Admissions

Overview of University Admissions in Cyprus

The higher education system in Cyprus is divided into public universities and private institutions. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the admission process remains standardized but varies slightly depending on whether the applicant is an EU/EEA national or a "third-country" national (non-EU). Most undergraduate programs are taught in Greek or Turkish at public universities, while private universities offer a wide range of English-taught programs designed for international students.

Prospective students must meet specific academic and linguistic criteria before submitting an application. The primary regulatory body overseeing these standards is the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth.

Eligibility and Academic Requirements

To qualify for admission, applicants must have completed a secondary education cycle equivalent to the Cypriot "Apolytirion" (High School Leaving Certificate). The specific grade requirements depend on the competitive nature of the chosen course.

Language Proficiency

International students enrolling in English-taught programs must demonstrate proficiency through recognized testing systems. Common requirements include:

• IELTS: Generally a minimum score of 5.5 or 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT: A score of at least 70-80.
• IGCSE/GCE: Grade C or higher in English Language.

Students who do not meet these requirements may be required to take an intensive English Foundation course provided by the university before starting their degree program.

Public vs. Private Admissions

Public universities, such as the University of Cyprus, often require international students to sit for GCE A-Level exams or specific entrance examinations. Private universities usually operate on a rolling admission basis and evaluate applicants based on their secondary school transcripts and interview results.

Mandatory Application Documents

The documentation must be officially translated into English or Greek and, in many cases, certified with an Apostille stamp if the country of origin is a signatory to the Hague Convention. If not, certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cyprus Embassy in the home country is required.

Document Checklist

• Application Form: Completed and signed (usually submitted via the university's online portal).
• Academic Records: Scanned copies of the High School Leaving Certificate and detailed transcripts.
• Passport Copy: A valid passport with at least two years of validity remaining.
• Language Certificates: Evidence of English or Greek proficiency.
• Letters of Recommendation: Usually two letters from former teachers or employers (primarily for postgraduate studies).
• Personal Statement: A brief essay outlining the student’s motivation and goals.

Please note: Non-EU students must also prepare a clean criminal record certificate and medical test results (Hepatitis B, C, HIV, Syphilis, and a Chest X-ray) for the subsequent visa application process, which often begins immediately after receiving the university's "Letter of Acceptance."

Application Process and Deadlines

The academic year in Cyprus typically consists of two semesters: Fall (beginning in late September/October) and Spring (beginning in February).

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Program Selection: Identify the institution and ensure the program is accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA).
2. Online Submission: Upload all required documents to the university's admission portal.
3. Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable processing fee. This is typically 50 EUR ($53 USD, Jan 2026) to 100 EUR ($106 USD, Jan 2026).
4. Evaluation & Interview: The university reviews the file; some departments may conduct a video interview.
5. Letter of Acceptance: If successful, the student receives a conditional or unconditional offer.
6. Initial Payment: To secure a place and receive the final documents for a visa, students are usually required to pay the first installment of tuition fees or a down payment of approximately 500 EUR ($530 USD, Jan 2026).

Important Deadlines

For the Fall Semester, the deadline for non-EU students is generally late May to June to allow time for visa processing. For EU students, deadlines may extend into August. For the Spring Semester, applications usually close by mid-November for non-EU nationals.

Exceptions and Special Cases

The admission rules may vary based on specific circumstances:

• Transfer Students: Students transferring from other recognized universities must provide a detailed syllabus of their completed courses for credit evaluation.
• PhD Candidates: Admission is highly individualized and depends on the availability of a research supervisor and a comprehensive research proposal.
• Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Holders of international protection status in Cyprus may have access to simplified document requirements if their original certificates are unavailable. This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Nationality-Specific Rules: Some private colleges may have specific quotas or additional financial guarantee requirements for students from certain high-risk jurisdictions as defined by the Civil Registry and Migration Department.