Politicians in Cyprus have called on the government to streamline entry requirements to private higher education institutions, which cater to up to 90% of all non-EU students. They say current student visa obligations are onerous and get in the way of the island's ambitions to become an education hub in the region.

Keen to emulate the success of nearby Malta, Cyprus is the next Mediterranean country angling for a stake in the study travel market by pushing for visa reform and regulation that would enable the country to compete effectively as an English language teaching destination.

Crowds of angry non-EU students have demonstrated in the Cypriot capital over rules they say restrict their right to work outside college hours. They claim foreign students should be recognised as income earners...