European University Cyprus Holds Its First Graduation Ceremony in China
In a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and emotion, European University Cyprus (EUC) celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony in China, honouring the first cohort of undergraduate students completing its academic programs. These programs have been offered since 2021 through the International Digital Economy College (IDEC) at Minjiang University.
European University Cyprus has embraced a forward-looking culture of modernisation, driving exceptional growth that has exceeded expectations. This evolution has significantly enhanced the scope and quality of higher education in Cyprus and reinforced the university’s global orientation. Today, more than 1,000 students are enrolled in EUC programs in China, contributing substantially to the university’s expanding international academic presence.
Minjiang University, which hosts the EUC programs, ranks among the top 9.2% of universities worldwide, according to the Center for World University Rankings 2024 (CWUR). The graduation ceremony took place at its campus in Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, home to over 41 million people.
A total of 100 graduates from the following four EUC 4-year degree programs celebrated this historic milestone:
• BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• BSc in Computer Engineering
• BBA in Digital Marketing and Communications
• BA in Graphic Design
This landmark event marked the successful culmination of a strategic academic partnership between European University Cyprus and Minjiang University, a collaboration years in the making.
The ceremony was held in the iconic hall of Minjiang University’s newly built library. Attendees included senior leadership from both universities, programme coordinators, distinguished academic and administrative staff, government officials, and prominent figures from Fuzhou’s cultural and business communities.
Representing EUC’s Rector, Professor Andreas Efstathiou, was Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Professor Loizos Symeou, who led the university’s delegation and delivered the Rector’s official address. In his remarks, Professor Symeou emphasised EUC’s competitive strengths, highlighting its international rankings and its longstanding commitment to educational, cultural, and research collaboration with China.
He particularly commended the IDEC partnership as a model of global cooperation, aimed at cultivating a new generation of highly educated, research-driven graduates who bring social and professional value to both local and international communities.
Minjiang University’s Vice Rector, Chen Xingming, also delivered a warm and enthusiastic address, expressing deep satisfaction with the strategic alliance between the two institutions. Awards were presented to top-performing students in recognition of their academic excellence.
Additionally, Professor Kostas Gouliamos received a prestigious award for his outstanding contributions to education and culture, presented by IDEC Secretary Huang Xiaming and Dean Lin Zhonggyan.
The graduation ceremony followed the 2nd International Symposium on “Technology and Society,” jointly hosted by EUC and Minjiang University. Held on a rotating basis between the two institutions, the symposium brought together scholars and researchers from Cyprus, China, and several countries across Asia and Europe—underscoring EUC’s dedication to academic excellence and global engagement.
For European University Cyprus, internationalisation remains a core strategic priority. As part of this vision, the university continues to deepen its collaborations with Chinese academic institutions, delivering high-quality academic and research programs with a forward-looking, global perspective.
