Cyprus’ tertiary education’s rapid growth has caught the attention of international university ranking organisations, which evaluate, compare and rank the world’s top universities. Prospective students from around the world use these rankings as a guide to choosing a university for their studies.
The University of Cyprus (UCY) is the leading university in Cyprus, as evident by its positioning in the global university rankings. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) for the year 2023-2024, UCY is positioned in the #701-800 range, being the only university in Cyprus to appear on this prestigious list. This ranking reflects UCY’s standing on a global scale, based on various academic and research criteria. Furthermore, in the Times World University Rankings, UCY has secured a notable position at #501-600, highlighting its reputation for outstanding education and research. Additionally, it ranked #64 in the Emerging Economies University Rankings, emphasising its impact in developing regions. Meanwhile, in the QS World University Rankings, UCY stood at #368, while achieving the 53rd position in the QS Emerging Europe and Central Asia Rankings.
Inclusion in these rankings, together with the fact that UCY is widely acknowledged in international academia among students and graduates, and by major employers, is not at all incidental.
At the heart of UCY’s success lies its exceptional faculty. The academic staff is comprised of distinguished, highly-cited scholars and experts in their respective fields. Their expertise and dedication to teaching and research create an intellectually-stimulating environment for students, fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation.
It is, thus, not surprising that UCY is considered the leading university and most active research institution in Cyprus, as it has implemented several research projects funded by the European Commission, the National Research and Innovation Foundation, and several public and private research organisations. UCY boasts high-end research activities, spanning a wide spectrum of scientific areas. Thanks to its 13 research centres and numerous laboratories, UCY actively engages in cutting-edge research, contributing significantly to the global scientific community.
Another of the hallmarks of UCY is its world-recognised academic programmes. UCY offers a diverse array of courses, ranging from Humanities and Letters to Engineering and Applied Sciences. The comprehensive curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the challenges of the modern world. In addition, UCY offers internationally-recognised degrees that hold the key to the European Union (EU) job market, and as passports to a multitude of opportunities within the EU. All programmes of study operate under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), furthermore awarding the Diploma Supplement with DS Label.
Also, UCY has been offering internationally-recognised postgraduate programmes in the English language. These programmes are continually enriched via collaborations with local, national and international institutions. Some examples of postgraduate programmes offered in English include an MA in Field Archaeology on Land and Under the Sea, MSc degrees in Behavioural Economics, Precision Medicine in Clinical Practice and Artificial Intelligence, along with PhD programmes in Translation Studies and Computer Engineering, among others. Additionally, UCY offers postgraduate degrees taught in other languages, such as the MA and PhD in European Studies in French, Greek, and English.
UCY’s state-of-the-art campus, located a short distance from Nicosia’s city centre, stands out in the area, offering faculty and students access to the latest technologies and resources. The Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Centre-Library, covering 15,700 square metres, integrates the Library, the Information Applications Service and the IT Infrastructure Service under one roof. This architectural landmark houses 620,000 printed volumes, over 190,000 subscriptions to electronic book titles, approximately 12,000 subscriptions to electronic and printed journals, and over 180 databases.
The campus also features the Language Centre – offering specialised language courses in eight languages. Since 2014, UCY’s premises also host the Confucius Institute – the first to be established on the island – offering Chinese language courses and promoting cultural and commercial connections between Cyprus and China. As the first and only non-profit organisation and joint venture between the Chinese International Education Foundation, UCY and the Beijing Institute of Education, the Confucius Institute at UCY offers students a large spectrum of programmes, events and other activities on Chinese language, culture, arts and business. The UCY campus has also hosted an Aula Cervantes since 2011, as a result of the understanding between UCY and the Instituto Cervantes Headquarters in Spain. The Aula offers Spanish language courses and is responsible for the running of the DELE and SIELE exams for Spanish language proficiency, while also organising cultural and other activities.
Other on-campus centres include the Centre for Entrepreneurship, which facilitates industry connections for students, and the Career Centre, which has contributed to a high employability rate for UCY students, with around 83 per cent of alumni currently employed full-time.
As UCY aims to establish itself among the world’s best universities and become a beacon of scientific thought, ethos and creativity in the Euro-Mediterranean region, Cyprus’ safety, strategic location, rich culture and manageable size offer an exciting student life, both on and off UCY‘s campus.
