Study in Northern Cyprus
In North Cyprus, there are currently 8 Universities of which 6 are local and 2 are branches of Turkish universities. 21% of students are overseas students from more than 70 different countries. Overseas student number, which was about 2,500 in 2009-2010 academic year, increased by more than 4 times to reach 11,250 in the current academic year.
If you're looking to study at a university in Northern Cyprus, you will find diverse study options with a unique blend of Turkish and Mediterranean influences. All universities in North Cyprus offer study programmes recognized by the National Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and the Higher Education, Planning, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YODAK). Students from Turkey are recruited to the programs in our Universities through the Central Placement Examination organised by the Higher Education Council (YOK) in Turkey.
Programs and Qualifications
In north Cyprus, tertiary education is conducted at both public and private institutions. Each university consists of faculties and schools offering degree programmes and various other degrees as follows:
- Associate Degree. An Associate degree is granted after successful completion of two years of full-time university study. Associate degrees are generally practical in nature, and students who graduate with an appropriate grade point average may transfer to a relevant Bachelor degree course.
- Bachelor’s Degree. Bachelor degrees are four years long. Programmes consist of taught courses, laboratory and tutorial work, as well as a graduation project, depending on the subject area.
- Master’s Degree. Master’s degrees are usually three to four semesters in duration and require the completion of a thesis. Master’s degrees without the thesis element are also offered and involve the completion of 10 graduate courses and the submission of a project.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA). Masters of Business Administration are usually completed in three semesters and builds upon undergraduate degrees involving a major in business administration. Previous professional experience is considered an advantage.
- Doctor of Philosopy (PhD). PhD degrees require the submission and defence of a written thesis. A candidate must also have a publication related to his/her research topic published in an international journal.
General Admission Requirements
Students who have successfully completed their high school studies are eligible for entry to undergraduate courses. Overseas students are eligible to apply for university provided they hold a minimum of 12 years pre-university education and a higher secondary school leaving certificate, or its equivalent.
Applications should include the following documents:
- Application Form
- Two or three signed letters of recommendation.
- Copies of university degrees or a statement of expected graduation in the month preceeding enrolment in the postgraduate programme.
- Transcripts as appropriate.
- Curriculum vitae
- A short statement of the student's goals and interests
- Some study programmes may require a personal interview.
In addition to the academic entry requirements, competency in English language determines whether a student can enter a degree programme directly or undergo a one or two semester preparatory English language programme. Students admitted on to a university programme will provide evidence of an internationally recognised English language proficiency qualification or sit an English examination.
Contact the international student department for detailed information about the application process of your chosen university.
For more information visit: http://www.studyinnorthcyprus.org/?page_id=3655
FacultyUniversities in North Cyprus are known for quality Education at International standards and are delivered in English. International Students have the opportunity to enjoy qualified faculty members at international standards. There are many guest lecturers coming from the United States.
English language preparation for studying in Cyprus northern part
Develop your academic English language skills in order to meet the English language requirements at universities from Cyprus (northern part) offering degree studies for international students. Choose an English language school anywhere in the world and pick your preferred English exam preparation course from diverse language course options.
Universities accept these official English exams:
- PTE Academic
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- C1 Advanced
Living in Northern Cyprus
- Turkish Cypriots are Turkish-speaking, regard themselves as secular Muslims, and take pride in their Ottoman heritage.
- Folk dancing, music, and art are an integral parts of Turkish Cypriots’ culture.
- Estimated average living expenses for international students are 500-760 EUR/ month.
- Excellent cuisine choices from pasta dishes, raw and cooked vegetables, different types of seafood and meat kebabs, followed by varied deserts.
- The visitors to North Cyprus can find a wide range of consumer goods and services. Many of the popular imported brand names are readily available and can be found in local supermarkets.
- Several beaches in Kyrenia and Famagusta offer a variety of water sports ranging from water skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing and jet skiing.
- A good inexpensive network of buses and mini-buses operates between all the main towns, in addition there are Dolmush (shared taxis) operating on the same routes. Taxis are widely available but do not carry a meter.
- Home to a national park packed with rare flora and fauna, featuring miles of lonely beaches and sand dunes.
- The Kyrenia mountain range is a sharp and jagged outcrop that dominates the north of the island and has been used as natural defensive position by Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetian and Ottomans.
- Enjoy the surreal Nicosia mosque, actually a gothic cathedral, which the Ottomans attached a minaret to when they took the city in 1570.
- The Monastery of St Barnabas Icon museum, near Famagusta, contains one of the island's most impressive collections of Greek Orthodox and Byzantine Art.
About Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus, officially the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is a self-declared state that comprises the north-eastern part of the island of Cyprus. The international community considers Northern Cyprus an occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus. The official language is Turkish, but English is also widely spoken as a second language.
North Cyprus location is at the crossroads of Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa. Closest neighbouring locations are Turkey, South Cyprus, Lebanon, Greece, Egypt, Israel and Syria.
Nicosia (Lefkosa) is the capital of North Cyprus, through which runs the boundary, or as it is called `The Green Line’ separating the North from South Cyprus.
As a strategic location in the Middle East, Cyprus has a very historic past and has been colonized and ruled by many great powers of the world, including the empires of the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Persians, from whom Alexander the Great seized the island in 333 BC. Subsequent rule by Ptolemaic Egypt, the Roman Empire, the Byzantines, Arab caliphates for a short period, the French Lusignan Dynasty, and the Venetians, was followed by the Ottoman conquest in 1571. It remained under Ottoman control for over three centuries. Cyprus was placed under British Administration in 1878 until it was granted independence in 1960. Between 1963 and 1974, Greeks and Turks on the island fought a long war. The Republic of Turkey intervened and joined forces with the Turkish Cypriots. The North declared its independence in 1983 under the name of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The UN and the Republic of Cyprus rejected this unilateral declaration of independence.
North Cyprus has a completely separate government and financial system, which does not use the Euro. In North Cyprus the banking system is functioning as usual and, thankfully, it is not affected by any financial problems. The local currency is the Turkish Lira ( Turk Lirasi, TL). The major industries in North Cyprus are tourism, education and agriculture, which all belong to the services sector.
Universities, colleges and schools in Northern Cyprus
Famagusta
- Cyprus West University (1 Master)
- Eastern Mediterranean University (55 Masters)
Kyrenia
- Cyprus Science University (4 Masters)
Morphou
Nicosia (northern part)
- Cyprus International University (25 Masters)
Interested in scholarships for Northern Cyprus? Check out our scholarship search page.
How to Apply to a Master's in Northern Cyprus
If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Northern Cyprus, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in Northern Cyprus?
To apply to a university in Northern Cyprus you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:
- birth certificate;
- recent photos;
- your passport or national identity card;
- one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
- copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
- academic transcripts;
- letter of intent;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.
The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Northern Cyprus so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.
Prove your English skills
Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for Northern Cyprus
The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Northern Cyprus are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.
