Cyprus

⇑Universities

According to Cyprus's Department of Higher Education, the country has:

• 3 public universities – the University of Cyprus (UCY) in Nicosia, the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) and the Open University of Cyprus, which offers distance learning,
• 9 private universities – Frederick University, European University Cyprus, University of Nicosia, Neapolis University Pafos, UCLan Cyprus, Philips University, American University of Cyprus, University of Limassol and American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo,
• public and private higher education institutions that are not universities.

The largest public university, UCY, admits around 1,500 new students every year and has around 5,300 bachelor's students.

⇑Study system

Cyprus follows the Bologna system, with bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Taking the University of Cyprus as an example:

• a bachelor's degree is 240 ECTS, usually 8 semesters (4 years); in special cases it can be extended to 12 semesters,
• a year of full-time study is 60 ECTS,
• grades are given on a 0–10 scale; you need at least 5 to pass,
• from the third semester you can add a minor worth 60 ECTS.

The academic year has an autumn semester (September–December) and a spring semester (January–May). Attendance is compulsory.

⇑Admission

For a public university you need a secondary school leaving certificate or an equivalent qualification. Private universities may set additional requirements, depending on the programme and level of study.

At the University of Cyprus, most students are admitted through exams organised by the Cypriot Ministry of Education. International applicants who know Greek can be admitted on the basis of GCE/GCSE results, the International Baccalaureate (IB) or exams organised by the university. Applications are submitted in April every year.

For private universities you apply directly – each sets its own criteria and deadlines.

How a foreign school leaving certificate is assessed depends on the university, so ask the admissions office before you send your documents. If you come from outside the EU, apply early: you need your admission letter to arrange your entry and residence permit, and the residence permit procedure alone takes several months (see: Residence and formalities).

⇑Entrance exams

Cypriot school leavers take national exams (Pancyprian Examinations) – places at public universities are allocated on the basis of the results.

At the University of Cyprus, international applicants can take exams set by the university or submit the results of international exams. Private universities usually don't hold a central exam – what counts are your documents and the programme's requirements.

⇑Language

At public universities, teaching is mainly in Greek. At the University of Cyprus the exceptions are English studies, French studies and European studies, and Turkish studies – these are taught in English, French and Turkish respectively. UCY's School of Modern Greek runs intensive and regular courses for foreigners.

Study in Europe says that many institutions offer programmes taught entirely in English – bachelor's, master's and doctoral. This applies especially to private universities. For these, the university will usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL.

⇑Residence and formalities

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens don't need a visa. However, within 3 months of arrival you must register with the Civil Registry and Migration Department. You submit form MEU1A together with:

• a copy of your passport,
• your university admission letter,
• proof that you have enough money to support yourself,
• proof of health insurance,
• photos.

Students from outside the EU/EEA must get a visa or entry permit before arriving, and then a temporary residence permit for students. You will need, among other things, a criminal record certificate, medical tests and proof that you have paid part of your tuition fee. At the University of Cyprus, for example, you hand in your documents to the International Students and Staff Support Office within 7–10 days of arrival. They include a bank statement showing enough money for living costs and tuition fees, health insurance covering inpatient and outpatient care and repatriation, and the results of medical tests done in Cyprus (hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis and a chest X-ray for tuberculosis). The permit is valid for one year, the procedure takes about four months and the application fee is €55 (2026). Your permit is cancelled automatically if you stay abroad for more than three months.

⇑Tuition fees

EU citizens don't pay tuition for bachelor's degrees at public universities – just like Cypriots. The Open University of Cyprus is an exception. At the University of Cyprus the fee is €3,417 a year, but the state pays it for EU students. Students from outside the EU pay €6,834 a year.

For master's degrees at public universities, everyone pays – Cypriots and EU citizens included. Depending on the programme, it's €4,100–10,250 a year.

Private universities set their own fees – check the website of your chosen programme.

Small extra costs: a student card at UCY costs €12.

⇑Accommodation and living costs

The University of Cyprus warns that living in Nicosia can be expensive, and you'll spend more than usual in the first few weeks. Ask the international student support office of your chosen university for an estimated monthly budget.

Your options are:

• on-campus residences – at UCY these are single rooms with their own kitchen, but places are limited,
• off-campus flats – the university's Housing Office helps you find one,
• renting on your own.

There are restaurants and cafeterias with controlled prices on the UCY campus.

⇑Scholarships

You have several options:

• the Cyprus State Scholarship Foundation – awards scholarships to Cypriots and to students from the EU and from outside the EU; up to €3,000 a year for bachelor's and up to €4,000 a year for master's studies,
• university scholarships – at public and private universities, each with its own rules,
• Erasmus+ – a semester or year in Cyprus as part of an exchange with your home university.

The Cypriot student grant (€750–3,420, depending on family income) requires at least 5 years of previous residence in Cyprus – if you move to Cyprus just to study, you are unlikely to get it.

⇑Working while studying

EU/EEA citizens can work in Cyprus without any permit, also while studying.

Students from outside the EU/EEA may work up to 20 hours a week during term and up to 38 hours a week during holidays, but only in certain sectors – such as retail, health and social care, domestic work, manufacturing, agriculture, cleaning and delivery services, restaurants and hotels. Your employment contract must be approved by the District Labour Office.

Most casual jobs are in tourism, hotels and restaurants – English is often enough there. Start with your university's careers office.

Cyprus – why work there?
How to find a job abroad?

⇑Useful links

• Study in Europe – Cyprus – the official country profile on the European Commission's portal,
• Study in Cyprus – the Department of Higher Education's portal: institutions, admission, fees,
• Admission criteria – requirements for public and private universities,
• Scholarships – state and university scholarships,
• Migration Department – students – entry and residence permits for students from outside the EU,
• Department of Labour – employment of students from third countries – work rules for students from outside the EU,
• University of Cyprus – the largest public university,
• ENIC-NARIC – recognition of qualifications in Europe,
• Eurodesk – free information on studying, traineeships and volunteering in Europe.