Is studying in Cyprus for Iraqis the best option? Are degrees from Turkish Cypriot universities internationally recognized? Are there Cypriot universities recognized in Iraq? Do students require a student visa?
In this article, we will answer all the questions about studying in Cyprus for Iraqis. If you are one of them, this article will be very fruitful for you to obtain complete, reliable, and up-to-date information.
There are several reasons why Iraqi students choose to study in Turkish Cyprus over other countries:
- The cost of studying in Cyprus for Iraqis and living is better than in Europe.
- Most studies in Turkish Cyprus are conducted in English, a significant advantage for those seeking to enter the international job market.
- Most Cypriot universities are internationally accredited, strengthening their academic standing globally.
- Most Cypriot universities hold international accreditations, strengthening their academic standing globally.
- Cypriot universities boast state-of-the-art infrastructure, including educational and training facilities, as well as professional and psychological support facilities.
- The teaching staff at Cypriot universities are composed of elite academics and experts in their fields.
- Cyprus is one of the countries closest to Iraq, making it easy for you to visit and make family calls.
- Entry procedures into Turkish Cyprus are simpler than in other European countries.
- There are some recognized universities in Iraq, ensuring that students receive an acceptable education in their home country.
- The Turkish Cypriot government allows students to work while studying to cover their expenses.
- The educational environment in Turkish Cyprus is multicultural, bringing together students from various nationalities from around the world.
Read more : Advantages of studying in Turkish Cyprus
Yes, Eastern Mediterranean University degrees are recognized and accepted by the Iraqi Ministry of Education, and it is the only Cypriot university recognized in Turkish Cyprus.

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Study in Turkish Cyprus
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Study in Turkey
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Study in Europe
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Cost of Study
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Moderate to low, ranging from $1,000 to $48,000.
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Low, ranging from $1,950 to $44,000.
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High, ranging from €3,000 to €30,000.
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Cost of Living
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Reasonable, lower than in Europe and sometimes lower than in Turkey.
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Low to medium, with reasonable living costs.
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High in most major European countries.
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Quality of Education
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Education that meets European and international standards
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Accredited universities, medium to high quality, with a focus on engineering and medicine
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World-class universities, advanced scientific research, and a variety of specializations.
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Language of Instruction
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Mostly English, with some universities offering Turkish.
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Turkish or English at private universities
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English, French, German, depending on the country.
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Recognition and Certifications
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Limited Recognition
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Certifications recognized locally and internationally, but less strongly than in Europe
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Globally recognized certifications, the best internationally
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Cultural Diversity and Environment
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Multicultural environment, calm and student-friendly atmosphere
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Rich culture and wide diversity, active student life
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Very broad cultural diversity, rich and varied experiences
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Job and Training Opportunities
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Relatively limited job opportunities during studies
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Good opportunities for training and work alongside studies
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Very broad opportunities, especially in developed countries
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Residence and Visa
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Relatively simple procedures for students
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Moderate procedures, clear visa requirements
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Varies by country; some countries facilitate visas for students
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Ease of Movement
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Within the European Union, travel is easy.
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You need a visa to move to Europe or other countries.
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Freedom of movement within the European Union.
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Climate and Lifestyle
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Mediterranean climate, calm and student-friendly atmosphere.
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Diverse climate, active and diverse social life.
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Diverse climate depending on the country, intense civic and cultural life.
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Read more: Advantages of studying in Turkey
Iraqi students prefer to study a range of future majors at Cypriot universities, as they offer strong programs with international accreditation, including:
Studying in Cyprus for Iraqis, especially medicine, is the best option for students seeking high-quality medical education at an affordable cost.
The medical program lasts six years, including advanced theoretical education and intensive practical training at prestigious university hospitals.
Tuition fees range from $7,170 to $15,000 per year, depending on the university and language of instruction, making them significantly lower than those at European or Turkish private universities.
English is the primary language of study at most Cypriot universities, with programs also available in Turkish. A YÖS or SAT score is not required for admission.
The best universities for studying medicine in Cyprus are:

Studying dentistry in Northern Cyprus is a unique opportunity for Iraqi students, especially those seeking advanced medical education at a reasonable cost.
Universities in Northern Cyprus offer advanced dental education programs that combine theory with hands-on clinical training, ensuring the graduation of professionally qualified dentists.
Average tuition fees range from $4,700 to $12,090 per year, which is low compared to European universities.
- Cheapest dental programs in Cyprus (in English: Cyprus International University) €5,500 per year.
- Cheapest dental programs in Cyprus (in Turkish: University of Kyrenia) €4,700 per year.
The Best Universities to Study Dentistry in Turkish Cyprus
- Cyprus International University (CIU)
- Cyprus Health Sciences University (CHSU)
- Near East University (NEU)
- Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)
There are also many distinguished majors for studying in Cyprus for Iraqis, including:
- Pharmacy.
