Shifting Focus: UK’s Brexit Prompts Cyprus Schools to Guide Students Globally
In the wake of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, private schools across Cyprus are adapting their strategies to prepare students for higher education opportunities beyond British shores. The Brexit decision has had a profound impact on the flow of EU students to UK universities, with a more than fifty percent drop in enrolments, particularly from countries like Italy, Germany, and France.
Michael Orford, Deputy Head, Careers Advisor and Head of Science at Foley’s School in Limassol, notes the changing tide: “Brexit is affecting local students at the moment… Historically, students have been heading to the UK and I think that we’re much more in tune with that kind of process. I think now, with students choosing new destinations, it’s a little bit of a learning curve.”
Proactive measures have been taken by educational institutions such as the Grammar School, where Deputy Headmistress Kam Stylianou highlights their preparedness: “Our Higher Education Advisory Team are all Times Higher Education (THE) Accredited Counsellors… This gives us access to a global network of leading international counsellors and training events to build our knowledge.”
Niki Zachariadou, Careers Councilor at the Pascal English Private School, emphasizes the evolving role of school counsellors in career planning. She says, “School counsellors in Cyprus play a pivotal role in career planning, especially nowadays that so many things have changed in terms of the students’ future universities and career choices.”
Despite the challenges posed by Brexit, some UK universities continue to offer competitive fees and scholarships. However, Cypriot students are now casting a wider net, applying to universities in European countries, the US, and Canada. Zachariadou observes a significant shift: “Before Brexit, around 75 to 80 percent of our students chose the UK as their main university destination. However, in the last few years, only 15 to 20 percent of our students were interested in pursuing their studies in the UK.”
Stella Luizinho, Careers Advisor at the International School of Paphos, encourages thorough research into various universities and fields of study. She stresses the importance of starting early and collaborating with parents to find suitable alternatives.
As Cypriot students explore new educational horizons, there is also a noticeable shift in course preferences. Fields such as medicine, cybersecurity, computer science, data science, fashion and design remain popular. At the same time, there’s growing interest in artificial intelligence, risk management, and real estate.
The landscape of higher education for Cypriot students is evolving rapidly post-Brexit. With comprehensive guidance from school counsellors and a global perspective, these students are poised to thrive in a diverse array of international academic environments.
