Study in Cyprus

The Department of Higher and Tertiary Education (DAAE) aims at the creation of the appropriate conditions for the provision of tertiary education and training in academic and professional programmes of studies to the larger possible number of people. With the reshaping of the economies of almost all countries as a result of globalisation and the rapid development of technology, participation in higher education is now an essential qualification for the personal, economic and social development of individuals, groups and states. Thus, it constitutes the most significant level of education because it is directly linked to employment and contributes significantly to development and social coherence. Higher and Tertiary Education is also directly linked to the European membership of Cyprus since matters such as the recognition of academic qualifications and student and academic staff mobility are dominant among the issues handled by the DAAE

Higher and Tertiary Education is provided through a wide range of means and methods in public or in private institutions, through full-time, part-time, distance and other forms of attendance. EU intention to promote “Lifelong Learning” has extended the role of Higher and Tertiary Education and created new needs such as the creation of the Open University of Cyprus. At the same time, the state policy for the substantial increase of expenditure on research and the establishment of Cyprus as a regional educational and research centre, creates new prospects for the development of tertiary education and indicates that there are great possibilities for tertiary education to contribute to the economic development of the country.

Measures to promote Higher Education in Cyprus:
During the past twenty one years of the operation of the Department of Higher and Tertiary Education, a series of measures have been promoted which aim at the expansion of Higher Education and especially at University-level. The establishment and operation of the University of Cyprus in 1992. This measure contributed to the upgrading of tertiary education and laid the foundations for the involvement of the University in the social and economic life of Cyprus. The efforts continued and were intensified in the following years with the improvement of the graduate and postgraduate programmes of studies of the University of Cyprus as well as the establishment of another two state universities
The Open University of Cyprus
Cyprus University of Technology 
The creation of suitable institutional framework for the operation of Private Institutions of Tertiary Education (PITE). 

The establishment of the Council of Educational Evaluation-Accreditation, the competent authority responsible for the educational evaluation-accreditation of programmes of studies offered by PITE. The first programmes of studies were evaluated in January 2000, an event which proved to be a milestone for the development of PITE. The result of this evaluation was the institutions’ significant effort to improve their infrastructure, which contributed positively to the increase of the number of students both Cypriot and international attending these institutions. Approval of the Law which regulates the establishment and operation of Private Universities in June 2005 by the House of Representatives for further upgrading the private tertiary education

International Students:
The international dimension of education is important in Cyprus where international students receive a quality education in a safe, friendly environment at an affordable cost. They, in turn, enrich the educational experience of our own students and bring an international dimension to our culture. Lifelong friendships and networks are formed between Cypriot and overseas students which later enhance the cultural and trade relationships between our countries. 

Reasons for studying in Cyprus:
Quality education 
Safe, friendly environment at an affordable cost. 
English mainly as the language of instruction 
Pleasant Mediterranean climate 
Location at the crossroad of Europe, Asia and Africa 
Students can develop independence, maturity, an understanding of other cultures 
Preparation of students to work in today’s global marketplace. 
Studying in Cyprus is a once-in-a-lifetime experience 

Admission:
Access to the programmes offered by public universities and HE institutions is granted via the leaving certificate from a secondary education school or equivalent qualification, and national entrance examinations. 
The PITE require a school leaving certificate awarded by a six-year secondary school and a good knowledge of the language of instruction. 

Applicants from outside the European Union:
Unless you come from a country, which is a member of the European Union, you will need entry clearance issued by a Cyprus Diplomatic Mission in the country of your nationality, or the country in which you are living, before travelling to Cyprus. 
You should check with the Cyprus Diplomatic Mission in your own country to find out which entry clearance you require and obtain it before you travel. Without the appropriate entry clearance, you may be refused entry into Cyprus. 
You may find the contact details concerning the diplomatic missions of Cyprus abroad at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus: http://www.mfa.gov.cy/ 

To apply to study in CYPRUS go here