Admission and tracking of applications of underrepresented groups

CUT systematically monitors applications, admissions, and enrolments of students from underrepresented and vulnerable groups to ensure equitable access and participation across all levels of study. This monitoring framework is guided by the Equality Plan 2022–2024, which defines institutional mechanisms for collecting, analysing, and reporting equality data across all faculties and administrative services.

Student application and admission data across all study levels (undergraduate and postgraduate) are monitored through the Student Information System (SIS), which records information on applicants’ gender, nationality, disability status, age, and socioeconomic background. This data, managed by the Studies and Student Affairs Service, can be accessed through standard or upon-request reports, ensuring systematic monitoring, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making across the University.

Special attention is given to candidates applying under the Special Categories Admissions Scheme, which reserves up to 14% of total Cypriot admissions per programme for applicants from disadvantaged or minority backgrounds. These categories include candidates from families facing financial hardship, orphans, individuals with serious health or learning difficulties, and members of recognised religious minorities. All applications are evaluated transparently and objectively based on verified socioeconomic or medical documentation, in accordance with the national regulations governing special category admissions at public universities in Cyprus.

During the 2023-24 academic year, CUT received approximately 96 applications under these special categories, of which 43 applicants were successfully admitted, ensuring proportional representation of underrepresented groups across its undergraduate programmes. These data are tracked annually through the SIS and the Studies and Student Affairs Service, supporting evidence-based planning for inclusive admissions. More info can be found here.

To further reduce socioeconomic barriers and support access for low-income students, the Student Welfare Association provides targeted scholarships and financial aid based on transparent socioeconomic criteria. In 2023-24, a total of 260 undergraduate students benefited from these scholarships, supporting equitable participation and retention. More info can be found here.

At the postgraduate level, the Social Support Scholarships Scheme funded through the University’s central institutional resources offers tuition fee exemptions and socioeconomic assistance to Master’s and PhD students facing financial or personal hardship.
This scheme covers up to 10% of new entrants annually. Applications and awards are systematically tracked to ensure transparency, accountability, and equitable access to postgraduate education.

The Center for Student Development maintains dedicated records on students with disabilities and chronic health conditions, ensuring that accessibility and accommodation data are monitored and updated throughout the academic year. In 2023-24, the Center supported approximately 147 students with disabilities or special educational needs, providing tailored academic accommodations and assistance through documented support requests. These data are integrated into the University’s equality reporting framework to strengthen institutional oversight and continuous improvement in accessibility.

Complementing these mechanisms, the Diversity and Inclusion Office coordinates the Annual Equality Data Collection System, which compiles quantitative equality data from all faculties, administrative services, and university units.
According to the Annual Equality Data Report 2023-24, new indicators were introduced this year to capture data related to the Equal Access Plan for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and Persons with Special Educational Needs (PwSEN).
Conducted under the framework of the University’s Equality and Accessibility Plan, the Annual Data Collection serves as a key progress-monitoring and evaluation mechanism, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that equality and inclusion efforts remain effective, continuous, and data-driven. This framework is documented in the Equality Plan Report 2020–2024 (p. 4), which confirms the University’s institutionalised annual data collection and reporting process.

Through these integrated mechanisms- SIS tracking, targeted admissions and scholarships, disability data management, and annual equality reporting- CUT ensures systematic, transparent, and evidence-based evaluation of applications and admissions from underrepresented groups.
This comprehensive approach demonstrates CUT’s enduring commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and equitable access to higher education.