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Tag: University of Cyprus

  • University of — University of Cyprus Welcomes 1,350 New Students for the Academic Year

    University of — University of Cyprus Welcomes 1,350 New Students for the Academic Year

    university of — The University of Cyprus has officially welcomed 1,350 new students, marking the start of an exciting academic year. Kleanthis Pissarides, the university’s deputy director of academic affairs, shared this news with the Cyprus News Agency on Wednesday.

    • However, he added that the university provides various benefits to students who meet specific socioeconomic criteria, striving to support them as much as possible.

    This year, the university boasts a total of 5,500 undergraduate students, alongside approximately 1,500 to 2,000 postgraduate students embarking on their studies. The academic year commenced on Monday, and Pissarides noted that everything is running smoothly.

    University of: Admission Through Pancyprian Examinations

    Pissarides highlighted that the majority of new students secured their places through the competitive Pancyprian examinations. He expressed his congratulations to the first-year students for their hard work and dedication in achieving this milestone.

    New Facilities for Enhanced Learning

    This September, the university inaugurated new teaching buildings under the Faculty of Engineering, which have become operational. These facilities are designed to enhance the educational experience for students and provide them with modern resources.

    Housing Arrangements for Students

    Regarding student accommodation, all 208 university dormitory rooms have been filled. Pissarides mentioned that students typically secure their housing through personal arrangements, as the university does not offer subsidies for accommodation.

    However, he added that the university provides various benefits to students who meet specific socioeconomic criteria, striving to support them as much as possible.

    Encouragement for Student Engagement

    Pissarides encouraged new students to not only focus on their academic pursuits but also to take advantage of the opportunities available to them. He urged them to meet new people and develop skills beyond academic knowledge, which are crucial for personal development.

    “Students must continue putting the same effort throughout their studies in order to successfully complete their programmes,” he said, emphasising the importance of perseverance and engagement during their university journey.

  • Paphos Mayor Alleges African Degree Scandal Involving Local Universities

    Paphos Mayor Alleges African Degree Scandal Involving Local Universities

    degree scandal — degree scandal — Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos has raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of online university courses, claiming that degrees are being purchased by the thousands across Africa without students attending the associated programmes. His remarks have sparked a response from higher education officials, demanding accountability.

    • The discussions around this issue underscore a critical juncture for the educational landscape in Cyprus, where the integrity of its universities will be under scrutiny.

    Degree scandal: Escalating Allegations

    Speaking on a podcast with MEP Fidias Panayiotou, Phedonos asserted that certain universities in Cyprus are distributing a significant number of degrees to students in Africa. He warned that this emerging scandal could soon attract international media attention, stating, “We will be in foreign media and it will say that we sold a thousand or two thousand degrees in Africa.”

    Calls for Transparency

    The University of Cyprus rector, Tasos Christofides, responded swiftly to Phedonos’ statements, urging the mayor to disclose the names of the implicated universities. Christofides described the mayor’s claims as “very serious” and expressed concern over the potential damage to the country’s educational reputation. He insisted that the integrity of degrees earned by diligent students must be preserved.

    Demands for Investigation

    Christofides further called on authorities to investigate the allegations thoroughly. He stated, “I call on the dear mayor of Paphos to name the universities operating in this way so that no shadows are cast over the validity of the degrees students obtain with great effort and sacrifice.” His appeal highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the education sector.

    Potential Implications

    The implications of these allegations are significant, not only for the universities involved but also for the broader perception of Cypriot higher education. As the potential scandal unfolds, it raises questions about regulatory oversight and the quality of online education offerings.

    A Growing Concern

    The issue of degree mills and the sale of fraudulent qualifications is not new, but the scale suggested by Phedonos could point to a troubling trend. With online education continuing to expand, ensuring the credibility of such programmes is paramount for maintaining trust in academic qualifications.

    The discussions around this issue underscore a critical juncture for the educational landscape in Cyprus, where the integrity of its universities will be under scrutiny.