The best universities in Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus is not only an ideal place for a comfortable life and recreation, but also a region that is actively gaining popularity among applicants and students from all over the world. The number of international students in Northern Cyprus is growing every year, and the reason for this is the high level of education, affordable prices, ample opportunities for academic development and a unique multicultural experience.

The universities of Northern Cyprus offer internationally recognized programs that open the doors for students to the world’s leading companies and universities in Europe, the USA and Asia. Educational institutions actively participate in international exchanges, scientific conferences and research, cooperate with universities in the UK, America and Europe, providing students with double degree programs and study opportunities abroad.

Students in Northern Cyprus receive education primarily in English, which makes learning comfortable and accessible for representatives of a wide variety of nationalities. At the same time, the universities themselves have excellent infrastructure: modern laboratories, sports complexes, libraries, comfortable student dormitories and campuses with well-thought-out infrastructure provide conditions for harmonious development and rich student life.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at the top five universities in Northern Cyprus, highlight their advantages and features, tell you about the opportunities that open up for international students, and help you figure out which university is best suited for you or your child.

1. Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)

City: Famagusta

Year of foundation: 1979

Type: State-owned

Number of students: more than 18,000 from 68 countries

Language of instruction: English and Turkish

Ratings: Times Higher Education 2025: 601-800 place in the world

Tuition fee: from $4,042 to $20,160 per year, depending on the specialty and scholarship

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) is a leading university in Northern Cyprus, the only public university with international recognition and one of the most popular among international students due to the high quality of education and affordable tuition fees.

Faculties and programs

EMU offers students 141 programs in 12 faculties and 4 schools. Among the most popular areas of the university:

• Engineering specialties: civil, electrical, mechanical, computer engineering and robotics. The university is accredited by ABET, which confirms the high standards of education in these areas.
• Economics and Business: programs in finance, marketing, accounting and international business with FIBAA and AQAS accreditation.
• Architecture and Design: programs that have gained international recognition through innovative approaches to training and opportunities to participate in international competitions and internships.
• Medicine and Healthcare: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing. Teaching takes place in English in cooperation with international medical institutions.
• Humanities: psychology, law, international relations, languages and culture, which allows students to gain broad opportunities for career growth and further study abroad.

Infrastructure and campus

The EMU campus is located in the beautiful seaside town of Famagusta, one of the most attractive regions of Northern Cyprus. The territory of the university covers more than 220 hectares, where the most comfortable conditions for studying, recreation and social activity of students are created.

On the territory of the university there are:

• Modern academic buildings with spacious lecture halls and classrooms equipped with the latest multimedia systems and interactive whiteboards.
• Research laboratorieswhere students can conduct practical experiments and scientific research in the fields of engineering, biology, chemistry, physics and medicine, equipped according to the latest international standards.
• The EMU Library is one of the largest on the island, providing access to an extensive collection of books, scientific journals and electronic resources.
• Student dormitories of various levels of comfort, capable of accommodating several thousand students, with separate recreation areas and Internet access throughout the territory.
• Sports complexesthat include indoor and outdoor playgrounds for football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis, a swimming pool, gyms, and a fitness center.
• Restaurants and cafes with a varied menu, including international and traditional Turkish cuisine, as well as grocery stores and bakeries.
• A cultural center and amphitheaterthat hosts concerts, theater productions, conferences, and international student events.

The university has its own transport network, which provides convenient connections to all campus facilities and the city of Famagusta.

Scholarships and discounts

EMU actively supports talented students by offering various forms of scholarships and discounts:

• Academic Scholarships: Cover from 50% to 100% of the tuition fee, depending on the student’s academic success.
• Sports and Creative Scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding achievements in sports or the arts.
• Social scholarships: discounts for students with special financial circumstances or from large families.
• EMU Graduate Discounts: Graduates receive an additional 20% discount when applying for a Master’s or doctoral degree.

Tuition fee

The cost of studying at EMU varies depending on the chosen program:

• Engineering and Architecture majors: from $5,282 per year
• Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry: from $14,393 to $15,853 per year
• Faculty of Pharmacy: about $6,742 per year
• Economic and humanitarian destinations: from $4,042 to $4,681 per year

Master’s and doctoral programs are paid for in courses that cost approximately $800 to $1,500 per course, depending on the field of study and the scholarship received.

