Studying in Northern Cyprus
Studying in Northern Cyprus is one of the most affordable options in Europe for Iranian students. Prestigious universities with affordable tuition fees, the possibility of studying without a language certificate in many fields, and the provision of numerous scholarships have made this country a popular and accessible destination for Iranian students to continue their studies.
Rankings from YÖDAK’s perspective
YÖDAK has emphasized that Northern Cyprus universities are gradually gaining a stronger position in the international academic community. These universities have repeatedly appeared in the prestigious THE and QS rankings in recent years and have shown remarkable performance, especially in the areas of research, sustainable development and international interactions .
Why Northern Cyprus? Advantages and Challenges
Universities in Northern Cyprus are well-known and respected in various countries around the world. Many of them have international educational programs and their degrees can be used for further studies or for entry into the job market. In some fields and indicators, the level of education at these universities is competitive with European universities and in some cases even better.
Challenges
Benefits
Northern Cyprus education system
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctorate
Schools
Application period: Early November to mid-August (depending on the university)
Studying in schools in Northern Cyprus
Preschool in Northern Cyprus is for children between 4 and 6 years old and is taught in English.
Primary education in Northern Cyprus is divided into three stages: The first stage is primary school . This stage is for children between the ages of 6 and 11 and lasts for five years . Whether you study in private or public schools in Northern Cyprus depends on your financial resources.
Therefore, some parents choose private schools and others choose public schools for their children's education. The second stage is secondary education ( 12 to 18 ) and lasts 3 to 4 years .
International students can study in schools in Northern Cyprus. The table below shows the best international schools in the country.
School name Language of study Age appropriate Annual tuition
Nekt English School English 4-18 4880 to 7726 euros
Paphos English School English 4-18 5,100 to 25,752 euros
Zenion High School, Cyprus Langlish 4-18 23,000 euros
American School of Limassol English 4-18 25,000 euros
Pascal English School English 4-18 29,000 euros
Associate's degree in Northern Cyprus
Bachelor's degree in Northern Cyprus
Students who intend to study dentistry, pharmacy, aviation and medicine at the undergraduate level must have a minimum GPA of 16.2 . For engineering, they also need a minimum GPA of 14.2 and for other subjects, a minimum GPA of 13.2 . The cost of studying an undergraduate degree in Northern Cyprus varies from 3,000 euros to 13,000 .
Master's degree study in Northern Cyprus
PhD study in Northern Cyprus
Cost of studying in Northern Cyprus
The cost of studying in Northern Cyprus varies depending on the university and city you choose. However, it is generally more affordable compared to other countries in the world. The level of tuition fees depends on the type of study program and its duration. Therefore, it is important that you inquire directly with your preferred higher education institution for detailed information about tuition fees. The table below shows the tuition fees of some of the top universities in Northern Cyprus:
| University name | Undergraduate tuition | Master’s degree tuition | Doctoral degree tuition fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| American University of Kyrenia | 5198 to 15,000 euros | 6563 euros | 11,566 euros |
| Cyprus International University | 58.43 to 12,955 euros | 1000 to 2000 euros | 4000 euros |
| Eastern Mediterranean University | 2513 to 7655 euros | 1489 euros per academic year | 1269 euros per course |
| Near East University | 5600 to 12,600 euros | 3625 euros per semester | 1510 to 2376 euros per semester |
| Kyrenia University | 5600 to 12,600 euros | 1777 euros per semester | 800 to 2500 euros per semester |
| Cyprus University of Science | 7,500 euros | 6000 euros for the entire course | 10,000 euros for the entire course |
Scholarships in Northern Cyprus
Most universities in Northern Cyprus offer scholarships to eligible students. The Ministry of National Education and Sports of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus offers scholarships to international students based on their academic performance. There are two types of scholarships in Northern Cyprus:
- Full university tuition
- Dormitory fee
- A monthly allowance of 183 euros for one year (12 months)
- Fixed allowance (120 Turkish Lira per month)
PARTIAL SCHOLORSHIP
- A monthly allowance of 183 euros for one year (12 months)
- Fixed allowance (120 Turkish Lira / semester)
Top Universities in Bulgaria
| University name | City | Rank in Northern Cyprus | QS World Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mediterranean University | Famagusta | 1 | 691= |
| Near East University | Nicosia | 2 | – |
| Cyprus International University | Nicosia | 3 | – |
| American University of Kyrenia | Carinthia | 4 | – |
| European University of Lefkada | Lefka | 5 | 851-900 |
| Metu Camp, Northern Cyprus | Morpho | 6 | – |
| Mediterranean University of Karpasia | Nicosia | 7 | – |
| Cyprus University of Science | Carinthia | 8 | – |
| Cyprus University of Health Sciences | Morpho | 9 | – |
Steps for studying in Northern Cyprus
Requirements and documents required to study in Northern Cyprus
According to the regulations of the Higher Education Accreditation Council of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (YÖDAK), high school graduates from Northern Cyprus must take the university entrance exam. International students are eligible to apply provided they have at least 12 years of pre-university education. Once your eligibility is confirmed by the relevant university in Northern Cyprus, a Conditional Admission Letter (CAL) will be sent to you. You can then travel to Northern Cyprus without a visa.
