Accreditations and recognitions of Cypriot universities

As an international center of education, the accreditations and recognitions of Cypriot universities are a living testament to their excellence and superiority in the field of higher education.

Cypriot universities have a strong reputation for offering high-quality, multidisciplinary educational programs and are dedicated to developing a dynamic academic environment that encourages innovation and critical thinking.

These recognition and accreditations demonstrate their commitment to providing an excellent learning environment. In this article, we explore the accreditations and recognitions of Cypriot universities in more detail.

What does university recognition and accreditation mean?

Before we talk about the accreditations and recognitions of Cypriot universities, we must first clarify the meaning of recognition and accreditation and their importance in obtaining a degree from an accredited university.

Recognition 

This means that the university or institution in question meets the quality standards and requirements set by the country's official institutions and can award academic degrees or certificates. Therefore, it is called a university recognized by the state or by the institutions responsible for recognizing universities or institutions.

Accreditation

It should be noted that accreditation is not linguistically different from recognition, but rather refers to a university that provides quality in a specific field, such as the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBBA), which is concerned with quality in management fields in general.

This brings us to another question: Are there different types of accreditations and recognitions? We will answer this question in the following section.

What are the types of recognitions and accreditations?

There are three types of accreditations and recognitions that a university obtains

1. State recognition

This means the university has obtained approval from the Ministry of Higher Education of the country in which it is located. 

This recognition is very important for the university, as it is recognized by other countries if it is recognized by its home country. These countries do not require curriculum reviews or any other procedures.

2. Recognition by other countries 

Some countries grant recognition directly to the university recognized in their country, as we learned in the previous title, and others review the university’s curricula, scrutinize the research, and compare it with a similar university in one of its universities. If the results are the same, it grants it recognition.

3. Accreditation by specialized institutions

Some international or local institutions set a set of standards for the quality of academic curricula, and the university that wishes to obtain this accreditation submits its papers in a specific program or specialization. 

If the institution finds that these curricula conform to the standards that it previously set, it grants them accreditation.

Read also: Living costs in Turkish Cyprus for students 2025

What is the importance of university recognition?

With the increasing number of universities around the world, the importance of monitoring these universities and ensuring they adhere to quality standards in their educational programs and curricula has become increasingly important. 

University recognition is crucial for students. Obtaining a degree from an accredited university helps them complete their graduate studies at other universities and secure jobs in any country they visit.  

After explaining the importance of university recognition and the student obtaining an accredited degree from a recognized university, whether locally or internationally, we must note that this increases the graduate's chances of obtaining more job opportunities, whether in Cyprus or elsewhere. This is what we will explain in the following section.

Does recognition of Cypriot universities increase job opportunities?

Undoubtedly, the goal every student strives for is to secure a prestigious job after graduation, whether in their home country, Cyprus, or another country. 

This is what studying at Cypriot universities provides, as many countries recognize graduation degrees from Cypriot universities. 

This does not apply to studying medicine (human or dental). To work in these specialties, the state sets a set of other criteria that must be met.

If you want to study these two fields, you must first ensure that you meet the required standards in your country or the country you want to travel to for work and settlement.

Which Cypriot universities are recognized?

Cyprus is considered a preferable study destination that receives many students from all over the world annually and has more than 20 internationally recognized universities. 

The following will mention the five most famous universities in Cypru

1 . Near East University

Is one of the largest and most renowned universities in Northern Cyprus. It houses one of the largest hospitals in Cyprus and has received numerous accreditations and recognitions, such as

• Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) and Turkish Cypriot Higher Education Council (YÖDAK). 

• International Association of Universities (IAU). 

• European University Association (EUA). 

• Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW). 

• World Health Organization (WHO). 

• Membership and accreditation in 114 different international organizations and bodies.

2. Kyrenia University

A university that combines quality education with a comfortable lifestyle. 

Located in one of the most beautiful areas of Cyprus, it offers a wide range of specializations that attract a large number of students. 

It has also received numerous accreditations and recognitions, such as

• Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK). 