- Clinical Pharmacy.
- Veterinary Medicine.
- Artificial Intelligence Engineering.
- Biomedical Equipment Engineering.
- Civil Engineering.
- Mechanical Engineering.
Read more : The Cost of Studying Dentistry in Northern Cyprus in 2025
The best Turkish Cypriot university for Iraqis is Eastern Mediterranean University, as it is officially recognized by the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and enjoys the strongest advantages, such as:
- Its degrees are internationally recognized in Iraq, European Union countries, and Arab countries.
- All majors are taught in English, with a preparatory program for those who do not have a strong proficiency in the language.
- It has more than 1,100 professors from 35 countries, ensuring academic diversity and quality education.
- It is ranked among the top 800 universities worldwide according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
- It offers local and international training opportunities to connect studies with the job market.
- Special scholarships are offered to international students, including sibling discounts and awards for academic excellence.
Tuition fees for studying in Cyprus for Iraqis range from $1,000 to $48,000 per year, and they undoubtedly vary from one university to another and from one major to another.
Read the following table for more details:
University
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Lowest Tuition Fees
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Highest Tuition Fees
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Cyprus International University (CIU)
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€900
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€6,654
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Near East University (NEU)
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€1,254
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€11,849
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Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)
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$3,290
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$15,000
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Girne American University
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€3,250
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€7,250
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University of Kyrenia
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€1,400
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€10,000
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Cyprus Health Sciences University
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$2,000
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$48,000
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- The student visa fee for Cyprus is approximately €85, and this fee may vary slightly depending on the embassy or consulate through which the application is submitted.
- After arriving in Turkish Cyprus, a student residence card must be obtained. This annual cost is approximately €60 and is necessary for legal residence in the country for the duration of the study period.
- University health insurance is mandatory upon enrollment at Cypriot universities. The cost varies depending on the type of coverage and services provided, but the general average cost of health insurance is approximately $50 per year, a reasonable amount that ensures students have good medical coverage during their studies.
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Estimated Cost
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Single Apartment Living
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$2,400–$7,200 per year
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University Housing
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$1,700–$6,000 per year
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Transportation, Food, Bills
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$250–$500 per month
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Average Monthly Budget
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Around $600 per month
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Documents required to apply to Turkish Cypriot universities from Iraq include:
For Bachelor's Degree / Diploma
- High School Certificate (75% for Medicine and Dentistry)
- Transcript
- Personal Photo
- Passport
- Language Proof of Application (TOEFL/TOMER) if applicable.
For Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Transcript
- Personal Photo
- Passport
For PhD
- Master's Degree
- Thesis (Dissertation Proposal)
- Transcript
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Letter of Motivation
- Personal Photo
- Passport
If you want to secure admission to Turkish Cypriot universities, you should follow these steps:
- It is recommended to contact accredited agents, such as the New Horizons team, to facilitate the registration process and ensure prompt university acceptance.
- The most appropriate major is chosen based on the student's desires and budget, and the university that aligns with their academic ambitions is identified.
- Prepare the required documents, such as your high school or university certificate, transcript, personal photo, passport, and language proficiency certificate (if applicable).
- Submit the documents directly to the university and wait for a response, which usually arrives within a few days.
- After receiving acceptance, a down payment, typically between $1,000 and $1,600, is required to officially confirm the reservation.
- Students receive full support to obtain a study visa for Northern Cyprus with ease, through clear and quick steps.
- We assist with booking flight tickets, securing university housing, receiving the student at the airport, and accompanying them through the registration process.
New Horizons is one of the best registration agencies in Turkish Cyprus, offering comprehensive support to Iraqi and Arab students from the first step until they reach university. Its services include:
- We help you choose the university major that best suits your abilities and interests, while identifying the best university based on your academic and living budget.
- We guide you in collecting and organizing all the required documents for application, such as certificates, transcripts, photos, and passport, ensuring they meet the university's requirements.
- We submit your application directly to the best recognized universities in Turkish Cyprus and guarantee a response within a short period, often within just a few days.
- We follow up with the university to secure your seat after paying the first installment, ensuring you receive final and official acceptance quickly.
- We provide you with all the support and documents required to easily obtain a student visa from the Cypriot consulate.
- We book university or off-campus housing according to your preference, and upon arrival in Cyprus, we welcome you with a specialized local team who will accompany you to the university.
- Even after your arrival, we provide academic consultations, assistance with opening a bank account, obtaining residency, and obtaining university health insurance.
This concludes our discussion of studying in Cyprus for Iraqis from all aspects. If you have any further questions, the New Horizons team is available to answer all your inquiries by requesting a free consultation.