There are many options for studying abroad, but studying in Turkish Cyprus remains the preferred educational destination for every student seeking the highest levels of education with the lowest tuition fees.
That's why the New Horizons Guide to Studying in Northern Cyprus provides you with everything you need, including the advantages and disadvantages of studying in Northern Cyprus, tuition fees in Northern Cyprus, the global ranking of Turkish Cypriot universities, student lifestyle, and everything related to studying in Northern Cyprus.
We recommend reading the entire article to get the latest information and universities and start planning your studies in Northern Cyprus.
Turkish Cyprus, or Northern Cyprus, is known as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It lies between Turkey and Greece, and its capital, Lefkosa, is distinguished by its enchanting nature and unique tourist attractions.
Its culture blends Turkish and Greek heritage, and its population enjoys great cultural diversity. However, as is well known, Turkish is the dominant language on the island, and the Turkish lira is the currency used for financial transactions.
To this day, it is only recognized as an independent republic by Turkey, which facilitates all foreign transactions through Turkey. Its economy is also fully intertwined with the Turkish economy.
There are many advantages to studying in Turkish Cyprus that make it a destination for thousands of international students, including:
- An exceptional educational environment combining strong universities, cultural diversity, and low prices.
- The Turkish island of Cyprus is considered a safe place for international students to study and live.
- Studying amidst stunning natural scenery and picturesque beaches makes studying in Cyprus an unparalleled educational experience.
- There are many internationally recognized Cypriot universities, ensuring students can work in various parts of the world.
- English is the most widely accepted language at Turkish Cypriot universities, a significant advantage for international students.
- Diverse housing options and lower tuition fees compared to European countries are among the most significant advantages of studying in Cyprus.
- Ample job opportunities are available in various sectors for international students, particularly in tourism and services.
Cypriot universities enjoy many advantages, such as:
- Turkish Cypriot universities offer a variety of specializations at various levels, including medicine, engineering, management, arts, and design.
- Many Cypriot universities have obtained international accreditations for their adherence to international higher education standards, such as the Near East International University.
- Cypriot universities provide their students with practical training, providing them with experience during their studies.
- Some universities in Northern Cyprus have partnerships with international companies, increasing the student's likelihood of employment after graduation.
- University buildings in Cyprus are large campuses that provide everything needed to support students in their academic, professional, and personal development.
- Cypriot universities maintain close collaborations with international universities abroad, enhancing study abroad opportunities for international students.
- Cypriot universities embrace an international student community, providing students with the opportunity to experience diverse cultures.
- Student life at universities in Northern Cyprus is vibrant, offering numerous recreational, cultural, and artistic activities.
- It also focuses on refining and developing its students' professional and personal skills by establishing various student clubs that address areas of interest to students.
Read more : 11 reasons to study in Cyprus
Despite the advantages of studying in Turkish Cyprus, there are some drawbacks and challenges that you should be aware of before deciding to study in Turkish Cyprus:
- Some countries do not recognize Cypriot universities, so we recommend ensuring your country recognizes the desired university.
- Employment opportunities outside the tourism and service sectors in Turkish Cyprus are limited, making job opportunities scarce for international students.
- While tuition fees are affordable for everyone, the cost of studying medical specialties can be somewhat high.
- Some students may have difficulty adjusting to the culture, so it is recommended to familiarize yourself with Cypriot culture before arriving.
Cypriot university programs vary across three stages:
- Universities offer bachelor's degree programs in fields such as engineering, science, business administration, and medicine.
- The duration of study is four years, except for medicine, which is six years, and dentistry and pharmacy, which are five years.
- Most programs are taught in English.
- They include diverse fields such as business, technology, and social sciences.
- The duration of study typically lasts one to two years.
- A suitable bachelor's degree and proficiency in English are required.
- Students have opportunities to participate in academic and applied research.
- PhD programs are offered in various academic fields, including science, medicine, and engineering.
- The duration of study ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the specialty and research requirements.
- It typically includes obtaining a master's degree and preparing a research plan.
- Scholarships and funding are available for outstanding students.
English is the official language of instruction at most Turkish Cypriot universities. What's even more remarkable is that applicants are not required to be fluent in the language, as they offer preparatory programs to teach students the language at the required level before studying, unlike European universities.
The English language certificates accepted at Cypriot universities are:
- TOEFL.
- IELTS.
