Study in Cyprus

Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. The country is steeped in history and culture and boasts a diverse landscape of sandy beaches, lush forests, and ancient ruins.

Nicosia is the most populous city in Cyprus and a popular cultural destination for students, while Ayia Napa and Limassol also attract young people due to their thriving nightlife options.

If you're more interested in seeing the sights, check out Nissi Beach, the Tombs of the Kings, Nea Paphos, Limassol Castle, and the Troodos Mountains.

The country has a well-respected education system, in part because it spends a significant proportion (5.2%) of its income on education, exceeding the European Union (EU) average of 4.7% (2023 Eurostat data).

The cost of study is low, and accommodation is cheap compared to other fashionable European study destinations. You'll also have the chance to pick up a second language - either Greek or Turkish, depending on where you study. However, many courses are taught in English, and the language is widely spoken among residents.

Cypriot universities

The higher education sector includes a mix of public and private institutions, as well as several private tertiary-level colleges.

As a member of the EU and part of the Bologna system, most of Cyprus's colleges and universities offer Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral programmes similar to those in the UK.

There are three public universities, with two of these making the QS World University Rankings 2026:

• Cyprus University of Technology (686th)
• University of Cyprus (452nd).

Eight institutions make up the private higher education sector:

• American University of Cyprus
• European University Cyprus
• Frederick University
• Neapolis University Paphos
• Philips University
• University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Cyprus
• University of Limassol
• University of Nicosia.

Universities found in Northern Cyprus operate under the separate law of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

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. Teaching at private universities is from October to June.

Degree courses in Cyprus

Bachelors courses, also known as first cycle courses or 'Ptychio', are taught at both public and private institutions, and typically take four years to complete. Some of the most popular courses in Cyprus include business, hospitality and tourism, but these are far from your only options. Art and architecture programmes are also well subscribed.

To be accepted onto an undergraduate course, you'll need a school leaver's certificate and to sit a centrally administered admissions exam. For degrees in biomedical sciences, medicine and dentistry, you may also be required to sit an entrance exam on biology and one other science.

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

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

Masters degrees

Postgraduate qualifications in Cyprus are equivalent to their UK counterparts. These Magister Artium/Scientiae courses usually take one or two years to complete and can be studied both full and part time. You can study the same subjects available at undergraduate level.

Entrants must have previously studied a relevant Bachelors degree to be admitted onto a programme. You may also have to complete a postgraduate interview.

MBA programmes are also widely available in the country.

PhDs

Applicants require a Masters degree in a related subject. Doctorates are much more common in public universities, usually lasting from three to eight 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.

Student exchanges

The UK government runs the Turing Scheme, which was confirmed for 2025/26, allowing students to secure overseas placements and study abroad. Applications open each winter for the following academic year. Check that your institution is involved in the programme and offers the Turing Scheme in Cyprus for the next academic year.

It may also be possible to study for a semester in the country through The University of Nicosia's Global Semesters study abroad programme. The scheme offers teaching in a variety of subjects, including health sciences and performing arts, and has options for credit-based internships, research and volunteer opportunities.

Course fees

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

For example, UK and overseas students looking to study at UCLan Cyprus can expect to pay €9,950 (£8,625) per year at undergraduate level, although the UCLan Cyprus Bursary can discount this by €950 (£823.50) per year.

Masters 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 (£4,335) and €10,000 (£8,668) per year in tuition fees. Doctoral degrees can cost up to €12,000 (£10,400).

Please note that non-EU students are likely to pay more than those from the EU.

Funding to study in Cyprus

Government-funded scholarships, usually covering 10% to 100% of fees, are available for international postgraduates who've displayed outstanding academic performance.

Universities such as the University of Cyprus subsidise foreign postgraduate students through scholarships and assistantships. The latter involves part-time teaching, grading and lab supervision.

Student visas

Non-EU students, including those from the UK, will require a visa to study in the country.

Visas are only issued to full-time students taking at least 12 credits per semester, but you can renew this annually for the duration of your studies.

Apply to your country's Cypriot embassy, such as the High Commission of Cyprus In The UK, 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
• letters of financial support
• a record of good conduct.

Non-EU students must also register with the relevant Divisional Aliens and Immigration Department within seven days of arrival in Cyprus. You should also check with your university and embassy for any other specific requirements.

Students from non-EU countries are permitted to work during their stay in Cyprus if studying full time and are granted a work permit from the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance.

To access the work permit, you will need to submit a signed employment contract and a timetable of your education. You will need to renew the work permit every year of your studies. This will allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 38 hours during the holidays.

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.

In addition to the above, non-EU students must apply for a temporary residence permit from the Civil Registry and Migration Department. This permit costs €70 (£61).

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

How to apply

Applications are usually submitted online via the university's application portal. However, in some cases, you may need to apply via post, with forms downloadable from their website. However, each institution sets its own admission requirements, so you'll need to check with the admissions office for specific details.

Be prepared to apply one year in advance. Some programmes require you to attend an entrance exam or pre-entry interview. You may also need to pay an application fee. For instance, the European University Cyprus charges a non-refundable application fee of €200 (£173.50).

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 up front. Documents may be required in English.

Language requirements

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

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

Some institutions may grant students without adequate skills a month's free intensive tuition, while others may require overseas students to have a good grasp of Greek or Turkish.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Due to the Bologna Process, university qualifications gained in Cyprus are directly comparable to their UK counterparts - so employers shouldn't have any trouble recognising them. However, the classification scales may differ, so check the requirements with your employer or visit ENIC-NARIC.

Find out more

• Read more information at Study in Cyprus.
• Discover what it's like to work in Cyprus.