Education in Cyprus

Education in Cyprus: advantages and disadvantages

From 1878 to 1914, the island was a British protectorate, and from 1915 to 1960 it was a British colony. As a result, education in Cyprus largely follows the traditional British model. You can study to high English educational standards while living in more comfortable conditions, since the climate here is warmer and not as rainy as in England. Tuition costs in Cyprus are also lower than at UK universities. Living costs are lower too.

1. Higher education in Cyprus has both advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the pluses.
2. Studies can be adapted to your own circumstances and preferences. It is possible to apply to a university two or three times a year, start studying in spring or autumn, and choose roughly two-thirds of your subjects yourself. It is also not necessary to study in Greek or Turkish, as English-language programs are available in Cyprus.
3. Many colleges and universities do not have the entrance exams we're used to. You only need to present a secondary education certificate and demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction. International certificates like IELTS or TOEFL work, but their absence is not a problem: some universities run their own testing.
4. Cyprus is known for its good climate - the sun shines here more than 300 days a year. Between classes you can relax on the beach or explore attractions that recall the island's rich history, spanning many thousands of years. Studying in Cyprus is made easier for Russians by the fact that they are treated well here.
5. The island has a large Russian-speaking community, and many people working in the services sector speak Russian to some degree.

Now for the downsides.

1. It is fairly difficult to get a scholarship at universities in Cyprus. Many universities offer students financial support, but it is only granted to those who genuinely need it. And even then it rarely covers more than half the expenses incurred by people who choose to study in Cyprus.
2. Living in a dormitory is expensive. The number of places on campus is limited, and rental housing costs are not covered by scholarships. Foreigners often prefer to share an apartment with friends, because paying for housing alone is not affordable.
3. You also need to know that, besides the Republic of Cyprus in the southern part of the island, there is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in the north. It is officially recognized only by Turkey. As a result, not all TRNC universities have international accreditation. It happens that students enroll, study, and only afterward find out that their university's diploma is recognized only in the TRNC itself and in Turkey.

Education in Cyprus: structure and cost

School education in Cyprus begins at 5-6 years old and lasts 12 years. It is divided into two 6-year periods - primary and secondary school. Public schools are free, but private school costs around $13,000 a year. Language proficiency at level B1 is required to study at primary or secondary school. School education for Russians is also available in Cyprus, but it belongs to the private sector. Russian-speaking island residents send their children there because instruction in public schools is in Greek.

After finishing secondary school, you can go straight to university. An alternative option is various university preparation programs. These last a year and cost $5,500-6,500 on average.

From age 17-18, you can study for a bachelor's degree in Cyprus. The program takes 4 years, with tuition ranging from $6,500 to $10,000 a year.

If a student wants to continue studying, a master's degree awaits them. This stage lasts 1-2 years. Studying for a master's degree in Cyprus costs around $6,500-8,500.

Those who want to become a manager or business administrator can earn an MBA - a Master of Business Administration. This is an alternative to a regular master's degree. Its length is also 1-2 years, but the cost is higher - from $7,500 to $13,000 a year.

If a student plans to pursue academic research, they need to enroll in a doctoral program. Studies usually take 3 years. The cost ranges from $4,500 to $7,500 a year.

Admission and university requirements

Each university can set its own admission conditions. These usually differ somewhat for foreign students compared to Cyprus citizens. In particular, you need to present a certificate confirming a certain level of language proficiency:

• Greek - GCE;
• English - IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge Exam.

If you don't have a certificate, the university may offer the option of taking a test.

Higher education in Cyprus is available to Russians provided they have completed 11 years of school. You can go straight into a college or university, but many prefer to spend a year on a preparatory program.

A graduate of a Russian university holding a bachelor's degree can apply for a master's program in Cyprus. A master's degree holder can apply for a doctoral program. However, it is important to carefully review the rules set by the specific university. Some universities only recognize bachelor's and master's diplomas issued in Cyprus, Europe or the US.

Education in Cyprus: public and private universities

Cyprus has eight universities: three public and five private. Regardless of who founded them, all of them undergo state accreditation.

The most prestigious of the public universities is the University of Cyprus. It has six faculties, and instruction is available in Greek or Turkish.

Among private universities, the University of Nicosia holds the highest standing. Instruction there is in Greek and English.