- Pearson University PTE.
There are hundreds of majors available at universities in Northern Cyprus. Here are the most prominent:
The most prominent bachelor's majors in Turkish Cyprus:
- Dentistry.
- Human Medicine.
- Pharmacy.
- Clinical Pharmacy.
- Artificial Intelligence Engineering.
- Bioengineering.
- Biomedical Engineering.
- Civil Engineering.
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
- Power Systems Engineering.
- Computer Engineering.
- Industrial Engineering.
- Information Systems Engineering.
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Mechatronics Engineering.
- Biomedical Engineering.
- Administrative Engineering.
- Environmental Engineering.
- Management Information Systems.
- Business Administration.
- Communication Design.
- Economics.
- Information Technology.
- Information Technology Security.
- International Law.
- International Relations.
- Accounting and Finance.
- Architecture.
- Bioengineering.
- Biotechnology.
- Business Administration.
- Communication and Media Studies.
- Computer Engineering.
- Civil Engineering.
- Counseling Psychology.
- Data Science.
- Economics.
- Educational Administration and Planning.
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
- Power Systems Engineering.
- Engineering Management.
- Environmental Sciences.
- Environmental Engineering.
- English Language Teaching.
- General Psychology.
- Healthcare Organizations.
- Information Technology.
- Information Systems Engineering.
- Bioengineering
- Business Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Power Systems Engineering
- English Language Teaching
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Health Management
- International Relations
- Law
- Management Information Systems
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- New Media and Communications.
- Occupational Health and Safety.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
- Orthodontics.
- Periodontology.
- Prosthodontics.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Tourism and Hotel Management.
- Allergy and Immunology.
- Analytical Chemistry.
- Anatomy.
- Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Pathology.
- Arts and Design.
- Banking and Finance.
- Biochemistry.
- Anatomy.
- Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Pathology.
- Arts and Design.
- Banking and Finance.
- Biochemistry.
- Biomedical Engineering.
- Biostatistics.
- Business Administration.
- Business Administration.
- Clinical Pharmacy.
Here is information on the most popular majors for students in Turkish Cyprus:
Studying human medicine in Turkish Cyprus takes six years, beginning with basic sciences such as anatomy and biochemistry, then moving on to clinical sciences such as surgery and internal medicine.
The program includes intensive practical training in university or partner hospitals during the final years, enhancing students' practical skills and preparing them for professional life.
Top Universities in Turkish Cyprus for Studying Medicine
Read more: Medical institutes in Cyprus
Dentistry studies in Turkish Cyprus take five years, beginning with basic subjects such as anatomy and oral and dental sciences, then progressing to specialized subjects including restorative techniques and oral surgery.
The study includes intensive practical training in university clinics, thus providing students with direct practical experience that enhances their clinical skills.
The best universities in Turkish Cyprus to study dentistry:
Pharmacy studies in Northern Cyprus take five years, beginning with basic subjects such as pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmacology, then expanding to drug compounding sciences and pharmacy management.
The program includes practical training in pharmaceutical laboratories and clinics, providing students with field experience.
Best Universities in Northern Cyprus to Study Pharmacy
Nursing studies in Turkish Cyprus take four years and include core subjects such as anatomy, biology, and healthcare.
The program includes intensive practical training in hospitals and clinics, providing students with practical experience that helps them develop their care skills and enables them to provide comprehensive medical care.
The Best Universities in Northern Cyprus for Nursing Studies
Studying engineering in Northern Cyprus takes four years and covers core subjects such as applied mathematics, physics, and computer science, in addition to specialized subjects depending on the chosen engineering discipline.
The program includes practical training and applied projects in collaboration with companies, enhancing students' practical skills and preparing them for the job market.
Top Universities in Turkish Cyprus to Study Engineering
- Cyprus International University
- Near East University
- Eastern Mediterranean University
Aviation studies in Northern Cyprus take approximately four years and include core subjects such as aviation science, air navigation, and meteorology.
The program includes practical training in flight simulators and training on real aircraft, providing students with field experience that will qualify them to obtain a pilot's license and work as professional pilots.
Best Universities in Northern Cyprus for Studying Aviation
- University of Kyrenia
- University of Girne
Here are the top 3 universities we recommend for students wishing to study in Turkish Cyprus:
- Founded in 1988, it is the largest private university in Northern Cyprus and is located in the capital, Nicosia.
