The number of students in Cyprus has doubled in the last ten years, Health Minister Michael Damianos said, while addressing on Friday a Frederick University graduation ceremony, in Nicosia.

The Minister noted that in recent decades the development of the university education sector in Cyprus has been significant, and it has become an important pillar of the economy, with great potential for further growth. He added that the operation of many prestigious university institutions has managed to ensure economic benefits, to reverse the brain drain, to attract foreign investment and stimulate demand and tourism.

Furthermore, Damianos noted that the number of university students in Cyprus has almost doubled in the last ten years, as a result of years of systematic hard work, both on the part of the state and on the part of the university institutions. "Higher education in our country operates in a framework to ensure academic quality and excellence" Damianos said, noting that the recognized Greek and English-language programmes of study are able to attract the interest of students within and beyond national borders.

"Our universities excel in research, and employ experienced and internationally renowned academic and research staff. Several of them rank high in global university rankings. Moreover, the participation of our universities in mobility programmes and student and faculty exchanges with countries within and outside the EU, increase their eligibility" he said, adding that Cyprus is a safe destination, easily accessible for third country nationals.