Overview of Language Requirements in Cyprus
Foreign nationals seeking to study in Cyprus for the 2025/2026 academic year must navigate a dual-language educational landscape. While the Republic of Cyprus has two official languages—Greek and Turkish—the medium of instruction in higher education depends heavily on the type of institution and the specific program of study. English is the most common language of instruction for international students, particularly within private universities and postgraduate programs at public institutions.
Admissions offices require formal proof of language proficiency during the application process. These requirements are standardized by the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth to ensure that students can succeed academically and integrate into the campus environment. Failure to meet these standards typically results in a conditional offer, requiring the student to enroll in an intensive language preparatory program.
English Language Proficiency Standards
Most private universities and international programs in Cyprus require proof of English proficiency at a level equivalent to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The specific scores required vary between undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Accepted English Standardized Tests
- IELTS Academic: Typically a minimum score of 5.5 for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate studies. The registration fee for IELTS in Cyprus is approximately 215 EUR ($230 USD, Jan 2025).
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 72 for undergraduate and 79-88 for postgraduate programs.
- IGCSE/GCE: A grade of 'C' or higher in English Language is generally accepted as sufficient proof for most institutions.
- Cambridge Exams: B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE) certifications are widely recognized.
Internal University Placements
Many institutions, such as the University of Nicosia or the European University Cyprus, offer their own English Placement Tests (EPT). If a student does not have an international certificate, they may sit for this internal exam. Depending on the result, the student may be admitted directly or placed into an English Language Preparatory Program. The cost for these internal exams varies but is often included in the application fee, which ranges from 50 EUR to 100 EUR ($54 USD to $107 USD, Jan 2025).
Greek Language Requirements for Public Universities
For students applying to undergraduate programs at the University of Cyprus (UCY) or the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), Greek is the primary language of instruction. International candidates must demonstrate proficiency through recognized examinations.
Certification and Preparatory Years
Proof of proficiency is usually required at the B2 level or higher, certified by the School of Modern Greek at the University of Cyprus or the Greek Language Centre in Greece (Ellinomatheia). If an international student is accepted into a Greek-taught program but does not speak the language, they are usually required to attend a one-year intensive Greek language course. The tuition for this preparatory year is approximately 3,500 EUR ($3,745 USD, Jan 2025).
Exceptions and Exemptions
Exemptions from providing language certificates are typically granted under the following conditions:
- The student is a native speaker of the language of instruction (English or Greek).
- The student has completed a high school diploma or a previous degree in a country where the language of instruction was English or Greek.
- The student has completed at least three years of full-time study in a secondary school where the language of instruction was the same as the chosen program in Cyprus.
Verification of these exemptions depends on the individual situation and requires the submission of official transcripts and a "Medium of Instruction" letter from the previous educational institution.
