Public universities are founded as public corporate bodies to be academically autonomous, governed by their Council and Senate. They are primarily funded by the government, but they can raise money from other sources as well. All three public universities in Cyprus are dedicated to excellence in teaching and research. The specific objectives and mission of each university are stated in its respective founding Law.
Private universities are founded as private law organisations of speculative or nonspeculative character, registered with the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth. As provided by Law 109(I)/2005 on private universities, the mission of each private university is the advancement of science, knowledge, learning, and education through teaching and research for the benefit of society as a whole; cultivation, transmission, implementation, and exchange of knowledge through science; and, the provision of graduate and/or postgraduate education of a high standard that accepts international recognition. Private universities raise their funds from tuition fees and
private sources.
Public institutions of higher education operate under different ministries. Each ministry is wholly responsible for the organisation and regulation of the Institution(s) under its remit, thus setting regulations for the type and level of courses, admission requirements, curricula, and student enrolment, in collaboration with the Board of Management, Director and Faculty of the Institution.
Private institutions of higher education are registered with the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth according to Law 67(I)/1996, which provides for their establishment, operation and control. Each institution sets its own aims and internal regulations with the approval of the ministry.
Further information regarding the higher education institutions operating in Cyprus, their programmes of study and admissions criteria can be found on the website of the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth.