Cyprus : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

Higher and tertiary education in Cyprus is provided through a mix of public and private institutions and learning can be undertaken in a full-time, part-time or distance-learning capacity. The qualification structure is similar to that in the UK, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and vocational courses.

What courses are available?

Postgraduate courses are offered at both Masters and Doctorate level, with a Masters generally being one year in duration and PhD study lasting between three to eight years. The main language of instruction is Greek in the south, but some institutions offer courses taught in English, for details of such courses visit individual institution websites. The universities in Northern Cyprus all teach in English.

• The BBC Languages has information on learning Greek and Turkish. 
• You can learn Greek online via the Kypros website.  
• During school term time, language courses are held at some state schools, information is available from the school directly and by searching the Cyprus Yellow Pages website you can find details of private language schools and tutors. 

Where can I study?

There are three recognised public universities: the University of Cyprus, the Open University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology. 

• University of Cyprus offers various programmes within the following faculties: Humanities, Pure and Applied Science, Social Science and Education, Economics and Management, Engineering and Letters. The University of Cyprus is renowned for its teaching and research reputation, both locally and nationally. The university offers an intensive Greek language course, lasting 4-8 weeks at the beginning of each semester (August and January) and intended for international students.
• The Open University of Cyprus offers a small range of graduate and PhD open and distance learning courses, including Business, Banking Finance, Health Care Management, Education and Information Systems. The university began operation in 2006 and intends to build on current programmes.
• Cyprus University of Technology currently has five academic faculties: Arts & Communication, Health Sciences, Management and Economics, Science and Environment and Engineering and Technology.

There are also private universities, including some where the medium of instruction is English. Details can be found at Cyprus Higher Education.

In the northern (Turkish administered) part of the island there are six universities where all courses are taught in English. Details and a list of contacts are available from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Universities) .

A list of universities throughout the island is available from Universities Worldwide.

Applying for postgraduate study?

The basic requirement for postgraduate study is that applicants must have a university degree awarded by an accredited institution. Check specific entry requirements with each institution before applying. Most universities in Cyprus require a completed course application form which must be accompanied by at least two letters of recommendation. Some institutions require candidates to undertake entrance examinations or pre-entry interviews. Each institution has specific entry requirements so it is essential to check with the postgraduate office or admissions department for details.

Some institutions require applications to be submitted by March/April to be considered for a course beginning in the autumn, although it is advisable to apply for a course as early as possible.
Applications are made directly to the university or institution you wish to attend. Contact the university directly as each has its own admissions system for postgraduate programmes. All universities have their own application form. Some have central admission departments and others require you to submit applications to individual faculties or departments. Most have application forms available on their website or email contacts to request electronic versions.

Personal statements and references are a requirement for most courses. Details are available on individual institution websites in English or by requesting a postgraduate prospectus.
Fees and scholarships

• Getting funding in Cyprus can be difficult, so try to arrange financial support for the course before you arrive.
• Some institutions offer scholarships directly to new students on the basis of academic, financial or other criteria. For details, visit the institution website.
• Tuition fees may vary depending on individual institutions but as a guide: a Masters degree costs €5125, a PhD €4000 (for postgraduate students with a Masters) and €6500 PhD (for postgraduate students without a Masters).

Are there any exchange programmes?

The University of Cyprus has participated in the Socrates/Erasmus programme since 1998 and has welcomed around 186 Erasmus students to the university. In order to take part in the Erasmus programme, you must be nominated by your home institution, so contact your Erasmus coordinator for further details (usually based within the international office) or visit the Erasmus.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

You can find out from UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) how a qualification gained in Cyprus will be regarded in the UK.