The Cyprus University of Technology’s new School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development in Larnaca is expected to welcome its first students in September 2027. It will start with the Sustainable Development programme, in premises provided on a temporary basis by Larnaca Municipality.
Announcement at the foundation ceremony
The university’s rector, Professor Panayiotis Zaphiris, made the announcement at the foundation stone ceremony for the school’s building, in the presence of the President of the Republic.
Professor Zaphiris said the university’s Larnaca branch will be assessed on 12 November by an international committee of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education, as part of its accreditation.
Two departments and international input
The school includes the Department of Sustainable Development and the Department of Marine Sciences and Technology. Their study programmes were developed with the help of an International Academic Advisory Committee, which included academics from universities such as Cambridge and Oxford.
The rector described the school as a significant state investment in higher education, research and the country’s future. He said the university aims to become an international academic and research hub, and a real link between the university, industry and society.
He also referred to the signing of the school’s first eight memoranda of cooperation with industrial and economic bodies in Cyprus. He said it was important to connect university education and research with the needs of the economy.
Professor Zaphiris stressed that government support must continue so that the school can fulfil its vision and Cyprus can become a major centre of education, research and innovation in the Mediterranean.
A long-promised project
The President of the university’s Council, Andreas Karakatsanis, described the foundation stone as an important milestone for the university, for Larnaca and for higher education in Cyprus. He said it marks the delivery of a project that has been discussed, planned and the subject of government commitments for many years.
The building will be constructed in the Mackenzie area. It will include modern classrooms, specialised laboratories, research facilities and collaboration spaces for students and scientists.
Opportunities in the blue economy
Mr Karakatsanis said the school opens up opportunities to develop the blue economy, including in shipping, marine technologies, the protection of marine ecosystems, renewable energy and the response to climate change.
He said the school offers young people study and career opportunities in growing scientific fields. He added that it could help Cyprus retain scientific talent and create conditions for young scientists to return from abroad.
He also referred to the school’s cooperation with the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), which he said could help build a strong research and innovation ecosystem in Larnaca. He thanked the government and the President personally, the Larnaca authorities and in particular the mayor, and the European Investment Bank for financing the project through a loan.
The President’s remarks
In his address, President Nikos Christodoulides praised the university’s pioneering role in linking university education with the needs of society and the economy. He said the school’s study programmes and research respond to the needs of the labour market and the prospects of the blue economy, creating new possibilities for research and innovation.
He said that with the school, Larnaca gains a permanent public university presence for the first time, which he described as a significant turning point for the city’s educational, social and economic life.
Building costs and capacity
Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras said the school will cover an area of about 4,960 square metres. The construction contract stands at €10,934,000 plus VAT, and the project is due to be completed by August 2028.
At full capacity, the school is expected to host around 500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Marine Sciences programme is scheduled to begin in 2028 at the new Mackenzie facilities.
Student housing plans
Mr Vyras said the municipality is planning student residences near the school and is looking at other ways to meet future housing needs. He said the aim is for students to take an active part in the city’s social and economic life, helping Larnaca gradually become a university city.
Source: CNA
