University of Cyprus aims to establish itself as a Pioneer Research Institution achieving International Scientific Recognition in European Higher Education, offering Competitive Programmes and to become a Centre of Excellence in the wider Euro - Mediterranean Region.

The main objectives of the University are twofold: the promotion of scholarship and education through teaching and research, and the enhancement of the cultural, social and economic development of Cyprus.

In this context, the University believes that education must provide more than simply accumulation of knowledge. It must also encourage students' active participation in the process of learning and acquisition of those values necessary for responsible involvement in the community. The University sets high standards for all branches of scholarship.

Research is promoted and funded in all departments for its contribution to scholarship in general and for its local and international applications.

The University of Cyprus has formulated a Strategic Plan for its developement in the period 2004-2020. By 2020 the University expects:

that the University campus will be fully operational
to offer programmes of studies in nine faculties (There are currently six faculties)
to enrol a total of 10,000 students (7500 undergraduate and 2500 postgraduate, a ratio of 3:1)
to employ at least 1000 academic and 1000 administrative personnel.

The most important strategic target of the University is the establishment of three new faculties:

Medical School - The University of Cyprus is pleased to announce the opening in September 2013 of its new Medical School
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Fine Arts
Other aims are the continued expansion of existing faculties and departments; greater support for research; increased emphasis on teaching; greater administrative support; formulation of internal evaluation review mechanisms; development of new and reinforcement of already existing activities; development of an e-university; reinforce student support .

The University has established cooperation with both European and Middle East universities. Opportunities for establishing affiliations with universities worldwide are being expected.