Higher Education

There are a number of state and private universities across the island offering undergraduate and post-graduate study programmes in a wide range of subjects. Depending on the institution and the programme of study sought, there are different application procedures and entry requirements. Languages of instruction may vary, but normally are Greek and / or English. The main universities in the Republic of Cyprus are:

State Universities:

Private Universities:

For a comprehensive guide to higher education in Cyprus, click here. This site includes detailed information about accredited programmes of study, universities and entry requirements, international student requirements, and tertiary education for non-university higher education courses for other professions and qualifications. This site also includes information about recognition of degrees and diplomas awarded in other countries, which is done at the state level by the national Council of Recognition of Higher Qualifications (KY.S.A.T.S.).

Recognition of Degrees and Diplomas Awarded in Other Countries

The recognition of degrees and diplomas awarded in other countries is done at the state level by the national Council of Recognition of Higher Qualifications (KY.S.A.T.S.). See here for the recognition principles and types of recognition given by KY.S.A.T.S.

See below for some general guidelines on the procedures for applying for recognition of the degrees or diplomas you have earned in another country.

The application should be attached with the following documents:

-Certified copy of the School leaving Certificate (Apolyterion).
-Certified copy of the Title/Titles of Study.
-Diploma Supplement, or when this is not possible, an Official Transcript of the Total of studies which is related to the demand.
-Official translation in Greek or English, if the submitted documents are in any other language.
-Receipt of payment of fees for the examination of the application.
-Submission of Detailed description of courses is recommended.

Note:

-A separate application must be submitted for each Title (or Degree) for which recognition is sought.
-The fees for the evaluation of every recognition application are €85,43.
-The fees for issue of the recognition document for each Title are €34,17.

For full details on the application procedure visit the KY.S.A.T.S. website.

Click here to download the application form in English.

Academic Scholarships

There are some scholarship schemes for refugees, both under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and by private universities themselves.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus offers scholarships for Syrian refugees temporarily residing in Lebanon and Syria. This is in accordance with the pledges that Cyprus undertook at the “Supporting Syria and the Region” conference organised in London in 2016. The scholarships are for postgraduate studies in English-language programmes offered by the University of Cyprus and the University of Nicosia and Neapolis University Pafos for the academic year 2017/18. For more information, see  click here.

Additionally, there are certain financial aid schemes for example with the University of Cyprus available for students with special criteria, for example from families who are on social assistance (GMI). For more information, click here.

The Cyprus Foundation for State Scholarships (Ίδρυμα Κρατικών Υποτροφιών Κύπρου) advertises different types of scholarships for higher education programmes in Cyprus and abroad.

The University of Nicosia has recently entered into a partnership agreement with UNHCR to benefit refugees in Cyprus and abroad. The agreement covers a wide range of areas, including a scholarship programme for refugees in Cyprus; distance learning opportunities for needy refugees abroad; and a UNHCR internship scheme for graduate students as well as joint research studies in the areas of refugees and migration. For more information, click here.

The UNHCR Office in Cyprus has recently concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with KASA High School in Nicosia to jointly work in the protection of refugee children in the Republic of Cyprus by ensuring them access to quality learning, education, and skill-building opportunities. The agreement is to support of the importance of education as a basic human right that leads to the empowerment of refugee children to achieve self-reliance. Under this agreement KASA High School will offer – starting in 2018-19 school year – places to refugees and asylum-seekers who wish to obtain a high school leaving certificate. Interested individuals of 16 years or older with a good command of the English language are eligible to apply. If selected –
following a test and interview – eligible individuals will be able to attend the minimum three-year programme. Download the application form here.

Welcome to Universities (Καλωσορίσατε στα Πανεπιστήμια) is a project that aims to make it easier for refugees to access higher education. For more information, see here.