Foreign-language degrees at public universities approved

Date:

What the bill provides – University of Cyprus Rector: “We’ve taken the first step on a hundred-metre road” – Remarks on disparaging comments

Despite intense debate and months of tension within the Parliamentary Committee on Education, the bill allowing public universities in Cyprus to offer foreign-language degree programmes has finally been passed.

The Plenary of Parliament voted in favour of the bill on Thursday by majority, following an extensive discussion with initial and closing statements.

It is noted that a legislative proposal submitted by AKEL to officially add English as a language of instruction at the University of Cyprus, CUT (Cyprus University of Technology), and the Open University was not approved.

What the bill provides

The newly passed bill amends existing legislation governing the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology, now allowing undergraduate programmes to be offered in languages other than the official languages of the Republic, and the provision of inter-university programmes.

Additionally, it sets regulations for the determination and revision of tuition fees for undergraduate programmes based on actual costs, subject to review by the Ministry of Finance. These programmes will be self-financed and will not impact public finances.

Admission to existing Greek-language programmes via the Pancyprian Examinations will remain unchanged.

As for foreign-language programmes, these will be offered under strict conditions:

  • They must not exceed 20% of existing undergraduate programmes.
  • A minimum of 15 students must be enrolled at the start of the academic year for a programme to commence.
  • Their introduction must not affect existing Greek-language programmes.
  • The same programmes must also be offered in one of the Republic’s official languages.
  • Approval from the Minister of Education will be required (except in the case of inter-university programmes).

The requirement for a compulsory in-person interview for prospective students is abolished. Academic staff may teach in foreign-language programmes, provided they fulfil all obligations and duties outlined by existing legislation and regulations.

Finally, the Council of Ministers is required to publish each June a list of approved foreign-language programmes, the number of available places, and the corresponding tuition fees.

Tasos Christofides: “It’s a start”

Following the vote, the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Tasos Christofides, commented on social media that the framework was approved with several restrictions—unlike what is in place in other countries—but “it’s a start.”

His full Facebook post reads:

“Tonight, the Parliament approved the draft regulations concerning the provision of foreign-language undergraduate programmes by public universities. I haven’t seen the final text, but I watched the discussion on television. Several restrictions have been included—ones you wouldn’t find in other countries. I hope that, despite the restrictions, we will soon be able to offer a small number (as mandated by the approved regulations) of foreign-language undergraduate programmes. It’s a start. We’ve taken the first step on a road a hundred metres long.

I would also like to express my regret over the disparaging remarks made about the academic staff of public universities during the discussion.”

Also read: Cypriot universities lack English-language degree programmes

Source: Economy Today

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