Study in Cyprus: Universities, Tuition, Admission Rate

Cyprus is increasingly popular among international students thanks to its well-respected education system, reasonable tuition fees, and year-round sunshine.

In fact, many international students give it a five-star.

Because of this, the World Scholarship Forum team has arranged the details of everything you need to know about studying in Cyprus. It includes how to apply, funding, student visas to study in Cyprus, and lots more.

Now, let’s talk a little about the country Cyprus.

The Mediterranean’s third-largest island spends around 7% of its GDP on education. This makes it one of the top three education spenders in the world, only falling behind Denmark and Sweden.

The cost of the study is low in comparison to other fashionable European study destinations and crime almost non-existent. You’ll also have the chance to pick up a second language, either Greek or Turkish depending on where you study. However, English is widely spoken.

Furthermore, the country enjoys a Mediterranean climate and boasts of sandy beaches, lush forests, and ancient ruins. Making it an idyllic destination to further your education and broaden your cultural horizons.

Meanwhile, take a look at our Table of content for an overview of this article.

Universities In Cyprus

The higher education sector houses a mix of public and private institutions as well as a number of private tertiary-level colleges.

Universities offer both undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral programs similar to those in the UK.

There are three public universities:

  • Cyprus University of Technology (CUT)
  • Open University of Cyprus (OUC)
  • University of Cyprus (UCY).

Five institutions make up the private higher education sector:

  • European University Cyprus (EUC)
  • Frederick University
  • Neapolis University Paphos (NUP)
  • University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Cyprus
  • The University of Nicosia.

Universities found in northern Cyprus operate under the separate law of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Why Study In Cyprus

The universities in Cyprus offer quality higher education. Additionally, the country has been taking measures to increase research, funding, and interest in higher education.

The country provides internationally recognized degrees. Students do not need to show any English proficiency score for tests like TOEFL and IELTS. It offers affordable tuition fees and moderate living expenses.

The visa process is also straightforward. Cyprus provides excellent facilities for students that include cultural, social, and sports activities. Moreover, there are a variety of clubs in Cyprus like technology clubs, science clubs, sports clubs, photography clubs, etc. that help students to explore their hobbies.

Cyprus is known for its sunny beaches, luxurious hotels, and impeccable tourism services.  Cyprus has invested its riches in a high-quality European education system, with affordable university tuition costs and plenty of facilities and benefits.

You’ll not have trouble finding excellent Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Cyprus that will match the standards of international universities worldwide.

There are a couple of other reasons why you should study here, and it includes:

Cheap Accommodation

Students are provided with the necessary conditions for a successful and comfortable study, as well as help with accommodation. The accommodation system is designed in such a way that a place in a dormitory should be primarily given to newcomers and foreigners, but the “first come, first served” approach is still widely practiced.

All major universities and colleges have their own dormitories, and the monthly accommodation cost amounts to 150 EUR. Renting an apartment is more expensive, but all students limited financially may seek the college help in finding houses and apartments to live and share with four and more people.

The higher education institutions are well-funded and provide students with high-standard study halls, libraries, mess halls, and student assistance offices, ready to handle the challenges that arise in an international campus.

Booming Business Program

A staple of Cypriot higher education is the abundance of MBA programmes, which cater to the needs of the well-developed local business sector. The largest employers are the banks and holding companies which are relevant players in international trade.

Therefore, universities and business schools have adapted to this economic reality with high-quality study programs that offer real employability upon graduation.

The requirements for an MBA program in Cyprus are standard: good level of English, Bachelor’s degree and work experience in the chosen field for at least two years.

With its practically-oriented curriculum, high graduate rates, accessible study programs, and high living standards, Cyprus is definitely a great option to consider for studying abroad this year. So look it up and book your plane for this sunny Mediterranean island that you’ll never forget.

Student Exchanges

Your UK university may have a formal Erasmus+ partnership with a Cypriot institution. Erasmus+ offers study, training, work experience, and voluntary placements.

Some of these opportunities are supported by funding and last from three months to one year. Speak to your university’s Erasmus+ coordinator for more information on how to apply.

It may also be possible to study for a semester in the country through Global Semesters – Cyprus Study Abroad.

Degree courses

Obtain your bachelor’s at both public and private institutions. It will require four years to complete.

