Higher education in cyprus. Study in Cyprus, or education in the Mediterranean: what an applicant needs to know from Russia

When we think of Cyprus, we think of vacation. Cyprus is the Mediterranean Sea, sandy beaches, healthy climate and rich night life... Few people know that you can come to Cyprus not only for tanning and cocktails, but also for the opportunity to get an excellent education and start a successful European career. The local education system has a number of advantages, which we will discuss below.

Mutual recognition of education

Since 2016, the governments of Russia and Cyprus have had an agreement on the recognition of education, qualifications and academic degrees. Russia has such an agreement with only 8 countries in the world (Cyprus, France, Italy, Albania, Romania, Estonia, China and Mongolia).

This is an important advantage to consider when looking for study abroad. This agreement means that you do not need to pass additional exams (except for those confirming the level of English proficiency) and understand the education system. All documents about russian education accepted. Accordingly, diplomas of completed study programs in Cyprus are also assessed by Russian educational institutions and companies.

Mutual recognition of education means convenience in admission, the ability to return to Russia at any time without problems with the recognition of a foreign diploma, as well as expanding the prospects for further employment.

Secondary education in Cyprus

Cyprus is known for its decent level of education in schools. The difference between "village" public schools and elite gymnasiums is not felt as much as in other countries. All children study within the framework of the accepted standard and the knowledge gained at the output is comparable. In addition to state educational institutions, there are also private schools. In many of them, lessons are taught in English. There are also private schools teaching in Armenian, Italian, Arabic, French or Russian.

Higher education in Cyprus

There are 7 universities and 20 colleges in Cyprus offering higher education in various fields. Here you can study nuclear waste disposal technology, graphic design or cryptocurrencies - all in English. Also in English, popular areas are medicine, tourism and hotel business.

Colleges in Cyprus are equated to higher education institutions, and after studying there you can get a bachelor's degree. Several universities in Cyprus offer dual degree programs accredited by British and American universities.

Education in universities in Cyprus is as close to practice as possible. Students can find options for cooperation with future employers already during their studies. This is especially useful given that under Cypriot law, foreigners are not allowed to work while studying at a university.

Among the universities of Cyprus, the most famous are the University of Cyprus and the University of Nicosia. The University of Cyprus is a public university with about 7000 students. Most of the programs here are taught in Greek. The University of Nicosia is the most famous private university, with campuses in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol. It has 11,000 students and is taught in English.

Undergraduate Studies at Universities in Cyprus

Leading universities in Cyprus boast an extensive selection of undergraduate programs, offering students not only the knowledge but also the practical skills they need for the job. For admission to programs in English, you need a certificate russian school, you also need to provide a TOEFL or IELTS certificate. You can pass centralized entrance exams, their results are appreciated by universities.

Mutual recognition of education between Russia and Cyprus makes it possible not only to enroll in a bachelor's degree in Cyprus after leaving school, but also to transfer from russian university in Cypriot without losing a year. If necessary, the student can return to Russia and continue his studies close to home.

Masters in Cyprus

The Master's program in Cyprus lasts from 1.5 to 2 years. To apply for a master's program, you must have a bachelor's degree (which in Cyprus can be obtained not only at a university, but also at a college) and a certificate confirming knowledge of the English language.

Since international students in Cyprus are not eligible to work, many universities offer flexible funding solutions for their studies. So, a company that provides a future master with employment can pay for a student's education.

Education in the maritime industry in Cyprus

Studying in Cyprus is ideal for those who dream of connecting their life with the sea. Cyprus is the largest shipping center in Europe and the third largest merchant marine. It is home to 200 shipping companies, employing 4,500 onshore and 55,000 seafarers.

The fields of employment related to marine sciences are more valuable and in demand in the 21st century. Cyprus trains seafarers, stewards, navigators and many other professionals - a gigantic industry that brings together many professions and requires versatile talents.

Students studying navigation, ship administration, marine engineering technology in Cyprus have no problems with finding employment. Some institutions, such as the Cyprus Maritime Academy, provide sponsorship options for students. The student pays only for the first year - further studies are paid for by the company recruiting future professionals in advance. The condition is compulsory work in the sponsoring company for 3 years.