Conclusion

Eastern Mediterranean University has held a leading position among the universities of Northern Cyprus for many years. The University is proud of its high level of teaching, active research activities, modern infrastructure and friendly student atmosphere. Thanks to the availability of education and a variety of programs, EMU is an ideal choice for applicants from all over the world who want to get a high-quality international education at an affordable price.

2. Near East University (NEU)

City: Nicosia

Year of foundation: 1988

Type: Private

Number of students: over 25,000 from 100+ countries

Language of instruction: English and Turkish

Rankings: Webometrics 2025: 1320th place in the world, 2nd place in the TRNC

Tuition fee: from €2,665 to €13,480 per year, depending on the specialty and scholarship

Near East University (NEU) is the largest private university in Northern Cyprus, known for its innovative programs, modern infrastructure and active international activities. The University offers more than 400 programs in 20 faculties and 28 research institutes, providing students with a comprehensive education and research opportunities.

Faculties and programs

NEU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Popular destinations include:

• Medicine and Healthcare: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Audiology. The NEU Faculty of Medicine is recognized as one of the best in the region, and the University hospital is considered the most modern in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Engineering specialties: civil, electrical, mechanical, computer, biomedical engineering, software engineering and artificial intelligence.
• Business and Economics: programs in finance, marketing, accounting and international business.
• Humanities: psychology, law, international relations, languages and culture.

The University actively cooperates with international organizations and universities, providing students with double degree programs and study opportunities abroad.

Infrastructure and campus

NEU campus is located in the capital of Northern Cyprus — Nicosia, and covers an area of more than 98 hectares. On the campus there are:

• Modern academic buildings: equipped with the latest multimedia systems and interactive whiteboards.
• Research laboratories: for conducting practical training and scientific research in various fields.
• Library: with an extensive collection of books, scientific journals, and electronic resources.
• Sports complexes: including indoor and outdoor playgrounds for various sports, an Olympic-standard swimming pool, gyms, and a fitness center.
• Student dormitories: various levels of comfort, capable of accommodating more than 5,500 students. 
• Cultural Center and amphitheater: where concerts, theater productions, conferences, and international student events take place.

The university also provides students with access to various shops, cafes, banks, and medical facilities on campus.

Scholarships and discounts

NEU offers various forms of financial support for students:

• Academic Scholarships: Cover from 50% to 100% of the tuition fee, depending on the student’s academic success.
• Sports and Creative Scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding achievements in sports or the arts.
• Social scholarships: discounts for students with special financial circumstances or from large families.

The university also offers discounts for students entering a master’s or doctoral program after completing their bachelor’s degree at NEU.

Tuition fee

The cost of studying at NEU varies depending on the chosen program:

• Medicine: €13,480 per year
• Dentistry: €12,430 per year
• Pharmacy: €8,600 per year
• Engineering and architectural specialties: from €2,665 per year
• Economic and humanitarian destinations: from €2,665 per year

Master’s and doctoral programs are paid for in courses that cost approximately €350 to €800 per course, depending on the field of study and the availability of a scholarship. 

Conclusion

Near East University offers students a high-quality education, modern infrastructure and ample opportunities for academic and personal development. With a variety of programs, international accreditations and affordable tuition fees, NEU becomes an attractive choice for students from all over the world seeking a prestigious education in a multicultural environment.

3. Cyprus International University (CIU)

City: Nicosia (Haspolat district Хасполат)

Year of foundation: 1997

Type: Private

Number of students: more than 20,000 from more than 100 countries

Language of instruction: English and Turkish

Tuition fee: from €3,000 to €7,000 per year, depending on the specialty and scholarship

Cyprus International University (CIU) is one of the most dynamically developing universities in Northern Cyprus, offering students a modern education focused on international standards. The University actively implements innovative approaches in teaching and provides students with ample opportunities for academic and professional growth.

Faculties and programs

CIU offers more than 190 Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral programs in 12 faculties. Among them:

• Faculty of Medicine: “Medicine ” program (6 years)
• Faculty of Dentistry: “Dentistry ” program (5 years)
• Faculty of Pharmacy: Pharmacy Program (5 years)
• Faculty of Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Engineering and others
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences: Business Administration, International Relations, Finance
• Faculty of Humanities: Psychology, English Philology, Translation Studies
• Faculty of Education: English Language Teaching, Primary Education, Special education
• Faculty of Law: “Pravo”program
• Faculty of Arts and Architecture: Architecture, Graphic Design, Interior Design

The University also offers dual degree programmes in collaboration with UK universities such as the University of Sunderland and the University of Wolverhampton.

