Best Universities in Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus has in recent years become one of the most attractive destinations for higher education among students from different countries. It combines internationally recognized degrees, affordable tuition fees, English language programs and a truly multicultural environment. Universities in Northern Cyprus offer a wide range of degree programs, modern infrastructure and career prospects both in Europe and abroad.

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)

Founding year: 1979
Type: State
City: Famagusta
Number of students: More than 20,000
Departments and Directions:
11 faculties and 5 schools
Popular fields: engineering, business and economics, architecture, information technology, medicine 

Language of Instruction: English 
International Accreditation: Yes (ABET, FIBAA, AQAS, etc.) 
Features:
Ranked among the top 1000 universities in the world by Times Higher Education
Own modern library and sports complex
Active student life: more than 50 clubs and organizations
Career and Placement Center helps graduates find jobs around the world 
Tuition Costs: On average between 3,000 and 8,000 euros per year 
Scholarships: Available to international students, coverage up to 50% tuition cost

Near East University (NEU)

Founding year: 1988
Type: Private
City: Nicosia
Number of students: More than 25,000

Departments and Directions:
20 faculties
Strong areas: medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, arts Language of Instruction: English 
International Accreditation: Yes (ECFMG, JCI, FIBAA, etc.) 
Features:
Own university hospital and dental clinic
One of the largest university campuses in Cyprus
More than 102 nationalities among students
Developed system of scientific laboratories and research centers 
Tuition Costs: On average from 3,500 to 12,600 euros per year (depends on the faculty) 
Scholarships: Up to 75% of tuition for talented students

Girne American University (GAU)

Founding year: 1985
Type: Private
City: Kyrenia
Number of students: About 18,000
Departments and Directions:
6 faculties and 3 higher schools
Key areas: business, tourism, architecture, engineering, art 

Language of Instruction: English 
International Accreditation: Yes (IACBE, Edexcel, YÖK, etc.) 
Features:
The American education system
Exchange programs with universities in the USA and Europe
International campuses in the UK, USA, Turkey, Hong Kong
Modern campus with sea views 
Tuition Costs: From 4000 to 9000 euros per year 
Scholarships: Up to 50% tuition discounts for international students

Cyprus International University (CIU)

Founding year: 1997
Type: Private
City: Nicosia
Number of students: More than 20,000
Departments and Directions:
12 faculties
Popular areas: engineering, architecture, ecology, business, IT 

Language of Instruction: English 
International Accreditation: Yes (ABET, FIBAA, YÖK, etc.) 
Features:
Eco-campus with green technologies
More than 110 nationalities among students
Own innovation laboratory and research centers
Dual Degree Programs 
Tuition Costs: On average 3500-8000 euros per year 
Scholarships: Up to 50% for international students

European University of Lefke (EUL)

Founding year: 1990
Type: State
City: Lefke
Number of students: About 11,000
Departments and Directions:
9 faculties
Main areas: social sciences, pedagogy, engineering, business, health care 

Language of Instruction: English 
International Accreditation: Yes (YÖK, FEDEK, etc.) 
Features:
A cozy campus at the foot of the mountains
Exchange programs with European universities
Modern laboratories and sports grounds
Emphasis on practical training and internships 
Tuition Costs: On average 3000-6000 euros per year 
Scholarships: Up to 50% for international students

University of Kyrenia (University of Kyrenia)

Founding year: 2013
Type: Private
City: Kyrenia
Number of students: About 4,000
Departments and Directions:
12 faculties
Key areas: marine sciences, aeronautical sciences, medicine, engineering, social sciences 

Language of Instruction: English 
International Accreditation: Yes (YÖK, FEDEK, etc.) 
Features:
The first university in Northern Cyprus to specialize in marine and aviation sciences
Modern simulators and laboratories for practical training
Active cooperation with leading maritime and aviation companies
Dual degree and internship programs 
Tuition Costs: On average 3500-8000 euros per year 
Scholarships: Up to 50% for international students

Other Universities in Northern Cyprus

Final International University (FIU)

