In December 2023, leading ship management provider Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) signed a scholarship agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cyprus Maritime Academy (CyMA), the first maritime academy in Cyprus to offer a four-year degree in nautical science. The initiative to participate in CyMA’s Cadet Scholarship Programme reflects CSM’s continuous efforts to promote academic excellence, professional training, and research in the maritime industry.
With the MOU, CSM commits to providing three full scholarships for CyMA’s newly enrolled cadets on an annual basis, on the condition of meeting specific socio-economic and academic criteria.
This agreement enables CSM to collaborate with CyMA in selecting scholarship recipients and offering them on-board sea service practicums, mentorships, internships, and various training opportunities.
“We are pleased to announce our collaboration with the Cyprus Maritime Academy,” said Columbia Group CEO Mark O’Neil. “Investing in the next generation of seafarers and providing them with opportunities for personal and professional development is a strategic priority for us. Through this collaboration we are investing in our people, nurturing their potential, and preparing them for a future on board in the ever-evolving maritime industry.”
A private maritime academy, CyMA is part of the educational organization of Intercollege and the University of Nicosia. The Academy offers a four-year Bachelor Degree programme in Nautical Science which also incorporates the IMO-STCW Certificate of Competence for an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch. The 12-month sea-service practicum is included in the four-year duration of the programme, which is delivered in English, enabling not only Cypriot but also EU and International Cadets to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Finally, the agreement between CyMA and CSM enables cadets who successfully complete their on-board sea service practicum to also have the possibility to be employed by CSM upon their graduation.