Cyprus also has higher education institutions that do not hold university status. These are usually called colleges. They too can be public or private. Studying in Cyprus in English is usually available at private colleges. Programs there can last from one to four years. After completing a 4-year program, the graduate receives bachelor's status and can, if they wish, apply for a university master's program.

The list of documents required for admission also depends on the specific university. Usually the following are required:

• an application form;
• a copy of an ID document;
• a school certificate - for those applying for a bachelor's program, or a diploma from the previous level of education - for those applying for a master's or doctoral program;
• a motivation letter - in which the applicant explains why they want to enroll at this particular university;
• a document confirming payment of the registration fee.

Letters of recommendation, a resume, and similar documents can also be attached.

Since 2017, an agreement on the mutual recognition of education, qualifications and academic degrees has been in effect between Russia and Cyprus. As a result, it is generally sufficient for a Russian citizen to present their certificate or diploma together with an English translation. But in some cases additional confirmation is required. Where there is a significant gap between educational standards, additional exams will need to be taken. This is especially common for graduates of medical universities.

Bachelor's, master's, doctoral studies

Higher education in Cyprus is organized in line with the Bologna system.

The first stage is the bachelor's degree. Studies last 4 years, during which the student must earn 240 credits under the European ECTS grading system. Students can largely design their own study program, but there are compulsory subjects that cannot be avoided. This list usually includes English language and sports disciplines.

The second stage is the master's degree. Its length is most often 18 months, though this period can be somewhat shorter or longer. 30 ECTS points need to be earned per semester. Completion of the degree is marked by the defense of a master's thesis.

The third stage is the doctoral program. Upon completion, the graduate receives a PhD. This requires earning 180 ECTS credits - 60 for each year of study - passing final exams, and defending a doctoral dissertation. To enroll in a doctoral program, you need to present academic papers written at previous stages of study.

Student visa for Cyprus

Education in Cyprus for Russians and other foreigners is only possible with a student visa. It is required by anyone planning to study at a university with a workload of at least 12 ECTS per semester.

To apply for a visa, you need an invitation from the university. So you first need to apply to the university or college where you plan to study. Documents are usually sent to the university by post, and staff there forward them to the Migration Department. However, it is advisable to check in advance whether such a service is offered, as not all universities provide it. If it is not available, documents will need to be sent through the Cyprus embassy in your country.

Graduates of Russian schools and universities do not need to have their education documents apostilled or consular-legalized. A notarized English translation is sufficient.

If the Migration Department approves the student visa application, it will send a scan of it, the so-called Blue Slip, by email. Upon arrival in Cyprus, you will additionally need to present:

• copies of the documents required to obtain the Blue Slip;
• receipts confirming payment for tuition and accommodation;
• confirmation of enrollment at the university;
• a return air ticket with an open date;
• a certain amount of cash - usually the equivalent of a little over two thousand US dollars.

If you plan to study not at a university of the Republic of Cyprus but at a university in the TRNC, the student visa can be obtained directly at the university. Russian citizens do not need a visa to enter the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Option to stay, and immigration to Cyprus

Students studying in Cyprus have the right to work officially on the island only after 6 months have passed since studies began. A work permit is also required, and there are restrictions - you can work:

• up to 20 hours a week - during the semester;
• no more than 38 hours a week - during holidays.

Foreign graduates of Cypriot universities are required to leave the island no later than 60 days after the graduation ceremony. Staying on the island longer is permitted if a job offer is in place. In this case, a category E work visa can be obtained. It is issued for one year, after which it can be renewed, but its total duration cannot exceed 5 years.

Education in Cyprus: prospects and employment opportunities

Education in Cyprus by itself is not a guarantee of employment. Finding work here is difficult even for local residents. A significant share of Cypriots work in the services sector, serving the interests of the many tourists. In other industries, knowledge of Greek or Turkish is generally required. That said, the unemployment rate in Cyprus is nowhere near as high as in many other European countries.

Many graduates of Cypriot universities look for work in Europe. Diplomas from local universities are recognized in the United Kingdom, which increases the chances of finding a suitable position. Cypriot diplomas are also highly regarded in Russia. Recall that Cyprus and Russia have signed an agreement under which diplomas and qualifications are mutually recognized.