Studying in Turkish Cyprus – Recognitions, Tuition Fees, and Top Universities

There are many options for studying abroad, but studying in Turkish Cyprus remains the top educational destination for students seeking high-quality education at low tuition fees.

That’s why in the New Horizons Guide to Studying in Turkish Cyprus, you'll find everything you're looking for — including the pros and cons of studying in Turkish Cyprus, tuition fees, global rankings of Cypriot universities, student lifestyle, and everything related to studying in Northern Cyprus.

We highly recommend reading the full article to get the latest information and pricing, and to start planning your studies in Northern Cyprus.


Key Facts About Life in Turkish Cyprus

The island of Turkish Cyprus — also known as Northern Cyprus — is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It lies between Turkey and Greece, and its capital, Lefkoşa, is known for its stunning nature and unique tourist attractions.

The culture is a mix of Turkish and Greek heritage, with a rich cultural diversity among its residents. Turkish is the dominant language, and the Turkish Lira is the currency used for financial transactions.

To this day, only Turkey officially recognizes Northern Cyprus as an independent republic. As such, it conducts most of its external operations through Turkey, and its economy is closely tied to the Turkish economy.


Why Choose to Study in Turkish Cyprus?

There are many reasons why thousands of international students choose to study in Turkish Cyprus:

  • An exceptional educational environment that combines strong universities, cultural diversity, and low costs.

  • A safe region for international students to live and study.

  • Stunning natural scenery and beautiful beaches offer a unique and enjoyable learning experience.

  • Many Cypriot universities are internationally accredited, which increases global employment opportunities.

  • English is the main language of instruction at most universities, a major advantage for international students.

  • Affordable tuition and diverse housing options compared to European countries.

  • A wide range of part-time work opportunities for students, especially in the tourism and service sectors.


Advantages of Studying in Turkish Cyprus

Cypriot universities offer many benefits, including:

  • A wide variety of academic programs at all levels, including medicine, engineering, business, arts, and design.

  • Many universities are internationally accredited for meeting global standards in higher education (e.g., Near East University).

  • Hands-on training is widely offered, giving students valuable experience during their studies.

  • Some universities partner with international companies, increasing students' chances of employment after graduation.

  • University campuses are large and well-equipped, offering both academic and professional development support.

  • Close partnerships with international universities enhance student exchange opportunities.

  • Diverse student communities expose learners to various cultures.

  • Vibrant student life filled with cultural, artistic, and recreational activities.

  • Universities invest in personal and professional development through various student clubs focusing on key interest areas.


Disadvantages of Studying in Turkish Cyprus

While there are many benefits, there are a few challenges to be aware of:

  • Some countries do not recognize Cypriot universities, so it's essential to confirm recognition from your home country.

  • Job opportunities outside the tourism and service sectors may be limited for international students.

  • While tuition fees are affordable, medical programs may be relatively expensive.

  • Some students may find it difficult to adapt to the local culture; learning about Cypriot culture beforehand is recommended.


Higher Education System in Turkish Cyprus

Cypriot universities offer programs across three levels:

1. Bachelor’s Degree

  • Programs in engineering, science, business, medicine, and more.

  • Duration: 4 years (6 years for medicine, 5 years for dentistry and pharmacy).

  • Most programs are taught in English.

2. Master’s Degree

  • Covers fields like business, technology, and social sciences.

  • Duration: 1 to 2 years.

  • Requires a relevant bachelor’s degree and proficiency in English.

  • Opportunities for both academic and applied research.

3. PhD Degree

  • Offered in various academic fields including science, medicine, and engineering.

  • Duration: 3 to 5 years depending on research requirements.

  • Requires a master’s degree and a research proposal.

  • Scholarships and funding are available for outstanding students.


Language of Instruction in Turkish Cypriot Universities

English is the primary language of instruction at most universities in Turkish Cyprus. What makes this better than many European universities is that you don’t need to be fluent — preparatory programs are available to help students reach the required level before starting their degree.

Accepted English proficiency tests include:

  • TOEFL

  • IELTS

  • Pearson PTE


There are hundreds of available majors. Below are some of the most in-demand programs:

Top Bachelor’s Programs

  • Dentistry

  • General Medicine

  • Pharmacy

  • Clinical Pharmacy

  • Artificial Intelligence Engineering

  • Bioengineering

  • Biomedical Engineering

  • Civil Engineering

  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering

  • Energy Systems Engineering

  • Computer Engineering

  • Industrial Engineering

  • Information Systems Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Mechatronics Engineering

  • Medical Engineering

  • Management Engineering

  • Environmental Engineering

  • Management Information Systems

  • Business Administration

  • Communication Design

  • Economics

  • Information Technology

  • Cybersecurity

  • International Law

  • International Relations

About the Author

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YAHYA ELHAMMUD

خبير في تحسين محركات البحث (SEO) ومختص في رفع ظهور المواقع على جوجل وتحقيق نتائج ملموسة. أمتلك خبرة تمتد لأكثر من [عدد السنوات] سنوات في تحليل المواقع، البحث عن الكلمات المفتاحية، بناء استراتيجيات محتوى قوية، وتحسين الهيكل التقني للمواقع.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and answers about studying in Turkey

After many years of working on registering thousands of students in Turkish universities, and answering an unlimited number of questions about studying in Turkey, these are the most important questions that concern students

Turkey enjoys political and economic stability, ranking as the sixth-largest economy in Europe and the sixteenth in the world. This has positively influenced education in Turkish universities. One of the main reasons Turkey has become a hub for international education is the high quality and efficiency of its academic programs, along with low living costs. Additionally, tuition fees at Turkish universities and language institutes are significantly more affordable compared to Western countries. Turkish educational institutions enjoy a strong international reputation and are recognized in many countries around the world. For many students finishing high school, studying in Turkey has become a dream.
High-quality education Globally recognized degrees Modern university campuses Cultural diversity
To apply to Turkish universities, the only main requirement is that the applicant must have a high school diploma with an average of at least 70%.
Typically, Turkish universities require the following documents: High school diploma or equivalent Transcript of grades (if available) Copy of passport or ID Passport-size photo Language proficiency certificate (if applicable: TOEFL or TÖMER) Motivation letter or recommendation (for some programs/universities)
Education programs in Turkey are generally divided into three main types: Programs entirely in Turkish. Programs entirely in English. Mixed programs: around 70% in Turkish and 30% in English. In addition, some universities offer Islamic studies programs in Arabic.
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