Διεύθυνση Ανώτερης και Ανώτατης Εκπαίδευσης, Υπουργείο Παιδείας και Πολιτισμού

Overview

The Department of Higher and Tertiary Education (DHTE) (Διεύθυνση Ανώτερης και Ανώτατης Εκπαίδευσης, Υπουργείο Παιδείας και Πολιτισμού) is a pivotal body within the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus. It is entrusted with the regulation, development and enhancement of the higher and tertiary education sectors in Cyprus. The DHTE's responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum, including policy formulation, accreditation, quality assurance and international collaboration, aiming to position Cyprus as a distinguished regional and international educational hub.

History and Legal Framework

The DHTE's origins trace back to the establishment of the Ministry of Education and Culture, which has undergone various structural reforms to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. A significant milestone in its development was the enactment of legislation in June 2005 that regulated the establishment and operation of private universities in Cyprus. This legislative framework has been instrumental in shaping the current structure of higher education in the country, facilitating the growth of both public and private institutions.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The DHTE's mission is to foster a dynamic and inclusive higher education system that meets local needs and aligns with international standards. Its vision is to establish Cyprus as a regional center of excellence in higher education and research. To achieve this, the DHTE has outlined several strategic objectives:

• Modernizing and developing higher education institutions.
• Enhancing the connection between higher education and the labor market.
• Promoting Cyprus as an international center for higher education.

These objectives are pursued through a comprehensive action plan that includes policy development, institutional support and international outreach.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The DHTE operates under the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, ensuring alignment with national educational policies. It maintains a degree of operational independence, particularly in matters related to accreditation and quality assurance, to uphold the integrity and standards of higher education in Cyprus. The department collaborates closely with various stakeholders, including public and private institutions, regulatory bodies and international organizations, to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

Accreditation and quality assurance are central to the DHTE's role. It oversees the accreditation of private universities and tertiary education institutions, ensuring that they meet established academic and operational standards. The department also supports the work of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA) and the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KYSATS), facilitating the recognition of qualifications and the maintenance of educational quality across the sector.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The DHTE actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the global standing of Cypriot higher education. It represents Cyprus at international education exhibitions and forums, fostering partnerships with educational institutions and organizations worldwide. These efforts aim to attract international students and scholars, promote academic exchange and align Cypriot higher education with global best practices.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

Currently, the DHTE's initiatives are contributing to the modernization and internationalization of higher education in Cyprus. Its strategic actions are enhancing the employability of graduates, aligning curricula with international market trends and promoting lifelong learning. Looking forward, the department aims to further strengthen Cyprus's position as a center of academic excellence, focusing on research innovation, digital transformation and sustainable development in higher education.

Summary

The Department of Higher and Tertiary Education plays a crucial role in shaping the higher education landscape of Cyprus. Through its comprehensive approach to policy development, accreditation and international collaboration, it strives to create an inclusive, high-quality and globally recognized educational system. Its ongoing efforts are pivotal in ensuring that Cypriot higher education meets the evolving needs of students, the labor market and society at large.

FAQs

• What is the role of the Department of Higher and Tertiary Education?
  The department is responsible for regulating, developing and enhancing the higher and tertiary education sectors in Cyprus, including policy formulation, accreditation and international collaboration.
• How does the department ensure the quality of higher education?
  The department oversees accreditation processes for private universities and tertiary education institutions and supports the work of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA) and the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KYSATS).
• What are the department's strategic objectives?
  The department aims to modernize and develop higher education institutions, enhance the connection between higher education and the labor market and promote Cyprus as an international center for higher education.
• How does the department engage internationally?
  The department actively participates in international education exhibitions and forums, fostering partnerships with educational institutions and organizations worldwide to enhance the global standing of Cypriot higher education.
• What is the future direction of higher education in Cyprus?
  The department focuses on research innovation, digital transformation and sustainable development to further strengthen Cyprus's position as a center of academic excellence.

Organization Name

Διεύθυνση Ανώτερης και Ανώτατης Εκπαίδευσης, Υπουργείο Παιδείας και Πολιτισμού

Department of Higher and Tertiary Education of the Ministry of Education and Culture

Acronym

Year of Establishment

1986

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Kimonos and Thoukydides Corner
Lefkosia
1434 Northern Cyprus Cyprus

Phone

+357 (22) 800 616

Fax

+357 (22) 427 560

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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