Infrastructure and campus

The CIU campus is located in the Haspolat areaХасполат, 8 km from the center of Nicosia, and covers an area of more than 90 hectares. On the campus there are:

• Academic buildings: equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and research centers
• Library: with an extensive collection of printed and electronic resources
• CIU Arena: the largest sports complex in Northern Cyprus, including indoor and outdoor sports fields, fitness center, climbing wall, semi-Olympic swimming pool and other facilities
• Student dormitories: various levels of comfort, including single and multi-bed rooms
• Medical Center: providing primary health care to students
• Cafes and restaurants: offering a variety of local and international dishes
• Entertainment areas: game center, movie theater, and recreation areas

The CIU campus provides students with all the necessary conditions for comfortable living and learning.

Scholarships and discounts

CIU offers various forms of financial support for students:

• Academic scholarships: Cover from 50% to 100% of the tuition fee, depending on the student’s academic achievements
• Sports and Creative Scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding achievements in sports or the arts
• Social scholarships: designed for students from low-income families

The university also offers discounts for students entering a master’s or doctoral program after completing their bachelor’s degree at CIU.

Tuition fee

The cost of studying at CIU varies depending on the chosen program:

• Bachelor‘s degree: from €3,000 to €7,000 per year
• Master‘s degree: from €3,850 for the entire program
• Doctoraldegree: from €7,150 for the entire program

Additional costs may include registration fees, training materials, and accommodation.

Conclusion

Cyprus International University offers students a high-quality education, modern infrastructure and ample opportunities for academic and personal development. With a variety of programs, international accreditations and affordable tuition fees, CIU becomes an attractive choice for students from all over the world seeking a prestigious education in a multicultural environment.

4. Girne American University (GAU)

City: Kyrenia (Girne)

Year of foundation: 1985

Type: Private

Number of students: more than 18,000 from 135 countries

Language of instruction: English and Turkish

Ratings: Ranked in the top 100 best universities by EduniversalEduniversal

Tuition fee: from €3,250 to €11,576 per year, depending on the specialty and scholarship

Girne American University (GAU) is the first private university in Northern Cyprus, founded in 1985. The university offers education under the American system and has international campuses in the UK, USA, Turkey, Hong Kong and Moldova. GAU is accredited by such organizations as YÖK (Turkey), YÖDAK (Northern Cyprus), ECBE, IAU and UNESCO.

Faculties and programs

GAU offers more than 100 Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral programs in 12 faculties:

• Faculty of Medicine: “Medicine ” program (6 years)
• Faculty of Dentistry: “Dentistry ” program (5 years)
• Faculty of Pharmacy: Pharmacy Program (5 years)
• Faculty of Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Engineering and others
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences: Business Administration, International Relations, Finance
• Faculty of Humanities: Psychology, English Philology, Translation Studies
• Faculty of Education: English Language Teaching, Primary Education, Special education
• Faculty of Law: “Pravo”program
• Faculty of Arts and Architecture: Architecture, Graphic Design, Interior Design

The University also offers dual degree programs in collaboration with universities in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Infrastructure and campus

The GAU campus is located in the picturesque Karaoglanoglu area of Kyrenia and covers an area of more than 100 hectares. On the campus there are:

• Academic buildings: equipped with state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and research centers
• Library: with an extensive collection of printed and electronic resources
• Sports complexes: including indoor and outdoor sports fields, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and other facilities
• Student dormitories: various levels of comfort, including single and multi-bed rooms
• Medical Center: providing primary health care to students
• Cafes and restaurants: offering a variety of local and international dishes
• Entertainment areas: game center, movie theater, and recreation areas

The GAU campus provides students with all the necessary conditions for a comfortable stay and study.

Scholarships and discounts

GAU offers various forms of financial support for students:

• Academic scholarships: Cover from 50% to 100% of the tuition fee, depending on the student’s academic achievements
• Sports and Creative Scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding achievements in sports or the arts
• Social scholarships: designed for students from low-income families

The university also offers discounts for students entering a master’s or doctoral program after completing their bachelor’s degree at GAU.

Tuition fee

The cost of studying at GAU varies depending on the chosen program:

• Bachelor‘s degree: from €3,250 to €11,576 per year
• Master‘s degree: from €4,000 for the entire program
• Doctoraldegree: from €7,000 for the entire program

Additional costs may include registration fees, training materials, and accommodation.

