Studying in North Cyprus can be an unforgettable experience and a chance to excel in your chosen field. With its reputable universities, diverse job opportunities, and affordable living costs, Northern Cyprus has become an attractive destination for international students.
The Advantages of Studying in North Cyprus
Northern Cyprus is an ideal choice for students looking for quality, affordable education in a safe and attractive environment.
10 Reasons to Choose Northern Cyprus as Your Study Destination
If you are looking for compelling reasons to choose Northern Cyprus as your study destination, look no further. Here are 10 reasons why Northern Cyprus is an excellent choice for international students:
1. Affordable Tuition Fees and Living Costs:
Compared to other European countries, tuition fees and living costs in Northern Cyprus are significantly lower. This makes Northern Cyprus an ideal option for students seeking quality education at an affordable price.
2. Diverse Range of Study Programs:
Universities in Northern Cyprus offer a wide range of study programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. These programs include medicine, dentistry, engineering, computer science, business, humanities, and arts.
3. High-Quality Education:
The education system in Northern Cyprus is based on European standards, and universities in the country maintain high standards of education. Many universities in Northern Cyprus hold international accreditations, and their degrees are recognized worldwide.
4. Employment Opportunities:
Due to the growing and developing economy of Northern Cyprus, there are ample employment opportunities for graduates of universities in the country. International students can find employment in Northern Cyprus after graduation or gain practical experience through internship programs.
5. Rich and Diverse Culture:
Northern Cyprus boasts a rich and diverse history and culture. With a heritage of various civilizations, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and British, the country is filled with historical sites, ancient ruins, and fascinating museums.
6. Mediterranean Climate:
Northern Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild, wet winters. This climate is ideal for students who enjoy outdoor activities.
7. Strategic Geographical Location:
Northern Cyprus is strategically located in the Eastern Mediterranean, providing easy access to other regional countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, and Greece. This facilitates travel and exploration for international students.
8. Warm and Welcoming People:
The people of Northern Cyprus are known for their hospitality and warmth. International students can easily connect with locals and make friends in the country.
9. Safety and Security:
Northern Cyprus is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are exceptionally low, and students can live and study in the country with peace of mind.
10. Scholarship Opportunities:
Universities in Northern Cyprus offer various scholarship opportunities to qualified international students. These scholarships can help alleviate the financial burden of education.
Northern Cyprus offers a unique and enriching study experience that combines quality education, cultural immersion, and affordable living. Consider Northern Cyprus as your study destination and embark on an unforgettable academic journey.
How to Get Admission to Universities in Northern Cyprus
The application process for Studying in North Cyprus generally involves the following steps:
1. Choose a University and Program:
The first step is to choose the university and program that you are interested in. You can find information about programs, admission requirements, and tuition fees by visiting the websites of universities in Northern Cyprus or through educational immigration agencies.
2. Complete the Application Form:
Once you have chosen a university and program, you will need to download and complete the relevant application form from the university’s website. This form will ask for information such as your personal details, academic background, language qualifications, and a personal statement.
3. Submit Required Documents:
After completing the application form, you will need to submit the required documents to the university. These documents typically include:
- High school diploma or pre-university certificate: Your diploma or pre-university certificate must be translated into English or Turkish.
- Transcript of records: Your high school transcript must be translated into English or Turkish.
- Language proficiency test: You must provide a valid English language proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL with an acceptable score.
- Personal statement: In your personal statement, you should explain your reasons for choosing to study in Northern Cyprus and your future goals.
- Passport: You must provide a copy of your passport.
- Photo: Submit two passport-size photos.
4. Pay Tuition Fee:
Once you are admitted to the university, you will need to pay the first semester’s tuition fee.
5. Obtain a Student Visa:
- After paying the tuition fee, you can apply for a Northern Cyprus student visa. To do this, you will need to visit the Cyprus embassy or consulate in your country.
- The application process and required documents may vary depending on the university and program you choose. Therefore, before applying to any university, obtain the necessary information from the university’s website or educational immigration agencies.
- It is advisable to start the application process a few months before the start of the semester.
Conditions for Admission to the University
The admission requirements for universities in Northern Cyprus generally vary depending on the program and the university. However, the general admission requirements for each degree level are as follows:
Undergraduate Programs:
- High school diploma or pre-university certificate with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0)
- Official transcript of high school records
- English language proficiency test score: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 70, or equivalent
- Personal statement
- Passport
- Photo
Master’s Programs:
- Relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0)
- Official transcript of undergraduate records
- English language proficiency test score: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 80, or equivalent
- Personal statement
- CV (resume)
- Letters of recommendation
- Research proposal (in some programs)
- Passport
- Photo
Doctoral Programs:
- Relevant master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (out of 4.0)
- Official transcript of undergraduate and graduate records
- English language proficiency test score: IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 90, or equivalent
- Personal statement
- CV (resume)
- Letters of recommendation
- Research proposal
- Research experience
- Sample paper or book (if available)
- Passport
- Photo
Additional Notes:
The specific requirements may vary depending on the university and the program. It is recommended to check the specific requirements for the program you are interested in on the university’s website.
