The Department of Accounting and Finance of the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, 7 July 2025, aiming to bridge academic education with the dynamic sector of Investment Funds.

Specifically, the MoU includes:

• CIFA’s participation in the UCYAFN Internship Fair, presenting internship opportunities to students.

• Provision of a number of scholarships by CIFA members to postgraduate students of the MSc Finance and MSc Financial Analysis programmes, with employment prospects.

• Promotion of financial literacy and investment awareness initiatives for the general public.

• Career orientation presentations for students, with an emphasis on employment opportunities in the investment funds and finance sectors in Cyprus.

• Collaboration on undergraduate theses, with the option for CIFA members to propose topics.

The Head of the Department, Professor Andreas Milidonis, stated:
"The collaboration with CIFA strengthens the role of the University of Cyprus as an academic partner with meaningful connections to the labour market, offering students opportunities that combine knowledge, guidance, and real professional prospects."

CIFA President, Ms. Maria Panayiotou, noted that as the investment funds sector continues to grow steadily and specialised job positions increase, such partnerships are both necessary and particularly helpful for the next generation of professionals in Cyprus.

The agreement reflects the Department’s strategic emphasis on outreach, contributing to the creation of an environment where academic excellence meets the needs of the modern economy. At the same time, it highlights CIFA’s strong commitment to actively shaping the Cyprus economy of tomorrow.