- Near East University (NEU) is the largest private university in Turkish Cyprus and the first university to offer medicine, dentistry, engineering, and health sciences in Northern Cyprus.
- Near East University is ranked first in Cyprus and 1,289th globally according to the 2025 QScientific Index.
- NEU is one of the internationally recognized universities in Turkish Cyprus, having obtained several accreditations, making its degrees recognized in most European countries and Palestine.
- Near East University tuition fees range from 1,254 to 10,923 Euros per year.
- The University of Kyrenia is one of the best universities in Turkish Cyprus. Founded in 2013 with support from Near East University, it offers a variety of specializations, most notably medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, aviation, maritime transport, engineering, law, and business administration.
- The University of Kyrenia is ranked fifth locally in Turkish Cyprus and 4,868th globally, according to the 2025 World University Rankings.
- It is also recognized in Turkey, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, and many European countries, and has official accreditation from Yök, Yödak, and other academic institutions.
- Tuition fees at the University of Kyrenia range from €1,254 to €10,750 per year, making it the cheapest university in Turkish Cyprus.
- Cyprus International University (CIU) is one of the most prominent private universities in Turkish Cyprus.
- Founded in 1997, it offers modern programs, with its most prominent specializations being human medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, nursing, physical therapy, and software engineering.
- In terms of its local ranking, Cyprus International University (CIU) ranked third among Turkish Cypriot universities and 4,152nd globally in 2025.
- Cyprus International University (CIU) is recognized in Turkey, Lebanon, Germany, France, Belgium, and several other European and Arab countries.
- It has obtained several accreditations, including MÜDEK, SABAK, AHPGS, FIBAA, and others.
- Cyprus International University's tuition fees range between €1,250 and €10,050 per year, depending on the major and academic program.
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University
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Country recognized
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Eastern Mediterranean University
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Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Morocco, Lebanon.
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Near East University
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Qatar, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Morocco, Lebanon.
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Cyprus International University
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Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Morocco, Lebanon.
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University of Kyrenia
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Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Morocco, Lebanon.
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Bahçeşehir University of Cyprus
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Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Morocco, Lebanon.
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Cyprus Health Sciences University
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Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Morocco, Lebanon.
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Ada Kent University
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Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Morocco, Lebanon.
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Girne American University
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Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Morocco, Lebanon.
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Final International University
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Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Morocco, Lebanon.
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- Cyprus International University ranked 3rd locally, 601st globally.
- Near East University ranked 6th locally, 601st globally.
- Ada Kent University ranked 10th locally, 4328th globally.
- Eastern Mediterranean University ranked 5th locally, 601st globally.
- Girne American University ranked 11th locally, 6594th globally.
- University of Kyrenia ranked 10th locally, 4328th globally.
According to the latest university pricing updates in Turkish Cyprus, tuition fees in Turkish Cyprus start at $1,000 and can reach up to $48,000. These fees vary depending on the university, field of specialization, and program level. Below are the university prices in Turkish Cyprus for 2025:
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University Name
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Tuition Fees
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Cyprus International University (CIU)
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€900 – €6,654
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Cyprus Health Sciences University
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$2,000 – $48,000
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University of Kyrenia
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€1,400 – €10,000
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Girne American University (GAU)
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€3,250 – €7,250
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Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)
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$3,290 – $15,000
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Near East University (NEU)
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€1,254 – €11,849
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Scholarships vary among Cypriot universities, some offering full and some partial scholarships at varying rates. However, in general, you'll find the following scholarships at most universities:
- Academic merit scholarships: awarded to students based on outstanding academic performance.
- Postgraduate scholarships: aimed at supporting postgraduate studies for outstanding students.
- Sports and Arts Scholarships: Awarded to students who achieve outstanding achievements in sports or arts activities.
- Scholarship Exams: Some universities, such as the Near East University and Final International University, hold special exams to determine students' eligibility for scholarships.
- 50% Scholarship: For students who demonstrate good academic performance.
- 75% Scholarship: For students with outstanding academic performance.
- 100% Scholarship: Awarded to exceptional students.
- Scholarships after the first year: Scholarships covering 100% of tuition fees for students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance after the first year.
- Partial Scholarships: Discounts of up to 50% on tuition fees for students, provided they pay full tuition fees for all years.
