The EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth

An external impact assessment by the Centre for Sustainable Peace and Democratic Development (SeeD) and the Cyprus Peace and Dialogue Center (CPDC) has evaluated the impact of the EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC (United World Colleges) between 2020 and 2025. The study confirms that the programme effectively contributes to peacebuilding, youth development and constructive citizenship in Cyprus.

Since 2019, the European Union has invested €8.2 million in the EU Scholarship Programme for Cypriot Youth at UWC, through the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot Community. Implemented by UWC in Cyprus, this flagship initiative aims to build confidence, trust and interaction between the Cypriot communities through shared educational experiences delivered by UWC. Over 500 young Cypriots from across the whole island have come together, through one-day workshops, short courses and two-year scholarships to study at a UWC school.

The research study surveyed current scholars and alumni, short course alumni, as well as parents, concluding that through the programme, they build stronger, more sustainable intercommunal ties, while also strengthening their confidence and civic responsibility – across all programme activities.

In 2025, UWC partnered with the Centre for Sustainable Peace and Democratic Development and the Cyprus Peace and Dialogue Center to evaluate the impact of this Programme and test the theory of change: Does bringing Cypriot youth together through UWC education translate into real change in how they relate to each other, how they act as citizens, and who they become as individuals.

FOLLOW US

Working towards peace.

CONNECT

ENGAGE

cpdc.communication@gmail.com

+90 (392) 228 4330

© 2025. All rights reserved by CPDC.

This website was funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of CPDC and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Sakarya Street 7, Nicosia, Köşklüçiftlik, 99010 northern Cyprus