Cyprus is an island country in the Mediterranean sea known for having long summers, diverse vegetation, and pristine beaches. Located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, the country has experienced a myriad of cultures, offering unique experiences to international students. In this article, we will be looking at the best universities in Cyprus for international students.

Is Cyprus good for international students to study in?

Cyprus is the third country in the European Union with the highest investment in education, next to Denmark and Sweden. Allocating more than 7% of its GDP to education, universities in Cyprus receive generous funding for excellent facilities and other essential activities for a rich academic experience.

Most higher education institutions follow the American system of education, where students have the freedom to vary their academic load. Moreover, Cyprus is also a member of the EU and participates in its global academic initiatives. Both conditions impact the students’ education positively. Furthermore, tuition fees are relatively affordable at 4200 USD per year for undergraduate degrees and 2400 USD per year for Masters and Ph.D. degrees.

Can international students work in Cyprus while studying?

International students of recognized universities in Cyprus can work alongside their studies, as long as they are full-time students. They can work up to 20 hours a week in the following sectors of economic activity only: Trade-Repairs, Health, and Social Care, Household Activities, Manufacturing, Agriculture-Animal Husbandry-Fishery, Food Industry, Hotels, Restaurants-Recreational Centers. Specifically allowed occupations in the above-mentioned fields are found on the Department of Labor website.

Can international students stay in Cyprus after graduation?

International students who want to stay in Cyprus have to secure another form of residency permit to replace their student visa. The most common route for university graduates is to obtain a work permit that will also grant their residency. However, they must first exit the country within 60 days from their graduation date. They can apply for a working permit or visa in Cyprus from their home country.

After five years of temporary resident permit or work permit, foreign nationals become eligible for a permanent residency visa. Furthermore, non-EU citizens can become citizens of Cyprus through neutralization or investment. Complete requirements can be found on the Department of Labor website.

Best Universities in Cyprus for International Students

1. Cyprus University of Technology (CUT)

The Cyprus University of Technology is a state university located in the shoreline city of Lemesos (Limassol). The top university in Cyprus was established to fill the gap in higher education in the country, so it offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in subjects not available at the University of Cyprus. Even though CUT is a young university founded in 2004, it was rapidly recognized by many prestigious university ranking organizations like Times Higher Education, Shanghai, and QS.

The Cyprus University of Technology is organized into six faculties: Geotechnical Sciences and Environmental Management, Communication and Media Studies, Management and Economics, Health Sciences, Applied Arts, and Engineering and Technology. In addition, CUT also has a Language Center where international students can learn English, Greek, and Turkish.

2. University of Cyprus (UCY)

The University of Cyprus is the best university in Cyprus for international students and is the state research university based in the capital city, Nicosia. It admitted its first students in 1992 and has since been one of the leading institutions in Europe. It comprises seven faculties and one medical school. These are Faculties in Humanities, Pure and Applied Sciences, Social Sciences and Education, Economics and Management, Engineering, Letters, and Graduate Studies.

The UCY is the most active in research in all Cyprus universities. With around 7000 students, the UCY is the biggest producer of researchers in Cyprus. UCY does not only nurture local talent. It is globally networked as well and participates in many university alliances, exchange-student programs, and many other initiatives that support international student mobility.

3. University of Nicosia (UNIC)

The University of Nicosia, one of the best universities in Cyprus, is the largest in the country and Southern Europe where the primary mode of instruction is in English. It manages study centers in Bucharest, Romania, Athens, and New York, in addition to its main campus in Nicosia. The university comprises six schools teaching health sciences, medicine, education, law, architecture, accounting, and international relations. Many of their programs are the first of their kind in the country, and some globally as well. UNIC is the first university in the world to teach Master of Science in Digital Currency, and the first globally to accept Bitcoin for academic fees.

UNIC is indeed a modern and progressive university, and its campus reflects this as well. The expansive campus in the suburb of Engomi, Nicosia houses specialized facilities for teaching, research, and sports and recreation. UNIC’s official residences for local and international students are among the most modern accommodations in Europe.

4. Near East University (NEU)

Near East University is a private university and one of the largest in the country. It is based in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, where it houses over 26000 students from more than 100 different countries. NEU offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across 16 faculties, teaching pharmacy, health sciences, engineering, law, and fine arts to mention a few. Its faculties of Medicine and Dentistry are the first and only faculties in the North Cyprus region. In addition, NEU hosts 28 research institutes, eight graduate schools, and three high schools.

Near East University is known for its supercomputers, as well as The Grand Library spanning 15000 square meters with millions of printed materials and electronic resources. Students also enjoy four extensive amphitheaters and the only Olympic swimming pool in the country.

5. Cyprus International University (CIU)

Cyprus International University is a private, English-language university in North Nicosia. It was established in 1997 in recognition of the increasing need for foreign language instruction in the country. This top university in Cyprus is home to ten faculties across the sciences, arts, humanities, and engineering. It also manages six schools, seven research units, and a Continuing Education Center. Most of the research work focuses on cultural heritage, biotechnology, underwater archaeology and imaging, and social and strategy policy.

Cyprus International University currently has 19000 students with 109 different nationalities, as well as cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. It is not surprising that it has one of the most diverse student profiles among universities in Cyprus, united with the English language and the university’s values.

 

We hope that this article on the best universities in Cyprus for international students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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