TOP 5 most popular universities in Cyprus: their advantages and disadvantages

A stunning geographic location, low tuition fees, and a good reputation make Cyprus a popular choice for local and international students.

Today, about 54 thousand students study on the island of Aphrodite. After graduating from Cypriot universities, young people can find a job in Cyprus or in any other European country.

When students have their free time, they can enjoy water sports, fishing, hiking in the picturesque hills and much more. In addition, the sunny island offers healthy Mediterranean cuisine, a relaxed pace of life and safety.

The history of higher education on the island began in 1989, when a law was passed establishing the first University of Cyprus, which opened its doors in 1992. The law allowing private universities was adopted recently, in 2005. Their first offices opened in 2007.

In total, there are 9 universities in Cyprus (3 public and 6 private). In addition, there are 50 schools of higher education (5 public and 45 private), which today have about 22% of students.

23,812 students (43.91%) are Cypriots, 21,611 (39.85%) are other EU citizens, 8,812 (16.25%) are from third countries. At the same time, the number of Cypriots has been stable in recent years, and the proportion of foreigners is growing. The multicultural environment contributes to the additional personal development of students.

The most popular specialties are: enterprise management, law, pedagogy, medicine and health care. Engineering and construction are less popular.

The cost of education today is 6-20 thousand euros. At the same time, if the grades in the school certificate are above average, even in a private university you can get a good discount of up to 75%. Many students are covered by government student grants. The bachelor's degree program lasts 4 years.

There are two public universities in Cyprus with free education for undergraduate students: the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak). You can enter on the basis of the results of the General Cypriots exams, according to the results of the General Greek exams, on the basis of international exams (GCE, Bachelor's or others).

Educational institutions in Cyprus strive to become international centers of science and development. The main competitors of Cypriot universities are educational institutions in Europe and the USA, where education costs significantly higher than the average Cypriot ones.

The Cyprus Council for Economics and Competitiveness has recently presented a number of proposals that will help develop the higher education sector in Cyprus. First of all, they want to turn the island of Aphrodite into an educational and research center, cooperating with educational institutions, research organizations, the state and other interested parties. Now they are thinking about the area that needs to be developed and determining the list of countries from which Cyprus will attract students. This decision is expected to double the student population in the next 10-15 years.

It was also proposed to the state to facilitate the admission procedure for foreign students. The need to introduce programs of study in English for public universities is especially emphasized. Another important proposal was to expand the geography of educational institutions, including remote mountain villages and tourist locations.

So, let's take a look at the most popular universities in Cyprus. The list of the first four is based on The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.

No. 1. University of Nicosia (UNIC)

The private university was founded in 1980 under the name Intercollege, and received a new name after the approval of the status of the university. Today it is the largest English-Speaking university in Cyprus and the largest university in Southern Europe. About 14,000 students from more than 100 countries of the world study here.

UNIC teaches a wide variety of specialties according to the American methodology (students choose a set of subjects), ranging from business and law to medical fields and architecture. Over 100 offline and online courses.

It is important to note that this is the only university on the island that has branches in the largest cities of Cyprus: Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. Thus, students of Limassol and Larnaca initially study for 2 years in their local cities and then continue in Nicosia.

Benefits of UNIC

1. It is one of the top three universities on the island.
2. 9 out of 10 teachers have PhDs.
3. Joint programs with other prestigious universities in Europe.
4. Recently joined the NEOLAiA European University Alliance
5. Modern facilities and an innovative e-learning platform (extensive access to online learning resources).
6. Multicultural learning environment.
7. Outstanding ranking achievements, in particular, Times Higher Education (THE) in 2023 placed the university at the top of the list.
8. It is ranked among the 501-600 best universities in the world and among the top 250 universities in the EU (World University Ranking). 3rd place in the EU (young universities ranking).
9. Opportunity to receive a scholarship for high grades (up to 50% of the cost of education).

The UNIC main campus is located in the prestigious area of the capital of Cyprus, Makedonitissa. The campus of the university is equipped with modern buildings with comfortable studios for students, a library, an amphitheater, sports halls, cafes and restaurants. The university has an office for the selection of housing, in accordance with the wishes of the student's family.

There are more than 60 scientific and practical laboratories. For admission, you need to know English at a level sufficient to achieve academic goals. Applicants take an exam similar to TOEFL. If the level does not reach, they may be offered additional English lessons in parallel with the main education.

Increased requirements for admission to medical specialties as well as video conferences with representatives of St George's University of London.

The cost of training depends on the specialty and program. Bachelor's program from 9.12 thousand euros per year. Master's program from 13.86 thousand euros per year. Since 2013, the university began to accept payments, including bitcoins. So the course of the same name appeared not in vain.

No. 2. University of Cyprus (UCY)

The University of Cyprus is a public institution founded in the capital of the island of Nicosia in 1989, it opened its doors to the first students in 1992.

The university currently has 21 departments in eight faculties: Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Education, Faculty of Economics and Management, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Letters, Graduate School and Medical School.

The activities of the university are not limited to teaching, many faculties have research centers that conduct research at the postgraduate level in various fields, from oceanography to gender studies and nanotechnology. The university is gaining a reputation for quality research in some areas. Christopher Pissarides, professor at the university, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2010.

