The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) officially announced the establishment of its Cyprus branch, calling it a milestone for higher education and Greek-Cypriot cooperation.

Rector Professor Gerasimos Siasos confirmed the branch will begin operating in October 2025 with five departments, expanding to eight by 2026. These include Medicine, Nursing, Economics, Business Administration, Port and Shipping Management, Primary Education, Psychology, and an English-language Archaeology and Ancient Greek Studies program.

The Cyprus branch will operate as a non-profit institution with tuition fees ranging from €6,000 to just under €20,000 per year, depending on the program. Scholarships will be available, and NKUA students transferring from Athens will receive at least a 30% discount.

The branch will primarily serve Cypriot students but will also target Greece, the Eastern Mediterranean, and North Africa through international programs. Around 70% of faculty will be based in Cyprus, with 30% visiting from Athens.

A survey showed 87% of Cypriots welcome the move. The initiative is supported by the Government of Cyprus, the Church, and local municipalities. Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prontzos noted NKUA’s arrival strengthens the city’s role as a regional academic hub.

Discussions are underway for a potential university hospital in Cyprus in collaboration with the national health system. NKUA also plans to introduce more departments and major international research programs.