Behind the top marks and first-place rankings in the 2026 Pancyprian Entrance Examinations are stories of perseverance, discipline and a love of learning. Some had dreamed for years of the degree programme they ultimately secured, while others never expected to achieve a perfect score.
What they all have in common is that their success did not come by chance.
Speaking to Politis, the top-performing students reflect on their journey, the challenges they faced, the secrets of their preparation and the message they want to send to candidates who did not achieve the results they had hoped for.
Perfect 20 for Nikolas Christou
Nikolas Christou, a graduate of Agios Georgios Lyceum in Lakatamia, secured first place in the University of Cyprus Department of French and European Studies, achieving a perfect score of 20 out of 20.
Speaking to Politis, Nikolas said his choice of degree was an easy one because of his passion for the French language and foreign languages in general. In addition to French, he also speaks English and Spanish.
As he explained, the academic year was not particularly difficult because he was studying something he genuinely loved.
"It never felt like a chore," he said, noting that he studied in moderation and continued to pursue activities and interests outside school.
Although he knew he had performed well and was satisfied with his results, he did not expect to achieve a perfect 20.
For now, his priority is completing his military service, although he does not rule out the possibility of continuing his studies in France in the future.
Sending a message to students who did not secure the place they wanted, Nikolas said that "everything happens for a reason" and encouraged them not to become discouraged.
The success was doubled for the Christou family, as his twin brother, Avgoustinos, secured a place in the University of Cyprus Department of Political Science with a score of 19.91 out of 20.
Marina Hadjimichael: 'Law was always my dream'
Marina Hadjimichael is still trying to process the fact that she achieved a perfect score of 20 in the Pancyprian examinations.
Years of effort have now been rewarded, with her long-standing goal of securing a place in a law programme becoming reality.
Speaking to Politis, Marina said she did not expect to see a perfect 20, even though she knew she had performed very well.
She explained that her success was not the result of a last-minute effort, but of years of steady work throughout secondary school, built on consistency, discipline and commitment.
Her daily routine, she said, was not exhausting, but it required sustained effort over a long period.
She also described after-school private tuition as a key factor, noting that growing academic demands and competition make every form of support valuable.
Her next goal is to study Law at the University of Cyprus and later practise as a lawyer, something she says has always been her greatest ambition.
Marilia Constantinou: 'I knew since lower secondary school that I wanted to study accounting'
Marilia Constantinou, a graduate of Idalion Lyceum, secured first place in the University of Cyprus Department of Accounting and says she is determined to retain her position.
Her choice was not accidental.
She explained that she first became interested in accounting while still in lower secondary school and quickly realised it was the career path she wanted to pursue.
Describing her experience of the examinations, she spoke of a period marked by anxiety and study, but without excesses.
She sought to maintain balance and study in moderation so that the preparation process remained manageable.
Her message to students who did not secure the place they wanted is simple: do not give up and, above all, never stop dreaming about your future.
Semeli Chatzisavva: 'You cannot put your life on hold for one exam'
Semeli Chatzisavva, a graduate of Laniteio Lyceum in Limassol, learned that she had secured first place in the University of Cyprus Medical School while on holiday in Greece with friends.
A phone call from the Examinations Service the night before turned the trip into a celebration.
"I was thrilled and celebrated with my friends. When I told my family, they were emotional," she said.
Although she knew she had performed well, she did not expect to be among the top achievers.
She said her success was based not on an exhausting schedule but on consistent study and effective time management.
"You cannot put your life on hold for one exam. When I studied, I was fully focused so that I could still have time for other things," she said, stressing that she did not give up social outings or opportunities to relax.
Medicine was a demanding but conscious choice for her, as she hopes to pursue research in the future and help others through her work.
She plans to take up her place at the University of Cyprus, while also applying for a place at a university in Greece.
