Study and find schools in Cyprus

Studying in Cyprus

Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean and a member of the European Union since 2004 and of the eurozone since 2008. Study in Cyprus, the official portal of the Ministry of Education and the national investment agency, gives its population as 847,000; Nicosia is the capital. Greek is the main language, but English is widely spoken and many programmes are taught in English.

The island is divided. The Republic of Cyprus controls the south; the north is administered separately by the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The two parts have separate higher education systems, and the choice between them affects visas, entry routes and how a degree is recognised. Two of the institutions in our directory are in the Republic (American College and Cyprus College, both in Nicosia) and two in the north (Eastern Mediterranean University in Famagusta and Cyprus International University near Nicosia).

The education system in the Republic of Cyprus

According to Study in Cyprus, the Republic has 3 public and 9 private universities and more than 40 public and private institutions of higher education. Degrees follow the European three-cycle structure:

• Bachelor's degree (ptychio): 4 years, 240 ECTS
• Master's degree: 1 to 2 years, 90 to 120 ECTS
• Doctorate: 3 to 8 years, with a minimum of 3 years

Non-university institutions of higher education also offer vocational and academic certificates (1 year), diplomas (2 years) and higher diplomas (3 years). Programmes are evaluated by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA), and academic recognition of qualifications is the responsibility of the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KYSATS).

Cyprus College, founded in 1961, describes itself as the oldest higher education institution in Cyprus. It teaches in Nicosia, on the campus of European University Cyprus, and since September 2010 also in Limassol; its diploma and degree programmes are registered and evaluated by CYQAA, and it prepares students for professional accounting exams such as ACCA and ICAEW.

Higher education in the north

Universities in the north work under the TRNC and Turkish frameworks, use Turkish postal addresses (Mersin 10, Türkiye) and recruit large numbers of international students. Cyprus International University states that it has more than 14,000 students from 110 countries. Eastern Mediterranean University states that 55 of its programmes and its English preparatory school are accredited by 13 international accrediting bodies. These universities are not part of the Republic of Cyprus system, so students should check carefully how a degree from the north is recognised in their home country and in the EU before enrolling.

Admission and recognition

In the Republic, completing secondary education is the general requirement for undergraduate study. Students apply directly to the institution, as admission criteria and language requirements vary by programme.

In the north, Eastern Mediterranean University accepts undergraduate applications twice a year and requires a secondary school certificate; applicants whose first language is not English take its English proficiency exam or present proof of their level. Cyprus International University asks for TOEFL (65 iBT) or IELTS (5.5), or an English test on arrival.

Student visa and entry

EU citizens can enter, study and work freely in the Republic of Cyprus. Non-EU students need a student visa, which is issued only to full-time students (at least 15 credits or 30 ECTS per semester) by a Republic of Cyprus embassy or consulate, or by the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus.

Students going to the north usually fly to Ercan airport via Türkiye; Cyprus International University advises students to apply for a transit visa at the nearest Turkish embassy if needed, and Eastern Mediterranean University issues a confirmation letter for students who need a visa to travel to North Cyprus. Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that the Republic of Cyprus considers Ercan an illegal point of entry; travellers who arrive that way and then try to cross to the south may be refused and fined, so it recommends entering and leaving the island through points controlled by the Republic (checked in October 2026).

Costs

The currency in the Republic is the euro. Tuition is set by each institution, and Study in Cyprus refers students to each admissions office for fees and scholarships. In the north, Cyprus International University grants all international undergraduate students a 50% tuition scholarship; Eastern Mediterranean University publishes its 2026-27 international fees through an online calculator.

Where to study

Nicosia, the divided capital, has institutions on both sides of the Green Line, including American College and Cyprus College in the south and Cyprus International University in the north. Limassol is the second centre in the Republic. Famagusta, in the north, is home to Eastern Mediterranean University. The Republic is served by Larnaca and Paphos international airports.

Working and practical life

In the Republic, international students with a work permit may work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and up to 38 hours a week during breaks. Non-EU graduates of a master's degree may stay up to 12 months to look for work in their field. Institutions help students find housing in university or private halls of residence, private flats or shared accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to study in Cyprus?

EU citizens do not. Non-EU students need a student visa for the Republic of Cyprus, issued only for full-time study. Universities in the north issue their own letters for students who need a visa.

Are courses taught in English?

Many are. Greek is the main language in the Republic, but English is widely spoken, and the universities in the north teach many programmes in English with English-language entry tests.

What is the difference between studying in the south and the north?

The Republic of Cyprus in the south is an EU member with its own accredited system; the north is administered by the TRNC with a separate system. Recognition of degrees and entry routes differ, so check both before you apply.

Can I work while studying in Cyprus?

In the Republic, students with a work permit may work up to 20 hours a week in term time and up to 38 hours in breaks.