Guide to Study in Cyprus

Over the years, Cyprus has emerged as one of the leading destinations for international students who want quality European education at a low tuition cost. Many things make Cyprus an excellent destination to Study in Europe. Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus has an amazing climate due to its location, the winters are warm and the summers are cooler than other parts of Europe.

Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean. Another advantage is that Cyprus is part of the European Union and this is a huge advantage for students who would like to travel with the European bloc for summer vacations and work. A very important benefit of studying in Cyprus is the low tuition cost.

Universities in Cyprus are less expensive compared to their European counterparts and this is a huge gain as a student because you will earn a European standard education recognized internationally at a more affordable cost.

There are also numerous scholarships and loans available to international students who show strong academic excellence. If you would like to study in Cyprus, this article is aimed to be your kind in understanding the admission process, application deadline and admission requirements of major universities in Cyprus.

Visa Requirements to Study in Cyprus

Who needs a Visa?

Visas are not required for European Union (E.U.) students.

Non – European Union (non E.U.) students should contact the University of Cyprus to inquire whether they need to apply for a visa. Should a visa be required, students may apply to the Cyprus Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin.

Visa Requirements for citizens outside the EU

Students submit their Application Form M58 and all necessary documents to their choice university (two copies of each document). It is to be noted that the Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department, will forward the documents of each individual at the Cyprus Embassy or Consulate in their country:

• Certified copy of a valid passport or other travel document to cover:

• At least its intended course of study or

• At least two years,

• Duly certified copies of academic qualifications.

• Duly certified copy of good conduct letter from the police authorities in their country with an official translation into English or Greek. This letter is considered valid for six month period.

• Duly certified copies of medical certificates attesting to good health, and including blood tests (hepatitis B, C, HIV and syphilis) and Chest X-Ray (Tuberculosis). Medical examinations are considered valid for a four-month period.

• Acceptance letter from the University of Cyprus, with full description of his/her program and its duration. Documentary proof from a bank in their country that first-semester tuition fees have been transferred through Western Union/ Money Gram or by swift transfer (this is not required when the foreigner is granted a full scholarship).

• Documentary proof from a bank in their country that the student can afford to pay his/her living expenses in Cyprus and tuition fees or documentary proof for granting a scholarship from an institution in their country. Students must present in cash or travel checks the amount of $2.600 or €2.000 for their living expenses (full scholarship students are excluded).

• 4 passport size photographs.

• Visa fees.

• Application form M58 thoroughly completed and signed

Issue of Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

Non – EU Nationals

All foreign students coming from third countries outside the EU, within ten (10) days from the day of their arrival in Cyprus must complete the form M61 which is available from the website (www.mfa.gov.cy) and submit it to the Civil Registry and Migration Department, Cyprus with the following documents:

• Certified copy of a valid passport (entry visa should be included) or other travel document with a validity of:

• At least the expected duration of studies

• At least two years

• Original certificate or contract of a private health insurance in Cyprus which states that they are covered in respect of all risks within the Republic of Cyprus.

• Original medical examinations for hepatitis B, C, HIV and syphilis and Chest X-Ray (Tuberculosis). Each student upon arrival in Cyprus must do these medical examinations. The results of the examinations must be presented to the Ministry of Health, Medical and Public Health Services in order to be stamped and signed by goverment doctor with validity of four months.

• Original rental agreement contract.

• Confirmation from a bank in the Republic of Cyprus that the student has deposited a satisfactory amount of currency to cover his/her living expenses and tuition fees for the period that the residence permit is applied for.

• Original University registration letter.

• A certificate that the University will cover repatriation expenses.

• 2 passport sized photographs.

• Receipt of payment of €34,17 for application fees.

• Application form M61 thoroughly completed and signed.

EU Nationals

Students with European passport must contact the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Republic of Cyprus for the issuance or renewal of Temporary Residence Permit in Cyprus.

