Maria Ioannides achieved a BA in Law, Political Studies and International Relations from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa in 1998 and an LLB (Honours) from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa in 2001. During her studies, she managed to distinguish herself by receiving several awards including the Nadine Mann memorial prize awarded annually to the student who has most distinguished herself in the course Practical Legal Studies and who has made a significant contribution to the work of the Campus Law Clinic.
She was also a Committee member of the Students Hellenic Association at the University.
Maria moved to Cyprus at the end of 2001 and completed her practical law training at the law office of the Republic of Cyprus. She was admitted to the Cyprus Bar Association in 2003 and has since worked at leading law firms in Cyprus, both as a team leader in the Corporate department as well as head of the Intellectual Property department. She is currently working with IP Cyprus Intellectual property services centre. She is also a founding member and a member of the board of directors of the Cyprus- South African business association.
She speaks English, Greek and Afrikaans.