Filenews 13 April 2021
The issue that has arisen since the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union and the influence of Cypriot students choosing universities, particularly in England, from this year onwards is now a reality. From September 2021, Cypriot students will not benefit from low tuition fees and student loans, as we knew until now.
However, there are alternatives and students and parents should do their own research, since the choice of study and, by extension, profession, is an important decision, a product of mature thinking and proper research.
Now, Cypriot students, because of Brexit, have begun to turn their attention to other countries for their studies, including Cyprus, where universities have nothing to envy from English. One such example is the University of Nicosia, which, with its recent academic rankings, confirms its well-established and competitive position in the international university community.
The changes (or Effects of BREXIT)
The implications of Britain's exit from the European Union will be perceived by those who will study the enrolment requirements at English universities from September 2021 on. Because of BREXIT, students from EU countries attending British universities will pay tuition fees as third-country nationals. They will also not have access to the student loan, which they were previously entitled to and guaranteed by the UK Government, and they will have to be given a residence permit before they can go there to study. At the same time the cost of living in England remains at extremely high levels, while in Cyprus it is much more affordable.
Equivalent to the British
Based on the above data, if one compares the total cost of study (tuition, accommodation and maintenance costs, tickets, transport and other basic living expenses) in Cyprus and, for example at the University of Nicosia, with the cost of study in the United Kingdom, one realizes that there is a difference of 30% to 50%. The cost of study in Cyprus is therefore a very advantageous option.
Cypriot supremacy in security
Also, from the point of view of the issue of security, offered to its inhabitants by each country,
in Cyprus the levels of security are impressive, since the country has been repeatedly included in the safest destinations in the world. On the other hand, in a country of the size and population of the United Kingdom, security is constantly needed in the face of various threats, such as terrorism, crime, etc. On the contrary, Cyprus has taken timely prevention and protection measures and has managed to become one of the safest Member States of the European Union, among the countries that effectively managed the virus.
The scene in recent years
There is no doubt about the quality of studies provided by the UK. However, developments in the level and quality of studies of Cypriot universities in recent years make them highly competitive. For example, the University of Nicosia, which with its recent academic rankings, confirms its well-established and competitive position in the international university community.
In particular, it has been classified as:
- Among the top 1000 universities in the world (THE Times Higher Education Rankings 2021)
- Among the top 201-250 universities in the Countries with Emerging Economies (Times Higher Education Emerging Economies University Rankings 2021)
- 76th worldwide in the international orientation category (THE Times Higher Education Rankings 2021)
- Among the top 301-400 universities internationally, #1 in Cyprus and Greece and in the top 100 of the EU, in the field of Business and Finance (THE Times Higher Education Rankings 2021)
- Among 4% of the best universities in the EECA region (QS University Rankings 2021)
While it has been recognised
- on Quality in Education and Its Timeless International Contribution (THE Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2020)
And it's been awarded
- with 5 QS stars for Institutional Excellence (QS Stars Ratings System)
Student experience in Cyprus
To the question of whether a student can live a complete student experience in Cyprus, comes the answer of the University of Nicosia, which invests in the well-being of its students. It offers a complete student experience, within a campus of international standards.
Infrastructure and Facilities
- In recent years it has invested more than €160 million in infrastructure and facilities to create a modern campus.
- UNIQ CITY consists of 20 specially built or renovated buildings, including a library, state-of-the-art gym, restaurant, cafes, student residences, cinema and more.
UNIC Residences
- The new residences for students of the University of Nicosia, UNIQ Residences ("SIX", "TRIANGLE" and "U"), are also the latest addition to the campus and constitute the largest investment in university infrastructure in Cyprus.
- The fireplaces give both through their architecture and through the multicultural character of their residents (coming from 44 countries, with the majority of them coming from Greece, Australia and New Zealand) a cosmopolitan air.
Wider Area
- These buildings are scattered in the lively area of Engomi, which is home to more than 70 restaurants, cafes, bars, supermarkets, department stores and the Mall of Engomi shopping centre, all within walking distance. The wider area around the campus is developed taking into account the student, offering the possibility of a unique social and student experience.
- The well-built pedestrian street of Engomi, which spreads over a total length of 1.4 km, is ideal for both walking and cycling and is also connected by two bus lines. It is a unique multicultural note for students of the University of Nicosia from America, Israel, the United Kingdom and other countries who use it for their daily exercise.
Student Support and Activities
In addition, UNIQ also has interesting student groups and sports teams, and throughout the year, various events are organized for its student community, which create a set of unforgettable experiences. A wide variety of sports programs and state-of-the-art facilities for exercise and sports are also available. The University also has student care services, Successful Career Centre, Student Support Group, etc.
International evaluations in the field of Business and Finance
Yes, one could argue that British universities are renowned for their business schools. At the same time, however, Cypriot universities have a remarkable performance to perform in this area.
It is worth mentioning that the latest results of the annual Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2021 rank the University of Nicosia among the 301-400 best universities in the world, in the field of Business and Economics. This ranking places the University of Nicosia as the #1 university in Cyprus and Greece, and among the top 100 in the European Union, in this area.
The School of Business Administration of the University of Nicosia is characterized by a spirit of innovation and is particularly active in three research directions:
(a) the Forecast, especially through the organisation of the distinguished M Competitions which achieved a record of interest this year, with more than 100,000 entries from 100 countries;
(b) Blockchain and Digital Currencies, where the University leads the world in both education and research;
(c) Marketing Management with an emphasis on innovations, entrepreneurship and real-life applications.