Study requirements in Turkish Cyprus are simple and easy. Cypriot universities do not require passing aptitude tests, but rather submitting basic academic certificates, as follows:
- Submit a high school diploma with a grade of at least 80% for medical specialties and 70% for engineering specialties.
- A transcript showing the subjects and grades the student has completed throughout high school.
- TOEFL or IELTS language certificate (if available).
- A personal photo with a white background.
- A passport valid for more than three months.
- Submitting a bachelor's degree.
- University transcript.
- A personal photo.
- Passport.
- Language proficiency certificate (if available).
If you want to plan to study in Turkish Cyprus, you should begin by taking the following steps:
- Choose the university major you wish to study. You can do this by taking the appropriate university major selection test.
- Determine the university you wish to apply to, and make sure to choose the university that offers the best teaching in your field.
- Check the admission requirements for each university you wish to apply to.
- Prepare the required documents for application.
- Submit your documents to the university either through an authorized agent, such as the New Horizons team, or in person.
- Pay the required tuition fees into the university's bank account.
- After your acceptance, begin the process of obtaining a student visa to Cyprus.
- After your arrival, complete your registration at the university in person.
- Take advantage of services provided, such as academic advising and psychological support centers.
Here is the fastest way to apply to Turkish Cypriot universities in four steps:
- Contact the New Horizons team for educational advice that will explain the steps.
- We help you prepare your university application documents.
- As an official agent for Cypriot universities, we send admission applications to universities free of charge.
- With us, you can guarantee your university acceptance in less than 24 hours.
The most important advantage of studying in Turkish Cyprus is that international students of only three nationalities are required to complete the student visa process:
- Syrian students.
- Nigerian students.
- Armenian students.
The student must present the final acceptance along with the other documents, such as the high school certificate and transcript, to the Istanbul Airport Authority, and then head to the Turkish Cypriot Airport, which means that he/she will be traveling to Turkish Cypriot (transit).
Cypriot universities open their applications from May (May 5) to September (Ninth), with some universities extending registration until October.
International students are granted a 90-day period to reside in Cyprus without a student residence card. Before this period expires, they must obtain a student residence permit to officially guarantee residency throughout their studies.
The process of obtaining a student residence permit in Cyprus is simple, requiring only the submission of the following documents to the Immigration Department:
- A completed and signed Cyprus visa application form.
- A passport valid for at least one year from the date of arrival, with a blank visa page.
- Four recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.
- Acceptance letter from an educational institution in Cyprus.
- Original copies of previous academic certificates, along with certified copies translated into English.
- Proof of financial means to live in Cyprus, such as a bank statement, scholarship, or letter of sponsorship.
- A police clearance certificate issued within the past six months in your home country.
- If you have a sponsor, provide a bank guarantee from your sponsor covering living and study costs, issued within the past six months.
- Travel health insurance.
- Any additional documents the educational institution may require.
Cypriot universities provide their students with mandatory health insurance covering the duration of their stay for a nominal fee, allowing them to receive full healthcare at government hospitals free of charge.
Living in Northern Cyprus is safe and diverse, offering a variety of student housing options, such as:
- University housing.
- Government student housing.
- Private student housing.
- Youth housing.
A student in Turkish Cyprus needs approximately 400 to 600 $ per month, including housing, monthly bills, food, and transportation.
In conclusion, studying in Turkish Cyprus is a unique experience for every student who wishes to study abroad and receive a high-quality education in an exceptional educational environment at a low cost.
If you need more information about studying in Turkish Cyprus or applying, don't hesitate to contact us now and receive free educational advice and a range of services that will pave the way for you to study in Cyprus.
Read more: Living costs in Turkish Cyprus for students 2025
- We help you choose the academic major that best suits your study plans in Turkish Cyprus.
- We provide you with comprehensive information about the best universities and admission requirements.
- We give you the best opportunities to obtain partial and full scholarships.
- We handle the application and registration procedures free of charge to ensure your admission to the appropriate university.
- We follow up on the admission process and communicate directly with universities to ensure the expedited procedures.
- We offer orientation sessions on academic and social life to facilitate your adjustment.
- We help you fully prepare your student visa documents.
- We provide guidance on the steps to obtaining residency.
- We organize your reception and transfer to accommodation to make your study experience a smooth start.
- We help you secure permanent accommodation that suits you.
- We provide translation and notarization of academic and personal documents.
Contact us now for more information about studying in Cyprus.
