The imposition of tuition fees and the determination of their amount, along with the admission criteria for foreign-language undergraduate programs offered by public universities, remain key challenges in the updated bill presented by the Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth, Athina Michaelidou, to the Parliamentary Education Committee on Wednesday.

Members of Parliament expressed concern that this could open the door to the imposition of tuition fees on Greek-language programs as well, and that constitutional issues may arise due to different treatment of students in Greek-language and foreign-language programs. The Minister tried to ease these concerns, noting that the bill includes a provision for the first time obliging the state to cover the tuition fees for Greek-language undergraduate programs at public universities, to ensure they remain free of charge. She also spoke of very strict admission criteria, which she is open to shaping through consultation.

During the presentation of the updated bill to the Committee, Ms. Michaelidou stated that the modernized bill ensures state oversight and accountability. She noted that offering foreign-language undergraduate programs at public universities has been a longstanding demand from these institutions and will contribute to the government’s goal of internationalizing higher education and further modernizing public universities.

The Minister emphasized that the proposed amendments will not lead to an increase in state spending, as the foreign-language undergraduate programs will be self-funded through competitive tuition fees. She stressed that under no circumstances will the admission of secondary school graduates to Greek-language undergraduate programs, through the Pancyprian exams, be affected.

Outlining the specific points updated from the 2018 bill, she said that the framework for offering undergraduate programs in other languages is regulated, along with issues concerning inter-university programs. The state will also cover the tuition fees for Cypriots and Europeans. Additionally, the Ministry will approve the offering of undergraduate programs based on criteria, and the tuition fees will be approved by the Council of Ministers, with universities submitting proposals based on the operating costs of each program, supported by feasibility studies and taking into account labor market needs and the capabilities of the university.

Representing the Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Higher Education (DIPAE) and the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KY.S.A.T.S), Kostas Christou stated that if public universities are not granted this right under academic terms, they will be weakened. He noted that English-language programs are offered by public universities throughout Europe. “We find that public universities in Cyprus will not be able to survive in the future and will be state-dependent for life if they are not allowed to offer foreign-language undergraduate programs,” he said.

Tatiana Synodinou, representing the University of Cyprus, said that the bill must move forward immediately, as the issue is existential for the university. “Do we want a university that is open, modern, internationalized, strong, or tied hand and foot by outdated provisions without flexibility?” she asked, emphasizing the multiple benefits that will arise for both the university and society.

Representing the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), Antonis Vrasidas said that Cyprus cannot aim to become an international education hub without public universities offering foreign-language undergraduate programs. He noted that partnerships with foreign universities are extremely difficult when the only language of instruction at Cypriot public universities is Greek.

From the Open University of Cyprus, Nearchos Nearchou highlighted the significance of this issue for the Open University, which, as he noted, does not admit students through the Pancyprian exams and must operate like a private university. He pointed out that without foreign-language programs, it will not have the revenue it needs.

Christoforos Charalambous, from Frederick University, said that they are very positive about this development, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the financial autonomy of these programs. He stressed that it is crucial to avoid logic that would subsidize tuition fees from Cypriot taxpayers. Otherwise, he said, the survival of private universities would be at stake.

Similarly, Nikos Kartakoulis, representing the University of Nicosia, agreed with the bill presented by the Minister, underscoring the importance of offering programs at their true cost, with oversight by an independent body.