Study in Cyprus
One of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, Cyprus offers nearly everything you’d expect and hope for in that region. Good food, great beaches, and some super complicated territory disputes! But, fear not. The people of Cyprus have a global reputation for hospitality, warmth, and sharing food with neighbours.
You may have glanced over Cyprus in your search for education options. But, when you’re seeking a place to pursue your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, Cyprus would be an interesting place to start studying. You can find university programmes, and some excellent history, making your university and educational experience wildly enriching.
Why study in Cyprus?
1. Living and studying here is affordable
If you're from the EU/EEA, rejoice! You can study a Bachelor's degree at a public university in Cyprus for free. For non-EU/EEA students, it will cost up to 7,000 EUR per year. At Master's level, all international students pay fees ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 EUR per year.
As you can see, these tuition rates are much more affordable when compared to what you'd have to pay at universities from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or China.
2. Cyprus is a cultural melting pot
Internationals from over 50 countries choose to live, study, and even settle here. This makes Cyprus a multicultural and multilingual environment, where it's easy to feel welcome, integrate, and find a home away from home.
3. English is widely spoken
Almost 3/4 of the population speak English, so you shouldn't have any problems. The high number of tourists who visit Cyprus annually contributes even further to the popularity of the English language.
4. Amazing weather and attractions
Cyprus has an amazing climate, where people can enjoy around 340 days of sunshine throughout the entire year. If you love sun or generally prefer warmer places, Cyprus is the place to go.
While enjoying the weather, you should also visit some of the popular tourist attractions, such as: the ancient Kourion, the St. Hilarion Castle, the Karpas Peninsula, the House of Dionysus, the Nissi Beach, the Tombs of the Kings, the legendary rock 'Petra tou Romiou', Cape Greco, etc.
Which universities and colleges to attend in Cyprus?
Cyprus is starting gain quite the reputation for its universities. They’re welcoming international students, delivering high-quality English-taught programmes in several subjects.
Furthermore, many of these universities collaborate with American, U.K., and Northern European universities, creating a nurturing environment for students, full of ideas and great for young thinkers.
Here is a short list of universities for you to consider in Cyprus:
What it is like to study in Cyprus?
Cyprus has plenty to offer the lowly students who go there for their Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees: a beautiful scenery, relatively low prices, history, and great food. Outside of your classes, you’ll be able to explore the small island, soaking in its interesting landscape and unique history.
In your classes, you’ll be expected to attend regularly and show up prepared. Students in Cyprus sometimes participate in class discussions; but other courses are solely lecture courses. Be sure to know precisely what your expectations are on the first day of class. Furthermore, students will have tests and assignments at the end of their classes. Depending on the programme or subject, you may be required to write long research papers and even complete a thesis.
What to study in Cyprus?
Lots of degree programmes throughout Cyprus offer students a combination of practical and theoretical training, allowing students to combine their general education with the subjects they want to specialise in. Universities offer degrees taught in English and faculty eager to welcome international students from all over the world.
Take a look at some subjects to explore in Cyprus:
- Education degrees in Cyprus
- Business Administration degrees in Cyprus
- Computer Science & IT degrees in Cyprus
- Psychology degrees in Cyprus
Where to study in Cyprus?
Well, since Cyprus is such a tiny place (geographically speaking), there aren’t so many spots to put a big major city. Luckily, you at least have Nicosia, the biggest city, cultural centre, and capital of Cyprus. This is also where you’ll find the right universities for you, full of international students and with a great student life.
How to apply
Each university in Cyprus has its own system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.
Here are some of the basic requirements you’ll need for every application:
- A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
- A transcript/record of your previous courses
- A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
- Your CV
- Testing scores
- Evidence of scholarship or funding
- Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
- Portfolio and/or writing samples
Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a university in Cyprus
Take Preparation Courses
These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes. Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
Improve your English through an English-language prep course
If you’re attending a degree programme in Cyprus you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
English-language tests
To apply to study in the Cyprus, you’ll need to provide proof you have a diploma for your English proficiency.
The certificates generally accepted by the universities in Cyprus are:
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Living in Cyprus
Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Cyprus:
Tuition fees
Compared to other European countries, Cyprus has relatively low tuition. The amount depends on the level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate), the type of university (public, private), and the academic discipline.
Average tuition costs at public universities:
- Bachelor’s degrees: free for EU/EEA students (fees are covered by the Republic of Cyprus)
- Bachelor's degrees: up to 7,000 EUR per programme (includes all years of study) for non-EU/EEA students
Master’s degrees: 4,000–6,000 EUR per programme for all students. Some disciplines like Engineering or Business might cost over 8,000 EUR per programme.
At private universities, tuition fees are usually higher.
Cost of living in Cyprus
Compared to other places in Europe, Cyprus is quite inexpensive, offering the best value to students who are trying to save money. The overall living costs are around 500–750 EUR/month.
Here is a breakdown of living costs in Cyprus:
- Rent (network flats from the university): usually free for students who need financial support, but the number of places is limited
- Rent (private apartment): 450–800 EUR/month
- Utilities: 130–170 EUR/month
- 3-course meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant: 46 EUR
- Monthly transportation ticket (metro, train, bus): 40 EUR
- Milk: 1.38 EUR
- Loaf of fresh white bread: 1.58 EUR
- Rice: 1.65 EUR
- Cappuccino: 3 EUR
- Beer: 3 EUR
About Cyprus
Cyprus is a Eurasian island nation in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Anatolian peninsula (Asia Minor) or modern-day Turkey. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The Republic of Cyprus is divided into six districts: Nicosia (the capital, Greek: Lefkosia, Anglicised: Nicosia), Ammochostos (Famagusta), Keryneia (Kyrenia), Larnaka (Larnaca), Lemesos (Limassol), and Pafos (Paphos).
Interesting facts about Cyprus- The people of Cyprus are notorious food fanatics. The average citizen there dines at his/her favorite restaurant once per week.
- Cyprus has the world’s oldest wine label. Commandaria is the oldest named wine and dates back over 5000 years
- It’s nicknamed the Island of Love, having been the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
- Speaking of Greek mythology, Cyprus us also home to Mount Olympus, the supposed home and playing ground of the gods.
Universities, colleges and schools in Cyprus
Larnaca
- UCLan Cyprus (11 Short courses)
How to Apply to a Master's in Cyprus
If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Cyprus, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in Cyprus?
To apply to a university in Cyprus you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:
- birth certificate;
- recent photos;
- your passport or national identity card;
- one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
- copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
- academic transcripts;
- letter of intent;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.
The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Cyprus so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.
Prove your English skills
Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for Cyprus
The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Cyprus are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.