Application deadlines vary by university and program. It is important to check the deadlines and apply well in advance.
Some universities may require additional documents, such as a statement of purpose, GRE or GMAT scores, or portfolios.
How much does it cost to study in North Cyprus?
The cost of Studying in North Cyprus is significantly lower than in other European countries. This makes Northern Cyprus an ideal option for students seeking quality education at an affordable cost.
Tuition Fees:
University tuition fees in Northern Cyprus vary annually between 2,500 to 6,000 euros. However, tuition fees can vary depending on the type of university, field of study, and level of education. For example, tuition fees for medical and dental fields are generally higher than for other fields.
Cost of Living in Northern Cyprus:
The cost of living in Northern Cyprus is also very reasonable and lower than other European countries.
The rental cost of a house in this country is approximately 300 to 800 euros depending on the size, location, and amenities of the house.
Public transportation is reasonably priced. A bus ticket costs only about 1 euro, and the cost of a taxi ride is around 5 euros for 10 minutes.
The cost of food and groceries will be approximately 200 to 300 euros per month.
Can I Work While Studying in North Cyprus?
You can work part-time during your studies in Northern Cyprus but with certain conditions.
International students enrolled in reputable universities in Northern Cyprus are allowed to work part-time during the academic term.
Working Conditions for Students in Northern Cyprus
- Student Work Permit: To work in Northern Cyprus as a student, you must obtain a student work permit from the immigration department of this country.
- Working Hours Limitation: Students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic term and 40 hours per week during summer vacations.
- Types of Jobs: You can work in various fields such as restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels, or even at your university.
- No Interference with Studies: Your work should not interfere with your academic schedule.
Steps to Obtain a Student Work Permit:
- Complete the student work permit application form.
- Submit the required documents, including passport, student visa, certificate of enrollment, and a letter from the
- university indicating your permissible work hours.
- Pay the permit issuance fee.
- Notes:
For more detailed information on the conditions and steps to obtain a student work permit, you can visit the website of the immigration department of Northern Cyprus or contact them directly. - It is recommended to reach an agreement with your employer regarding wages and working conditions before starting work.
- Your working hours must be accurately recorded and reported to the immigration department.
- Working in Northern Cyprus can help you cover your study and living expenses and gain valuable work experience.
What kind of scholarships are available to study in Northern Cyprus?
Northern Cyprus universities offer a variety of scholarships to attract talented international students.
The type and amount of scholarships vary depending on the university, field of study, academic level, and student’s GPA.
Some of the most common types of scholarships in Northern Cyprus include:
- Full Scholarships: Covering tuition fees, living expenses, books, and other educational expenses.
- Partial Scholarships: Covering part of the tuition fees or living expenses.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with high GPAs or outstanding academic records.
- Sports Scholarships: Awarded to students active in sports.
- Financial Aid Scholarships: Provided to students facing financial difficulties in covering their educational expenses.
Some of the universities in Northern Cyprus offering scholarships include:
- Cyprus International University (CIU)
- Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)
- Girne American University (GAU)
- Near East University (NEU)
- European University of Cyprus (EUCL)
To learn about the conditions and procedures for obtaining scholarships at each university, you can visit their website or contact the international affairs department of the university. For more information on Northern Cyprus universities, read the relevant article.
Notes:
The application deadline for scholarships is usually at the end of each academic year.
To increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, you should have a high GPA, a strong academic background, and a convincing motivation letter.
You can also apply for scholarships in Northern Cyprus through educational immigration agencies.
How to Obtain a Study Visa for Northern Cyprus
After receiving acceptance from your desired university in Northern Cyprus, you need to follow the steps below to obtain a study visa for this country:
Complete the Visa Application Form:
Download the study visa application form from the website of the Immigration Department of Northern Cyprus
Fill out the form completely and accurately with the correct information in English or Turkish.
Attach the required documents to the form.
Required Documents:
Identification Documents:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry into Northern Cyprus
- Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background
- Copy of your ID card
Educational Documents:
- High school transcripts along with an official translation into English or Turkish
- High school diploma along with an official translation into English or Turkish
- Bachelor’s degree (if applicable) along with an official translation into English or Turkish
- University-related documents:
Letter of acceptance from the desired university in Northern Cyprus
Financial guarantee certificate sufficient to cover living expenses in Northern Cyprus (usually equivalent to 6 months of tuition and living expenses) - Valid medical insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros per year
Other Documents:
- Round-trip ticket to Northern Cyprus
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Tax stamp
Submitting Documents:
- Submit the completed form and required documents to the Immigration Department of Northern Cyprus or the
- embassy of this country in Iran.
- Pay the visa issuance fee.
Application Review:
The Immigration Department of Northern Cyprus will review your application. If approved, your study visa will be issued.