The bill concerning foreign-language undergraduate programs to be offered at Cyprus’ two state universities—the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT)—is expected to be tabled for a vote today, Friday, in the Plenary of the House of Representatives.

As Offsite reports, this bill has been a point of friction among MPs, university rectors, and educators, who have repeatedly voiced their strong objections to several of its provisions.

The goal of the legislation has been under discussion since the previous parliamentary term, during which multiple versions of similar bills were introduced, revised, and eventually replaced.

Essentially, the bill amends the laws governing the University of Cyprus and CUT, enabling both institutions to offer undergraduate programs in a language other than the official languages of the Republic. It also allows for the creation of inter-university programs.

Importantly, these programs will be self-funded. Admission will follow a process based on international examination results, aligned with practices followed by many universities worldwide. These foreign-language undergraduate programs will be limited to no more than 20% of each university’s existing undergraduate offerings.

A minimum of fifteen (15) enrolled students will be required at the start of each academic year for any such program to operate. Except for inter-university programs, foreign-language offerings must receive approval from the Minister of Education, and only if the same programs are also offered in one of the Republic’s official languages.

Moreover, at the end of every academic year, the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Culture must be informed about the programs, including details such as actual operational costs, tuition fees, and student enrollment.

The House Education Committee convened an extraordinary session on June 26 specifically to review these foreign-language programs. Several proposed amendments from MPs and political parties were examined and adopted—some unanimously, others by majority vote.

The final bill includes the following key provisions:

• Annual reporting to the Parliamentary Education Committee after each academic year, covering actual operating costs, tuition fees, and student numbers.

• Foreign-language programs can only be offered if the same programs exist in an official language of the state, except for inter-university programs that receive ministerial approval. Related regulations will be issued to define admission criteria and tuition fee levels.

• Members of the Teaching and Research Staff may teach only one course in self-funded or co-funded programs, provided they have fully met their regular obligations.

• A mandatory personal interview will be required for student admission to these programs.

• Clear definition of “actual cost” of operation, including operational, administrative, and capital expenses.

• Prohibition of program overlap between the two public universities to avoid duplication of offerings.

• Each June, the Council of Ministers will determine the new foreign-language programs, the number of student places, and the tuition fees for the upcoming academic year.

Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou stated during the committee meeting that the proposed amendments will help fulfill the government’s goal of internationalizing higher education. These programs are expected to promote research networking, expand the universities, and increase employment opportunities for young scientists.

Representatives from the state universities also expressed support for the reforms, noting that they will contribute to the transformation of public universities into modern, open, and globally engaged institutions.