Today, there are many universities in Northern Cyprus with almost 100 thousand students from different countries, and this number is growing rapidly every year. Since education for foreigners in Northern Cyprus is conducted in English, applicants must have a fairly high level of English.

How the higher education system is organized in Northern Cyprus

Higher education in Northern Cyprus is in many ways similar to the usual models of higher education in the CIS countries. The academic year begins in September, lasts for two semesters and ends with an exam in May or June.

After completing 4 courses, students receive a bachelor's degree, provided they successfully complete 180-240 credits. If you want to continue your studies, you need to study for 3 more semesters, defend your project, and "get up to 300 credits" to get a master's degree. After another 3-5 years of study, you can become a doctor of science, provided you successfully defend your doctorate and get about 60 more credits.

Tuition fees at universities in Northern Cyprus

The cost of studying at specific institutions depends on individual university rates, the prestige of the field, competition, and other criteria. On average, you should expect to pay 6-7 thousand euros per year. Medical and engineering programs are somewhat more expensive. In addition to the tuition fee, you will have to pay a 5% tax and small student fees.

How to apply for a study permit in Northern Cyprus?

A study permit will allow students to stay in the country legally. It is not issued in advance, but upon arrival in Northern Cyprus directly at the university. To apply for it, you need to collect a number of documents, undergo a medical examination, and pay a tax. With a package of ready-made documents, you need to contact the university's service that deals with issuing permits. As a rule, the whole procedure does not take more than a week. See below for more details on how to obtain a permit.

1. Upon arrival in Northern Cyprus, at Ercan Airport, the student presents an official letter of acceptance from the university (invitation) to obtain a stamp valid for three months (90 days). During this time, the student must apply for a student study permit.

2. First, the student goes through the university registration procedure: chooses a payment plan, submits original documents to the registration office (diploma or certificate), receives a student ID card and student letter, chooses subjects for the semester with a student advisor, and receives a class schedule.

3. After completing the registration at the university, you should start registering for a study permit in the online immigration system on the website of the Ministry of Interior of the North Cyprus https://icisleri.gov.ct.tr/ Main menu > Online operations > Study permit

• To register for the first time, click the "New Registration" button and fill in the required information. After that, you will be able to log in using the username and password sent to you by SMS or EMAIL.
• To get access with the previously received username and password, click "Sign in".
• After logging in, you should follow the steps described there.
• Please do not forget to obtain an "International Student Registration Number" from the immigration system and do not lose this number. You will need this number in all official transactions.
• Follow the instructions to obtain a medical certificate.
• If you have a valid medical certificate, click "I have a valid medical certificate"
• Please go to the district hospital where the University is located. Get a certified health certificate from this hospital.
• Pay for the "medical certificate" through the system.
• If you do not have a valid medical certificate, click "I do not have a valid medical certificate"
• Pay the "cost of laboratory tests" through the system. Take the tests in the laboratory whose name and address are indicated in the system.
• According to the health report, pay the "immigration fee" through the system.

4. If the system shows that the study permit is ready, you can get it at the university registrar's office.

What is the cost of obtaining a study permit in Northern Cyprus?

The cost of obtaining a student permit is approximately 60 euros.

Are there any scholarships, discounts and grants for international students to study at universities in Northern Cyprus?

Two types of scholarships - academic and honorary (or nominal) - can be awarded for a semester or an academic year based on academic performance. Some educational institutions have social scholarships that are awarded based on certain indicators of a student's financial situation or medical conditions.

In some universities, there is also a one-time financial aid that is paid at the student's request once a semester or during the academic year.

Discounts for studying abroad

Universities in Northern Cyprus, for example, offer all international students a 50% discount on tuition fees. At the same time, some universities offer 75% and 100% discounts to students with good and excellent academic performance, provided they have the appropriate positive characteristics.

Grants for studying abroad

This is the name given to subsidies paid by the state, university, or various funds that fully or partially cover the cost of education. Many universities that provide grants do so on a competitive basis.