The main campus is located in the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, and is designed like a small town, giving students all the benefits of living in a vibrant modern city, but at the same time it is close to rocky mountains and beautiful beaches. The main campus houses the university library, which holds 620,000 books.

The educational institution has rightfully gained worldwide fame in the field of education, is in the TOP-5 percent of universities in the world. At the same time, it is possible to study for free, since the university is state-owned.

No. 3. The European University Cyprus (EUC)

With over 60 years of history, EUC, a private university with over 7,500 students from around the world, has grown into the region's leading academic and research institution with schools of medicine, science, business, law, humanities, social and educational sciences, and distance learning. education.

Over the past decade, the EUC has changed and expanded significantly. Today it is part of the European educational group Galileo Global Education, consisting of 54 educational institutions around the world.

The annual Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings places the European University of Cyprus among the top 201+ universities in the world in industry, innovation and infrastructure, climate change action, decent work and economic growth, recognizing the policies and practices implemented in the areas of teaching, research, entrepreneurship and the transfer of knowledge to society.

Schools and academic programs of the university are taught by teachers of the highest level, including three Nobel laureates. Its medical school and unique dentistry program is recognized as the most technologically advanced in the region and offers comprehensive medical education. The Faculty of Medicine is accredited by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).

The EUC campus is located in Nicosia and offers students a dynamic and attractive environment with modern facilities, laboratories, student apartments and entertainment facilities.

The university is located in one of the greenest areas of the capital, Engomi, and offers easy access to all the cultural, social and practical services that Nicosia has to offer to a growing number of students.

The Microsoft-supported Start-Up Center is located on campus and is an evolution of the long-standing Microsoft Innovation Center. It serves as a source of funding and support for the development of partnerships between entrepreneurs and initiators in the wider region and is open to students, educators, researchers, IT professionals and investors.

No. 4. Cyprus University of Technology (CUT or Tepak)

The Cyprus University of Technology is a public university located on the south coast of the island, in Limassol. The university was founded in 2004, and the first students began classes in the 2007-08 academic year.

The university is focused on research. It was created as an alternative to the University of Cyprus. The Department of Shipping is organized here at the Faculty of Management and Economics. In addition, the university plans to introduce new curricula in product design, fine arts and occupational therapy, and has recently submitted an application to the Ministry of Education to open a department of marine biology.

The main schools of the university are located in the old city center in historical buildings. The Faculty of Tourism is currently under construction in Paphos.

Networking with foreign universities is a key focus of CUT, and one of its stated goals is to "develop international cooperation with academic and scientific institutions." The university is part of the European Erasmus scheme, as well as several international partnerships with leading universities.

Pros: here you can study efficiently and for free, because the university is state-owned. But with the accommodation of students is not very good. The university recently announced a tender for the construction of the long-awaited TEPAK campus in Kato Polemidia, Limassol. In the meantime, the government organizes various events from time to time to support the accommodation of students from other cities and countries.

No. 5. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

Branch of a British institution of higher education, embodied on the basis of the earlier Institute for the Propagation of Knowledge in 1828. In 1992, he rightfully received the status of a university and the name of the University of Central Lancashire. The training is entirely in English.

For admission, you need to have a diploma of secondary education and prove a sufficient level of English. At the same time, at the Faculty of Law, the requirements will be slightly higher (5.5 on the IELTS scale). If there is no certificate, you can take an English exam at the university. For admission to the magistracy, you need to have a bachelor's degree (completed higher education).

The university campus is located in the suburbs of Larnaca, in the village of Pyla.

Today there are 3 faculties and schools: Business and Management, Law, Sciences.

Advantages:

University teachers have PhDs.

Recognized as the best British university for the stability of graduate startups.

Graduates receive 2 diplomas, thanks to dual accreditation: British UCLan and Cypriot UCLan.

For students of the university there is a luxury residence. For about 400-500 euros per month, students have access to comfortable apartments, studios and penthouses with separate bathrooms and kitchens.

Several sports sections on campus.

Mobility, student exchanges around the world.

Availability. Studying at a British university in Cyprus costs about two times less than studying in Britain.

Extensive opportunities for scholarships and discounts on tuition fees.

Annual bachelor's package 11500 euros. Includes tuition, accommodation, visa fee, registration fee. Admission conditions: average score from 4.0 and IELTS certificate from 5.0. At the same time, for applicants with an average score of 4.5 and an IELTS certificate of 7.0, the scholarship payment will be 4975 euros per year.

The annual master's package with visa and accommodation costs 12,500 euros. IELTS requirement from 6.5, bachelor's degree. Those who apply for a scholarship can receive a package for 7350 euros, subject to a successful interview with the course facilitator.

Visas for students

All non-EU students entering universities require a visa to enter Cyprus. After getting all necessary documents and payment, the university submits the student's documents to the Migration Service and the Ministry of Education for further approval. Once the visa application has been approved, the visa will be issued in Cyprus and the student will be informed of this. A copy of the visa will be sent to the student.

Students from the EU are required, in accordance with the rules of the Department of Migration, to have health insurance or, alternatively, an EU hospitalization card.

And the most important thing. Anyone who has a diploma of secondary education recognized in the territory of the island state can enter the most popular universities in Cyprus. So keep it up!

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