- Academic records + transcripts from previous grades
- Copy of national ID card and birth certificate
- Copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Four 6×4 personal photos
- IELTS language certificate (score 5.5 for all academic levels)
- TOEFL language certificate (513 PBT / 65 IBT for all levels)
Entrance exam
Age requirement
Grade point average requirement
For undergraduate degrees , the minimum required GPA is usually around 2 out of 4 (or the equivalent of a score of 12 out of 20 in the Iranian system) .
In some more competitive fields, such as medicine, pharmacy, or engineering, a higher GPA (e.g., equivalent to 14 or 15 out of 20) is recommended or required.
At master's level , universities usually require a GPA of at least 2.5 out of 4 (around 13 to 14 out of 20) .
For a PhD , it is important to have a high GPA in the master's degree (at least 3 out of 4 or the equivalent of 15 out of 20) and a strong research record.
Student visa
You do not need a student visa to study in Northern Cyprus, you only need to have a university acceptance letter to travel to Northern Cyprus.
Student dormitories and residences in Northern Cyprus
Most students in Northern Cyprus choose to live in university halls of residence for the first two years of their studies. The benefits of living on campus go beyond safety and easy access to classes. Halls of residence offer a great opportunity to meet new friends from different cultures, easy access to many restaurants, sometimes open until the early hours of the morning, and use of indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
Despite all these advantages, some students prefer to live off campus. There are a large number of private dormitories and rental apartments available in major cities such as Nicosia , Famagusta , Kyrenia and Morphou . The prices of rental apartments and private dormitories vary greatly depending on the location and luxury of the place.
The average cost of a dormitory in Northern Cyprus is 2,279 euros per year. The important point is that if two people live in a dormitory, both of them must pay the same 2,279 euros and the cost is not halved. This cost (2,279 euros) includes water, electricity, internet, etc. The cost of renting a residential unit in Northern Cyprus is on average 300-450 euros per month, and of course, the costs of water and electricity are calculated separately and are about 10 euros per month.
Cities suitable for studying in Northern Cyprus
As a growing destination for higher education, Northern Cyprus is home to several prestigious international universities located in various cities in the region. In addition to providing good educational facilities, the university cities of Northern Cyprus also provide favorable conditions for international students in terms of quality of life, safety, accommodation costs and cultural atmosphere. Among these cities, a few are more important and popular and are considered among the best cities in Northern Cyprus for student life .
- Nicosia: The capital of Northern Cyprus and one of the most important educational centers in the region. The city is home to several prominent universities, including the Near East University (NEU) and the Cyprus International University (CIU) . Nicosia is a vibrant city with extensive cultural facilities, libraries, academic centers, and urban spaces suitable for student life. The large number of international students has created a multicultural and vibrant environment in the city.
- Famagusta: The port city of Famagusta is one of the main hubs of higher education in Northern Cyprus. It is home to the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) , one of the most prestigious universities in the region. Famagusta is a quiet yet vibrant city with a mix of historical and modern elements, and the cost of living is relatively lower than in the capital. The city’s coastal location also attracts many students looking to study in Northern Cyprus.
- Kyrenia: Another important city in Northern Cyprus, it is known for its beautiful nature, Mediterranean climate and relaxing environment. Universities such as Girne American University (GAU) and University of Kyrenia (UKÜ) operate in this city. Kyrenia is a good option for students looking for a quieter environment and a high quality of life.
- Lefke: A smaller but green and peaceful town in western Northern Cyprus, home to the European University of Lefke (EUL) . The town is popular with students looking for a less crowded, academically focused environment due to its low cost of living and beautiful natural surroundings.
