More than 300 million euros will be invested in the development of the Cyprus University of Technology

Panayiotis Zafiris, the Rector of the Cyprus Technological University (TEPAK), has presented a long-term development plan for the educational institution. The plan involves the implementation of large-scale infrastructure and academic projects totaling more than €300 million.

The program covers the period from 2023 to 2030 and aims to transform TEPAK into a leading center of education, science, and innovation in Cyprus and beyond.

The university's development strategy encompasses three primary areas (growth poles), each focusing on distinct aspects of infrastructure, academic, and scientific growth.

Zafiris stated that one of the most significant projects in TEPAK's history is the construction of student dormitories with 500 beds. The cost of this initiative is estimated at €56.3 million and will be implemented in two phases. The first phase is scheduled for completion in 2026, with the second phase slated for completion in 2027. This project will address the critical issue of student housing shortages and establish equitable access to education for all TEPAK students.

The university's initial development area encompasses projects with a value exceeding €130 million.

1. The School of Engineering and Technology and the Eratosthenes Center of Excellence will have a new building constructed in 2025.
2. The establishment of a Technology Park and an Innovation and Research Center is intended to enhance connections between the university, the business community, and the labor market.

The second development pole is being implemented in the form of a public-private partnership. The projects, with a total value of €150 million, are scheduled for completion by 2029.

1. The renovation of the old city hospital is underway, and upon completion, it will house the School of Medical Sciences. In addition, a primary care medical center is being developed in collaboration with OKYPY.
2. The former Technical College building will be preserved and modernized. The building will house the School of Geotechnical Sciences and Environmental Management, a Language Center, a Training Center, as well as dormitories, open recreational areas, and parking lots.
3. The Faculty of Multimedia and Graphic Arts, along with the School of Geotechnical Sciences, will be moving into a newly constructed building.

The third development pole encompasses the following:

1. Construction of buildings for the School of Communications and Media.
2. Creation of laboratories for the Faculty of Fine Arts.
3. The former Limassol Cooperative Bank building is being renovated to house administrative and educational departments.
4. In addition, in line with the priorities of sustainable growth and adaptation to the challenges of the modern world,

TEPAK has launched three new academic programs:

1. Marine Studies program will begin in September 2024.
2. Occupational therapy services are scheduled to be implemented in September 2025.
3. Data science program will be launched in September 2025.

These areas reflect the growing needs of the Cypriot and international labor market and are already attracting considerable interest from applicants, as evidenced by the large number of applications for the programs.

Zafiris emphasized that TEPAK is actively integrating into the international academic community and occupies a leading position in the European Alliance of Technology Universities (EUt+), where it will assume the presidency in the second half of 2025.

Key international initiatives include:

1. The establishment of a School of Technology, Engineering, and Design (TEDS) within EUt+ is a strategic initiative that aims to enhance the educational offerings of the institution.
2. The development of joint interuniversity programs and dual-degree courses is underway.
3. Active involvement in the establishment of a European degree as part of the European Higher Education Area is essential.

They are pleased to announce our new partnership with Chinese universities. This partnership will include applied programs, exchanges, and laboratory research.

The rector emphasized the importance of granting state universities the right to offer programs in English, highlighting the potential for this measure to enhance internationalization of education and attract foreign students.

In today's business world, TEPAK has emerged as a symbol of trust, sustainability, flexibility, and openness for Cypriot society at large. The university is moving confidently into the future as a pillar of scientific, cultural, and economic development for Limassol and the whole country, Zafiris concluded.