Conclusion

Girne American University offers students a high-quality education, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and ample opportunities for academic and personal development. With a variety of programs, international accreditations and affordable tuition fees, GAU becomes an attractive choice for students from all over the world seeking a prestigious education in a multicultural environment.

5. University of Kyrenia (UoK)

City: Kyrenia (Karakum district)

Year of foundation: 2013

Type: Private

Number of students: 1 000-1 999

Language of instruction: English and Turkish

Rankings: Webometrics 2025: 4,278th place in the world, 5th place in the TRNC

Tuition fee: from €2,800 to €12,600 per year, depending on the specialty and scholarship

The University of Kyrenia (UoK) is the first university in Northern Cyprus to specialize in marine and aviation sciences. Founded in 2013 in collaboration with Near East University, UoK has quickly established itself as a center of excellence in maritime, aviation and engineering education. The University is accredited by YÖK (Turkey), YÖDAK (Northern Cyprus), and is also recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Turkey (DGCA).

Faculties and programs

UoK offers more than 50 bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral programs in 15 faculties and 7 professional schools. Among them:

• Faculty of Marine Sciences: Marine Engineering, Marine Transport Management, Fishing Technologies
• Faculty of Aviation and Space Sciences: Piloting, Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering
• Faculty of Medicine: Medicine (6 years)
• Faculty of Dentistry: Dentistry (5 years)
• Faculty of Pharmacy: Pharmacy (5 years)
• Faculty of Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Software Engineering
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences: Business Administration, International Relations, Logistics
• Faculty of Law: Law
• Faculty of Healthcare: Nursing, Physiotherapy, Dietetics
• Faculty of Education: English Language Teaching, Special education

The university also offers dual degree programs and actively collaborates with Near East University, providing students with access to advanced academic resources.

Infrastructure and campus

UoK Campus is located in Каракумthe Karakum district of Kyrenia, just 4 km from the city center and a 15-minute walk from the coast. On the campus there are:

• State-of-the-art academic buildings: equipped with the latest multimedia systems and laboratories
• Library: with an extensive collection of printed and electronic resources
• Research centers: Marine History Center and Biosphere Research Center
• Sports complexes: including indoor and outdoor sports fields, a fitness center, and a swimming pool
• Student dormitories: various levels of comfort
• Medical Center: providing primary health care to students
• Cafes and restaurants: offering a variety of local and international dishes

The UoK campus UoKprovides students with all the necessary conditions for a comfortable stay and study.

Scholarships and discounts

UoK offers various forms of financial support for students:

• Academic scholarships: Cover from 50% to 100% of the tuition fee, depending on the student’s academic achievements
• Sports and Creative Scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding achievements in sports or the arts
• Social scholarships: designed for students from low-income families

The university also offers discounts for students entering a master’s or doctoral program after completing their bachelor’s degree at UoK.

Tuition fee

The cost of studying at UoK varies depending on the chosen program:

• Medicine: €6,300 per year
• Dentistry: €5,800 per year
• Pharmacy: €4,300 per year
• Engineering and Marine specialties: from €2,800 per year
• Piloting: €9,000 per year (additional €27,000 per flight hours)
• Nursing: €1,400 per year

Additional costs may include registration fees, training materials, and accommodation.

Conclusion

The University of Kyrenia offers students a high-quality education, modern infrastructure and ample opportunities for academic and personal development. Thanks to specialization in the field of MPas

Conclusion

Choosing a university in Northern Cyprus is an important step towards a successful career and personal development of a student. In this article , we reviewed in detail the five leading universities in the region: Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Near East University (NEU), Cyprus International University (CIU), Girne American University (GAU) , and University of Kyrenia (UoK).

Each of these universities has its own strengths and unique features:

• EMU offers high-level public education with affordable prices, modern infrastructure and a strong academic base.
• NEU stands out for its innovative programs, medical specialties, and the region’s largest research base.
• CIU is known for its international programs, affordable tuition fees, and state-of-the-art sports infrastructure.
• GAU offers an American education system, active international cooperation and an extensive campus network in various countries around the world.
• UoK specializes in maritime and aviation destinations, which makes it unique in Northern Cyprus and attractive for students interested in these areas.

Regardless of your choice, all universities in Northern Cyprus offer high-quality education in English, competitive prices, opportunities for obtaining international diplomas and comfortable living and studying conditions.

Before making a final decision, we recommend visiting the university campuses, getting to know the faculty and infrastructure personally, as well as clarifying the details of financial conditions and scholarships in order to make an informed and correct choice that fully meets your academic and career goals.