Non-discriminatory admissions policy

CUT upholds a non-discriminatory admissions policy, ensuring that all applicants are treated with fairness, dignity, and equality, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, or socio-economic background.

This institutional commitment is formally embedded in the Equality Plan 2022-2024, which defines the University’s strategic objectives and actions to ensure equal opportunities, inclusion, and non-discrimination across all areas of university life. The Plan emphasizes that fairness, diversity, and equity are integral to CUT’s academic and institutional policies, fostering a welcoming and inclusive community for all members of the University. The Equality Plan is complemented by the Policy Statement on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, endorsed by the Rectorate, which articulates CUT’s principles of fairness, respect, and equal treatment for all members of its community. Together, these frameworks establish the foundation for equitable and inclusive access to higher education at CUT.

Undergraduate Admissions

Undergraduate admissions at CUT are strictly merit-based, determined by candidates’ ranking in the nationwide entrance examinations organised by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus. The process is conducted through clear, transparent, and impartial procedures, ensuring equal access for all qualified candidates.

To further promote equitable access, CUT implements positive measures (affirmative action) to support underrepresented and vulnerable groups, as outlined in the official Rules for Undergraduate Studies – Special Categories. Up to 14% of total Cypriot admissions per programme are reserved for candidates belonging to “special categories”, distributed as follows:

• Up to 5% for candidates from families facing financial hardship, orphans, children of war invalids, or individuals experiencing serious family or health challenges.
• Up to 6% for candidates with serious health conditions, psychiatric or learning difficulties, or recipients of public financial assistance.
• Up to 3% for candidates over the age of 30, parents of minors, or members of recognised religious minorities.

All applications under these categories are assessed according to objective and evidence-based criteriadefined in the University’s official regulations, supported by verified documentation.

Postgraduate Admissions and Financial Support

At the Master’s and PhD levels, admission decisions are based on academic merit, qualifications, and research potential, as defined in the official University Regulations. Evaluation criteria are publicly available and consistently applied across all departments, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the process.

To ensure equitable participation and retention of students from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds, CUT provides targeted financial support schemes administered through the Student Welfare Office and the Student Welfare Association.

This includes the Social Support Scholarships Scheme, which offers socio- economic scholarships and tuition fee exemptions for Master’s and PhD students facing economic hardship or exceptional personal circumstances. The criteria, application procedures, and results are published transparently on the official CUT financial support webpage, ensuring open access and accountability.

These mechanisms reinforce CUT’s institutional goal to remove financial barriers and ensure that postgraduate education remains accessible, fair, and inclusive for all eligible candidates, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Through this integrated framework, combining formal equality policy, affirmative action in undergraduate admissions, and socio- economic support for postgraduate studies, CUT guarantees non- discriminatory and inclusive access to higher education. This approach reflects the University’s enduring commitment to fairness, dignity, and respect, aligning institutional practice with national and EU principles on equality, diversity, and inclusion.