Two major Greek universities are establishing branch campuses in Cyprus, reinforcing the internationalization of higher education in the region. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the University of Thessaly are set to begin academic operations on the island, with plans to welcome their first students in 2026. A third Greek university is reportedly also preparing to follow.

As powergame reports, according to officials, NKUA’s Cyprus branch will be located in Nicosia, on Ledra Street, in a building owned by the Archbishopric of Cyprus. The campus will host three faculties: Medicine, Business Administration, and Psychology. Public response to the expansion has been overwhelmingly positive. A recent ALCO survey showed that 87% of Cypriots support the move, citing NKUA’s strong reputation (85%), the prestige of its degrees (76%), and academic quality (72%) as key reasons.

Meanwhile, the University of Thessaly will establish its campus in Athienou, a rural district in the Larnaca province. The first academic unit to open will be a Veterinary School—marking the first time such a public program is offered in Cyprus. The initiative is expected to support the country’s livestock and agri-food sectors, contributing to regional development while offering new educational opportunities.

The Athienou community has embraced the plan. Local leaders have committed to repurposing the former Athienou Primary School for temporary use, while Andreas Drakos, president of the CERTS Center, has donated land for the construction of permanent facilities.

The University of Thessaly’s expansion is part of its broader modernization strategy and ambition to grow internationally. As Greece’s third-largest public university, it currently operates 8 faculties, 35 departments, and 106 postgraduate programs.

This Greek–Cypriot academic partnership is not one-sided. As Minister Michaelidou highlighted, Cypriot institutions are also initiating reciprocal outreach to Greece. The aim is not only to meet domestic demand—particularly given the popularity of Greek universities among Cypriot students—but also to attract students from the broader Middle East and South Asia, including India.