• The Planning, Supervision, and Accreditation Council for Higher Education in the Turkish Cypriot Republic of Cyprus (YÖDAK). 

• The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). 

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO).

3. Cyprus International University

With numerous accreditations and recognitions, it is considered one of the most popular Cypriot universities for students from around the world.                            This is in addition to the distinguished academic programs it offers in various disciplines. These accreditations and recognitions include the following

• Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) and Turkish Cypriot Higher Education Council (YÖDAK). 

• Health Sciences Accreditation Board (SABAK). 

• Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA). 

• Architectural Accreditation Board (MÜDEK).

4. Bahçeşehir Cyprus University 

Part of the Bahçeşehir Education Foundation chain, it is one of the best and largest universities in Cyprus and has received numerous accreditations and recognitions 

• The Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) and the Turkish Cypriot Higher Education Council (YÖDAK). 
• The British National Information Centre for Recognition (UK ENIC). 
• The German Accreditation Centre for Foreign Credentials (ANABIN). 
• The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT).

5. Eastern Mediterranean University 

One of the best universities in Cyprus, it has been awarded a five-star rating by QS, which evaluates universities worldwide. It also holds numerous accreditations and recognitions, such as

• The American Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
• The European University Association (EUA). 
• The International Association of Universities (IAU).
• the Association of Mediterranean Universities (CMU).
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Accredited universities in Turkish Cyprus

The accreditations and recognitions of Cypriot universities include the following Universities:

• American University of Cyprus

• Cyprus Science University

• Eastern Mediterranean University

• University of Kyrenia

• Girne American University

• European University of Lefke

• Cyprus International University

• Near East University

• University of Mediterranean Karpasia

• Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University

• Final International University 

• Kıbrıs Ada Kent University

• Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design

• Bahcesehir Cyprus University

• International Business Management School (non-governmental)

• Cyprus West University

• Rauf Denktaş University

• Middle East Technical University ( northern Cyprus campus).

Recognition of Turkish Cypriot universities in other countries

All international students who are interested in studying abroad, especially Cyprus, Türkiye ask about the accreditations and recognitions of Cypriot universities, especially the recognition of Turkish Cypriot universities in other countries.

The accreditation and recognition of Cypriot universities are nationally and internationally by international accreditation authorities, including:

• AS

• ABET

• MUDEK

• TedQual

• Edexcel-UK

• MIAK

• FIBAA

• IACBE

• ECEBE

• EAQUALS

• ACPE

• AACSB

• UK-NARIC

• TRNC 

How can New Horizons help you to study in Turkey?

Provides services and advice to students when studying in Türkiye

1. Assisting students in preparing the required documents for university applications. 

2. Providing advice to students on choosing the financially appropriate university and major that best suits their abilities and capabilities.

3. A member of the New Horizons team helps students learn about the university's scholarships and how to apply. 

4. They also help students find suitable housing, whether private or off-campus, that suits their financial means.

5. Translation of papers and documents into Turkish or Turkish according to the university’s requirements.

6. Helping the student obtain preliminary acceptance from the university he wishes to study at.

7. Providing all information you need about accreditations and recognitions of Cypriot universities or any University in Turkey.

Conclusion

The numerous accreditations and recognitions of Cypriot universities make them an educational destination that attracts large numbers of students annually. We've explained the importance of these accreditation and how to obtain them.

Frequently asked questions about the accreditations and recognitions of Cypriot universities

Are Cypriot universities recognized?

The accreditations and recognitions of Cypriot universities are numerous from most European and Arab countries as well as many official organizations.

What are the disadvantages of studying in Cyprus?

One of the disadvantages of studying in Cyprus is the high cost of electricity, gas, water and internet bills. Restrictions are imposed on the number of hours students can work, which prevents them from earning an income while studying. Difficulty in finding job opportunities as they require proficiency in Turkish or Greek.

What are the best universities in Cyprus?

Near East University, Eastern Mediterranean University, Bahçeşehir University, Cyprus International University, and University of Kyrenia.