Founding year: 2015
Type: Private
City: Kyrenia
Number of students: About 2,000
Departments and Directions:
Tourism, business, engineering, pedagogy 
Language of Instruction: English 
Features:
Modern campus
Exchange programs 
Tuition Costs: From 3000 euros per year 
Scholarships: Available

Cyprus Science University (CSU)

Founding year: 2013
Type: Private
City: Kyrenia
Number of students: About 3,000
Departments and Directions:
Engineering, business, social sciences 
Language of Instruction: English 
Features:
State-of-the-art laboratories
International programs 
Tuition Costs: From 3000 euros per year 
Scholarships: Available

Arkın University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD)

Founding year: 2017
Type: Private
City: Kyrenia
Number of students: About 800
Departments and Directions:
Art, design, communications 
Language of Instruction: English 
Features:
Unique creative workshops
International teachers 
Tuition Costs: From 4000 euros per year 
Scholarships: Available

Comparative table of universities

Tuition and accommodation costs

The cost of studying in North Cyprus varies depending on the university and the program chosen. On average, tuition fees in North Cyprus for international students ranges from 3,000 to 12,600 euros per year. Medical and dental faculties are usually more expensive.

Accommodation:

• Campus: 120 to 250 euros per month
• Apartment rent: from 200 to 400 euros per month
• Food and transportation: approximately 150-250 euros per month
• Average student budget: 500-700 euros per month

Scholarships for international students Cyprus are available at almost all universities and can cover from 25% to 100% of tuition fees. In order to receive the scholarship, it is necessary to submit good academic results and a motivation letter.

THE MOMENT

from €327,635

Esentepe, Cyprus

LIFESTYLE

from €132,649

Esentepe, Cyprus

La Joya Perla II

From €126,499

Iskele, Cyprus

VISTA DI MARE

from €468,613

Esentepe, Cyprus

4-BEDROOM VILLA

From € 347 660

Chatalkoi, Northern Cyprus

CHELSEA VILLAGE.

from € 143,859

Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus

Admission process to universities in Northern Cyprus

Admission to the best universities in Northern Cyprus is a fairly straightforward and transparent process, especially for international students. Most universities enroll twice a year: in the fall and spring semesters.

Basic requirements for applicants:

• Certificate of secondary education or Bachelor's degree (for Master's degree)
• English language skills (usually IELTS 5.5-6.0, TOEFL or internal university test)
• Motivational letter (in which you should be honest about your goals and interests)
• Completed online application form on the website of the selected university
• Passport and photos

Application Deadlines: - For fall semester: typically April through August - For spring semester: November through January

Student feedback: an insider's view

"I came to Eastern Mediterranean University from Kazakhstan. It was scary - a different language, different people. But already in the first week I met guys from Turkey, Iran and even Brazil! Studying in English in Cyprus was not as difficult as I thought, and the engineering professor was always ready to help. A year later I already participated in the international Olympiad and found an internship in a local IT company." - Aidar, EMU student

"Near East University attracted me with its strong medical school and scholarship opportunities. The campus is always buzzing with life and the dormitories are home to students from all over the world. At first it's hard to get used to the local food and hot climate, but then you realize that North Cyprus is the perfect place to study and make new friends." - Maria, NEU student

The benefits most often cited by students are:

• Affordable tuition and living costs
• Opportunity to study in English
• Multiculturalism and friendly atmosphere
• Modern campuses and developed infrastructure
• Exchange programs and scholarships for international students Cyprus

Challenges:

• The need to adapt to a new culture
• Sometimes it's a language barrier
• Organizational nuances in visa and document processing

Conclusion

Northern Cyprus offers not only picturesque beaches and mild climate, but also modern universities with international accreditation, affordable tuition fees, friendly atmosphere and ample opportunities for development. The best universities in Northern Cyprus - Eastern Mediterranean University, Near East University, Girne American University, Cyprus International University, European University of Lefke and others - open their doors to students from all over the world, offering education in English and diplomas recognized in Europe and beyond.