Six Cypriot universities have announced 93 scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year as part of Europe Day celebrations, in a gesture that President Nicos Christodoulides framed as practical proof of Cyprus's European identity and its commitment to the next generation.
The scholarships, comprising four full and 89 partial awards open to both Cypriot and European students, were announced at an event titled "Youth at the Heart of an Autonomous Union," held at the Presidential Palace. The six institutions offering scholarships are the University of Cyprus, the University of Nicosia, Frederick University, the University of Limassol, UCLan Cyprus and Neapolis University Paphos.
Christodoulides described the current moment as historic, noting that since 1 January 2026 Cyprus has been holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time in its history. "For six months, our country is at the centre of European developments, coordinating policies, bridging views and contributing to decisions that affect hundreds of millions of citizens," he said.
He connected the Presidency's overarching goal of a more autonomous and independent Union directly to education. "To build the Europe we envision and deserve, we need young people who think critically, who innovate, who collaborate and who respect diversity in a multicultural environment," he said, adding that Europe is not something distant. "Cyprus has been a proud EU member state for 22 years. Europe is our daily life. It is the opportunity to study, work, travel, settle and create without borders."
Education Minister Athena Michailidou said the Cypriot Presidency's priorities in education include building an inclusive, high-quality and future-oriented European Education Area. "We are promoting a more inclusive Erasmus+ programme so that all learners have equal opportunities to participate and gain learning experiences across Europe," she said, adding that the role of teachers in a rapidly changing environment was being actively supported.
Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said Europe Day was the right occasion to celebrate alongside young people. "For six months, Cyprus is the voice of all 27 member states, and that in itself is a source of pride but also of tremendous responsibility," she said. "From 1 January 2026, the heart of Europe beats from its south-eastern tip, from the last occupied member state of the European Union, proving again and again that while Cyprus may be geographically on the periphery of the EU, in its essential contribution to the European project it stands at its core."
Source: CNA