Student work in Northern Cyprus
After completing your studies in Northern Cyprus, if you know Turkish and English, you can find full-time jobs in hotels, banks and international companies. Since the economy of Northern Cyprus is largely influenced by tourism, most part-time jobs are in the tourism sector, such as hotels, restaurants and casinos. Students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week, and the salary of students working part-time in Northern Cyprus can be 75-150 per month .
Conditions for residence in Northern Cyprus through study
After completing their studies in Northern Cyprus and graduating from universities in the country, students can obtain a work permit and work in banks, hotels, department stores, etc., provided they have completed at least a bachelor’s degree. Graduates must have a job offer from an employer before applying for a permanent work and residence permit. In most cases, the employer will act on behalf of the employee to obtain the necessary permits from the government to start work.
Most universities in Northern Cyprus have special units that help graduates find suitable jobs to live and work in Northern Cyprus . This is one of the reasons why a large number of graduates from universities in Northern Cyprus are employed in Cyprus within 3 months of graduation. You can also prepare for your stay in other countries by taking language courses in Northern Cyprus.
Comparing Northern Cyprus with other countries
Studying in Northern Cyprus is in the middle of the pack when compared to many other European and regional countries in terms of educational structure, costs and international atmosphere. The region’s higher education system follows the European model, with most universities offering their programs in English. Tuition fees and living costs are lower than in EU countries, making studying in Northern Cyprus an affordable option for international students. However, political constraints and the international reputation of some universities are a major challenge compared to countries with more established education systems such as Turkey, Hungary or Portugal.
In contrast, EU member states such as Hungary and Portugal offer the advantage of wider recognition of university degrees, easier access to the European job market and international academic networks. While Northern Cyprus is more suitable for students looking to study in English at a lower cost and in a more relaxed environment. Overall, Northern Cyprus offers a combination of acceptable educational quality and affordability, but to benefit from international professional opportunities after graduation, choosing countries with a more formal education system can be a safer option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to study in Northern Cyprus?
Is it necessary to have an English language certificate for admission?
What language do universities in Northern Cyprus teach in?
Is it possible to study in Northern Cyprus without a language certificate?
Cost of studying in Russia
Scholarships in Russia
Despite the fact that Russia has low tuition fees compared to other countries, it also provides applicants with the opportunity to receive scholarships . Russian scholarships are offered by organizations, governments, and universities. With a suitable resume or a suitable academic process, it is possible for individuals to receive scholarships.
Scholarships offered in Russia can cover all or part of a person’s education costs.
One of the most important scholarships in Italy is the DSU scholarship and the Milan Provincial Scholarship, and many students immigrate to Italy every year to receive these scholarships.
Italian universities have a good academic reputation worldwide, and hence studying at these universities helps in finding a suitable job in many countries of the world. There are a total of 30 universities in Italy. Out of the total 30 universities in Italy, 14 universities are in the list of the top 500 universities in the world .
The reputation of Italian universities is not limited to just a few fields. In the country’s universities, a variety of fields are offered with appropriate quality and up-to-date international standards. It should be noted that many of these fields are taught in English at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.
The following are the names of the top universities in Italy, along with their academic rankings in 2024, according to the prestigious QS ranking :
Cost of studying in Russia
Scholarships in Russia
Despite the fact that Russia has low tuition fees compared to other countries, it also provides applicants with the opportunity to receive scholarships . Russian scholarships are offered by organizations, governments, and universities. With a suitable resume or a suitable academic process, it is possible for individuals to receive scholarships.
Scholarships offered in Russia can cover all or part of a person’s education costs.
One of the most important scholarships in Italy is the DSU scholarship and the Milan Provincial Scholarship, and many students immigrate to Italy every year to receive these scholarships.
Italian universities have a good academic reputation worldwide, and hence studying at these universities helps in finding a suitable job in many countries of the world. There are a total of 30 universities in Italy. Out of the total 30 universities in Italy, 14 universities are in the list of the top 500 universities in the world .
The reputation of Italian universities is not limited to just a few fields. In the country’s universities, a variety of fields are offered with appropriate quality and up-to-date international standards. It should be noted that many of these fields are taught in English at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.
The following are the names of the top universities in Italy, along with their academic rankings in 2024, according to the prestigious QS ranking :
