Policy for the Evaluation of University Branches in Cyprus and Abroad

During its 118th Summit, the Council of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA) extensively discussed the policy for evaluating university branches both in Cyprus and abroad. The Council unanimously decided to inform all interested parties of the following:

1. For the evaluation of university branches, both locally and internationally, CYQAA will adhere to the legal framework governing its establishment and operations (CYLAW Link). This framework mandates the evaluation and accreditation of institutions and branches in Cyprus, ensuring the principles of Equality and Reciprocity are upheld.
2. The policy of CYQAA Agency is further detailed in the application and evaluation forms available on its website, along with relevant policy announcements (www.dipae.ac.cy).
3. It is essential to note that institutional evaluation must precede departmental and programmatic evaluations. The process may only progress to these latter evaluations following the granting of institutional accreditation.
4. The institutional evaluation includes: a) An on-site inspection by an expert in building and technological infrastructure (ETEK), b) An assessment of facilities for persons with disabilities (PWD), c) Verification of permits from relevant state authorities, d) Review of the Institution’s Charter, and e) Evaluation of student welfare services, library, rest areas, cafeteria, administrative bodies, Secretariat, website, public and student communication tools, student bodies, and their representation mechanisms in academic governance.
5. Upon payment of the prescribed fees (as specified in the Law’s Annex), institutional, departmental, and programmatic evaluations will be conducted by committees of external experts. Based on these evaluations, the CYQAA Council may: a) Grant Accreditation, b) Postpone the decision, c) Request a Second Evaluation, or d) Reject the application.
6. All teaching staff in accredited programs must hold a Doctorate and have possess relevant publications in their field of instruction. At least 70% of the teaching staff must be permanent faculty members (registered in the ERGANI system of the Republic of Cyprus).
7. Visiting professors must hold a permanent position at another higher education institution (typically abroad), teach exclusively at the institution or branch, and their employment contracts shall not exceed two years.
8. Any new institution or branch in Cyprus must ensure the provision of student housing and/or student dormitories.

29 April 2025