Available programs cover a range of subjects including humanities, science, engineering and technology, business, mathematics, medicine, law, and social science.

For admission into an undergraduate course, you’ll need a school leavers certificate and to sit a centrally-administered admissions exam.

You’ll learn through a series of lectures, seminars, and group and project work.

Bachelors degrees are available in English, but if this isn’t your native language you will need to prove your proficiency.

Masters Degrees

Postgraduate qualifications in Cyprus are equivalent to their UK counterparts. Courses usually take one or two years to complete and can be studied both full and part-time.

Entrants must have previously studied a relevant Bachelors’s degree in order to be admitted into a program. You may also have to complete a postgraduate interview.

The academic year is split into two semesters and runs from September to May in public universities.

Mid-term exams are taken in October and March, with final exams taken at the end of each semester. Instruction at private universities is between October and June.

PhD’s

Applicants require a Master’s degree in a related subject. Doctorates are much more common in the public universities, usually, last for three years, and include a taught component and a dissertation. The main areas of study include:

  • Economics and management
  • Engineering
  • Health science
  • Humanities
  • Law
  • Pure and applied science
  • Social science and education.

Course fees and low tuition fees to study in Cyprus

Tuition fees are determined by the individual institutions, so you’ll need to contact your chosen university to get an accurate figure of what you’ll need to pay. Degree costs vary depending on what and where you study.

Master’s tuition fees are generally lower than in the UK, with public institutions often cheaper than their private counterparts.

As a general guide, Masters students should expect to pay between €5,000 and €10,000 per year in tuition fees. MBAs and Doctoral degrees are more expensive.

Non-EU students are likely to pay more than those from the European Union (EU).

Funding To Study in Cyprus

Funding to study in Cyprus includes Government-funded scholarships, which usually cover 10% to 20% of fees, are available for international postgraduates who’ve displayed outstanding academic performance.

Some institutions, such as UCLan Cyprus, provide bursaries for international postgraduates amounting to €2,300 per year, which is deducted from the total cost of tuition.

Other universities, such as the University of Cyprus, subsidize foreign postgraduate students through assistantships. This involves helping with teaching, grading and lab supervision.

How To Apply to Study in Cyprus

So many students ask this question How to apply to study in Cyprus?

Applications are usually made directly to the institution via post, with forms downloadable from the official website.

However, each institution sets its own admission requirements so you’ll need to check with your university’s admissions office to find out specific details.

Be prepared to apply one year in advance. Some programs require you to attend an entrance exam or a pre-entry interview. (Xanax bars) You’ll also need to pay an application fee.

You must usually present your passport, birth certificate, academic certificates and references alongside your application form.

You must also prove that you can support yourself financially and pay tuition fees upfront. Documents may be required in English.

Language Requirements

Private universities teach in English, while every public university offers courses taught in English.

Universities require proof of English competency before enrolment. There’s no official language testing system, so consider the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

Students without adequate skills may be granted one month’s free intensive tuition.

Institutions may also require overseas students to have a good knowledge of Greek.

Student visas to study in Cyprus

EU students don’t need a visa to study in Cyprus. Upon arrival in the country, you must submit the following materials to the admissions office of your chosen institution:

  • a completed application form
  • an application fee
  • four passport photographs
  • copies of your academic certificates
  • evidence of your proficiency in English
  • a photocopy of your passport
  • a recent certificate of good conduct from the police force in your country of origin.

Additional to the above, EU students must apply for a temporary residence permit from the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

Non-EU students will require a visa to study in the country. These are only issued to full-time students taking at least 12 credits per semester. Apply to your country’s Cypriot embassy two to three months before the course starts. You’ll need to attend a visa interview where you must submit documentation including evidence of a medical check-up, and letters of financial support and good conduct.

Non-EU students must also register with the District Police Alien Branch within seven days of arrival in Cyprus.

For more information on Cypriot student visa requirements, see CyprusVisa.eu.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Due to the Bologna Process university qualifications gained in Cyprus are directly comparable to their UK counterparts.

Therefore, employers shouldn’t have any trouble recognizing them.

There you have it all you need to study in Cyprus, How to apply to study in Cyprus, Funding to study in Cyprus.

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