationally The cost of studying in Cyprus is affordable Student life is very attractive. There is a variety of activities that somebody could anjoy (theater, cinemas, concerts, cultural events, museums, leisure activities, water sports, etc) Mediterranean climate, superb mountain scenery, forests, fascinating coastlines and beaches – these are the characteristics of Cyprus that attract millions of tourists every year.

Why Study in Cyprus Rich historical and archaeological heritage that stretches back 10.000 years High Quality Services A member of the European Union Safe, politically stable, friendly and hospitable environment Rich historical and archaeological heritage that stretches back 10.000 years High Quality Services A member of the European Union Safe, politically stable, friendly and hospitable environment

Why Study in Cyprus Long lasting and strong relationship between Cyprus and Russia Thousands of Russians live, work or study in Cyprus Russian schools, media, associations and organizations «Many Russians consider Cyprus as their second or first home» Additionally, as I mentioned before, there is a long lasting and strong relationship between Cyprus and Russia. In recent years, Russian language and culture are strengthening their positions on the island due an active Russian population living in Cyprus. For example, if you visit Limassol, the second biggest town in Cyprus, you will feel like being in Russia – you can see Russian signs in the streets, you can listen people speaking Russian language. Actually Cyprus is considered a second home by many Russians.

Τhe Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture: Sets its collaboration with Russian authorities as a priority Acknowledges the vital importance of Quality Assurance and Excellence in Teaching in the Cypriot and Russian Higher Education Systems The historic signing of the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Education Qualifications and Academic Degrees is a key enabler for strengthening collaboration in higher education between our countries. I will conclude by repeating that the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture considers its collaboration with Russian National authorities for enriching collaboration in Higher Education as a priority and acknowledges the vital importance of Quality Assurance and Excellence in Teaching set by Cyprus and Russia.   We are confident that the historic signing of the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Education Qualifications and Academic Degrees will definitely strengthen collaboration in higher education between our countries and we are very willing to contribute towards this direction. At this point, the representatives of our Universities will present their Institutions.

Thank you

Contact details Ministry of Education and Culture Republic of Cyprus Kimon and Thoukidides 1434, Nicosia, Cyprus registry@moec.gov.cy Τel.: 00357 22800600 www.highereducation.ac.cy www.moec.gov.cy