In the 2023-2024 academic year, 503 students successfully completed 26 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the three Faculties of the Open University of Cyprus (OUC) and received their degrees during the 17th (XVII) Graduation Ceremony, held on November 1, 2024, at the Strovolos Municipal Theatre. Additionally, eight (8) doctoral candidates were awarded the highest academic title (PhD).
The ceremony featured a welcoming address from Dr. Athena Michaelides, Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth, on behalf of H.E. the President of the Republic of Cyprus. The Minister of Education praised the high academic standards and scientific achievements of the Open University of Cyprus, noting its continuous development, as well as distinctions since its first operation in 2006. She commended OUC for “establishing a state-of-the-art, innovative, digital learning environment that places it among the leading universities in distance education, both locally and internationally”. Addressing the graduates, Dr. Michaelides lauded their persistence in studying remotely while balancing family and work commitments, noting that they “have accomplished what others may find impossible”.
The Chairman of the OUC Council, Mr. George Papas, warmly congratulated the graduates of the academic year 2023-2024, bringing the total number of OUC alumni to 9,513. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of increasing the state budget for OUC, which is essential for its continuous development, and highlighted the need for the University to establish its own premises. He also reiterated OUC’s objective to further internationalize its programmes of study and curricula. Mr. Papas noted that OUC currently serves students from 39 countries, stressing the need to expand its international student body, especially with the launch of new programmes in English.
The Rector of the Open University of Cyprus, Professor Stavros Stavrou, spoke on the University’s new phase of academic maturity and development. This includes new undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in both Greek and English, the introduction of professional development programmes and short duration microcredentials, and the extensive research activities of its academic staff. Professor Stavrou also highlighted strategic partnerships with public organizations and ministries, along with initiatives supporting cultural growth within the community. He noted OUC’s participation in the European University Alliance OpenEU—one of 14 new alliances awarded €15 million by the European Union—which unites 10 universities across Europe with the goal of establishing the Pan-European Open University. The OUC Rector appealed to the Cyprus Government for further support in financial and human resources to empower OUC to lead Cyprus’s digital transformation in education and strengthen its position as a model distance-learning university with global reach. Addressing the 511 new OUC alumni, he remarked that “the degree they have acquired through hard work and intellectual commitment is not only a valuable asset for professional development but also a milestone in their personal growth”. He concluded by wishing them continued success and expressing pride in the role the Open University of Cyprus has played in their educational journeys.
In recognition of the academic excellence of the 2023-24 OUC graduates, financial awards were presented to outstanding graduates by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the Cyprus Police, the Cyprus Association of Educational Administration, Timios Stavros Hospital, the Bank of Cyprus, Vassiliko Cement Works Public Company, Atlantic Insurance, Baker Tilly Cyprus, Dart Recruitment, and the Academic Committee of the Joint’s Master’s Programme in "Cognitive Systems".
