A strategic agreement has been signed between Frederick University and the University of Manchester to establish the first medical school in Limassol.
Under the deal, the new school is expected to begin offering an innovative Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme from 2028, based on Manchester’s established medical curriculum.
According to Frederick University, the collaboration ensures that the new degree will be grounded in the structure, learning outcomes and educational philosophy of Manchester’s programme, which is recognised for integrating early clinical exposure, research-led teaching and patient-centred learning.
“Landmark partnership” for Cyprus
The agreement was announced by Natassa Frederickou, President of Frederick University’s Council, during an event marking 60 years of the institution’s contribution to education.
Describing the partnership as a milestone for both the university and medical education in Cyprus, she said the new medical school would combine scientific excellence with empathy and social responsibility.
“Our ambition is to strengthen healthcare systems, advance medical research and improve quality of life in Cyprus, the region and internationally,” she said.
Professor Allan Pacey MBE, Associate Dean and Associate Vice-President of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at Manchester, attended the event alongside Professor Margaret Kingston, Director of Undergraduate Medical and Dental Education.
Professor Pacey said the programme represented more than a partnership between two institutions, calling it “a shared investment in the future of healthcare”.
“Together, we will ensure that Frederick University’s Medical School educates doctors who are scientifically trained, clinically capable, empathetic and aware of their responsibility to society,” he said.
Curriculum licence and clinical training
Manchester will license its accredited medical curriculum and provide training for Frederick University’s academic and administrative staff. The programme will be adapted to reflect the priorities of Cyprus’ healthcare system, as well as its regulatory and cultural framework, while maintaining alignment with internationally recognised academic standards.
Once finalised, the course will be submitted for evaluation and accreditation to Cyprus’ Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education. Manchester’s Medical Education Service will supply teaching materials for each academic year and offer ongoing professional development to support continuous quality improvement.
Clinical training agreements have already been signed with leading Limassol hospitals, including Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus and Ygia Polyclinic. The network of partner hospitals is expected to expand before the programme launches, with formal collaborations also planned with general practitioners to enhance community-based training.
The MBChB will be delivered in a new purpose-built building adjacent to Frederick University’s existing Limassol campus. The facility will meet specifications set by Manchester’s School of Medical Sciences, featuring team-based learning spaces, advanced laboratories and modern teaching infrastructure.
If approved, the initiative would mark a significant expansion of UK-linked medical education in Cyprus, positioning Limassol as a new centre for training future doctors in the region.