All nationals of an E.U. member state within three months from the day of their arrival in Cyprus must complete the form MEU1A (is available from the website of the Civil Registry and Migration Department) and submit it to the Civil Registry and Migration Department, Cyprus with the following documents:

• A valid passport or identity card and a photocopy of it.

• A registration letter from the University of Cyprus.

• A solemn declaration from the student or any other proof that he/she has sufficient resources to support himself/herself and family.

• A certificate that they are covered by a private health insurance in respect of all risks within the Republic, unless they are holders of the European Medical Card E111. A documentary proof that they are covered by a medical insurance in their countries.

• 2 passport size photographs.

For the members of the student's family the following documents are required:

• A valid passport or identity card and photocopy of it, with which they entered Cyprus.

• A marriage certificate or certified copy.

• 2 passport size photographs for each person.

Attestation process of documents

Students are required to attest the following documents by the appropriate/relevant authorities in their home country:

• academic documents

• police clearance certificate

• passport

• medical certificates

The attestation process differs between countries that have signed the Hague Convention, 1961 (Apostille) and those who have not. Attested documents must be in English; in cases where translations are necessary, these must be done by an approved translator and attested by the relevant authorities in home country.

Students applying from countries that have signed the Hague Convention, 1961 (Apostille): i.e. India

Students must have their documents attested by the designated, competent government authority which is authorized to affix the Apostille on their documents. The Ministry of Justice or Ministry of Foreign Affairs is usually the government body that issues the Apostille.

Students applying from countries that have not signed the Hague Convention 1961 (Apostille) but have a Cyprus Representation in their home country: i.e. Pakistan, Nepal, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Bangladesh

Students must have their documents attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in their home country and then further attested by the Cyprus Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Students applying from China

Based on bilateral agreements between Cyprus and China, students must have their documents attested by the Ministry of Justice. There is no need for the documents to be further attested by the Cyprus Embassy.

Students applying from Russia and Serbia

Based on bilateral agreements between Cyprus, Russian and Serbian students are exempted from the above procedures, provided all their documents are officially signed and stamped by the issuing authority.

Medical Care

E.U. students who have the European Medical Card E111, are entitled to free medical care by Cyprus national hospitals, upon presentation of the card.Non – E.U. students, as well as E.U. students not in possession of the above card, must obtain private medical insurance for in-hospital and outpatient medical treatment in Cyprus

All students must have medical insurance in their country.

Arrivals Information

Accommodation

All registered students may apply for accommodation at the Housing Office in the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Service. The University can accommodate a limited number of students in single, self-catering study / bedrooms in the Student Halls located at the New Campus, and in private apartments located off-campus.

Alternatively, students may search for off-campus accommodation on their own. Around the University, as well as throughout the city, there are apartments available for rent. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately €400 - €500 per month, for two-bedroom apartment is €480 – €600 per month, whereas the rent for a three-bedroom apartment ranges between €600 – €770 per month.

Living Expenses

Your own expenditure will depend on your lifestyle and the funds available to you. You should expect to spend more than usual in the first couple of weeks as you establish yourself, but your expenses should soon settle down, allowing you to manage your monthly budget carefully.

Estimated total living costs for a single student in the city of Nicosia, where the University of Cyprus is located, are between €700 – €1000 per month, including rent.

Cyprus Climate

Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine year round. Long dry summers and mild winters are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer is a time of high temperatures and winters are rather mild, with some rain all over the island and snow on the Troodos Mountains.

Recommended Clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens during summer months, and warm clothing and rainwear during winter time.

School of Modern Greek

The School of Modern Greek aims to teach the Greek language to non-native speakers, nationals and foreigners, as well as to those who wish to perfect their knowledge of Greek. It offers intensive and non-intensive courses of Greek.

Our next article Admission requirements to Study in Cyprus will discuss the necessary academic qualifications needed to get admitted into a university in Cyprus and how to apply.

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