Medical education in Cyprus

Cyprus also provides excellent medical education in English. This option is suitable for those wishing to go to the international level in the field of medicine: diplomas and degrees obtained in educational institutions in Cyprus are recognized not only by Russian, but also by British universities.

The benefits of living in Cyprus

In 2015, research agency Value Penguin published a list of the safest countries in the world. In this ranking, Cyprus took 5th place among 200 countries. Value Penguin took into account not only crime statistics, but also life expectancy and the ecological situation - every tourist on vacation in Cyprus can confirm that it is easy to breathe there, and water can be drunk from the tap.

Cyprus pleases guests with a mild climate, comfort and safety. If you are not afraid of hot summers and rainy, warm winters, then there will be no problems with acclimatization.

Cyprus is part of the European Union, which gives international students the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus Mundus academic mobility program. The Erasmus Mundus program allows you to study at a foreign university on an exchange, without additional payment, as well as receive a scholarship while studying. The University of Nicosia alone has 400 agreements with partners around the world!

Another important point: you can live in Cyprus if you only speak English. The British diaspora has a lot of influence here, and the islanders, accustomed to the large flow of tourists, are always ready to help the English-speaking citizens and guests.

Cyprus is a country of fairly low costs, where you can live economically and at the same time pamper yourself while studying. Lots of cafes and restaurants, free city beaches, healthy Mediterranean diet (seafood, cheese, local wines) - everyday life a student in Cyprus is not much different from a holiday resort.

Tuition fees in Cyprus

Russian system education has many advantages and allows you to prepare excellent specialists in various fields. But in the era of globalization, people want to get the most versatile education possible. Many seek to find work abroad, primarily in Europe and the USA. It is quite expensive for a foreigner to get higher education in these states. Significant costs are required for accommodation and meals. A more attractive option is studying in Cyprus, a country with a wonderful climate and excellent living conditions.

Features of the educational system

The state takes care of training good specialists who will ensure its prosperity in the future. It provides assistance in the upbringing and development of children from the age of 6 months. Babies are admitted to public or private nurseries. From 3 to 5.5-6 years old, the child attends kindergartenand then goes to school.

Preschool education in Cyprus is offered by both public and private institutions. Regardless of the form of ownership, they provide a caring attitude to children and versatile programs early development... This is followed by education in primary school for 6 years and receiving a lower secondary education (gymnasium). It is necessary.

Having reached the age of 15, Cypriots and foreigners can receive upper secondary education in unified or vocational schools. After graduation, you can start working or continue your studies at universities. A bachelor's degree takes 4 years, a master's degree two more. Those who wish to engage in science enter postgraduate studies, where they acquire knowledge for another 3–6 years.

Preschool education

In Cyprus, they are very attentive to the development of babies. The methods of work are similar to those in Russia, but there are some peculiarities. Both private and state institutions bilingual education is often offered, allowing children to master two languages \u200b\u200bbefore school. Most often it is Greek and Turkish, but maybe English. There are also private Russian kindergartens.

There are also more stringent nutritional requirements. The staff of the institution must have a nutritionist who draws up the menu and controls the quality of food. Children spend a lot of time outdoors, doing gymnastics or physical therapy.

School system

Children are required to attend educational institutions between the ages of 6 and 15. Schooling divided into three stages: primary, lower (junior) and higher (senior secondary). The system seems complicated, but it is very logical and only slightly differs from the Russian one.

Initial

The training lasts 6 years. The main subjects, in addition to mathematics, reading and writing, are humanitarian. This allows you to provide a broad outlook, maintain an interest in understanding the world. Also, a significant part of the time is devoted to learning English.

Average

There are a lot of Russian families living in Cyprus. And they have the opportunity to educate children on native language... This is especially true for those who have just arrived in the country and have not mastered English, Greek or Turkish. Russian schools in Cyprus operate in Limassol and Paphos.

If it is planned that the child will enter a Russian university, it makes sense to choose an educational institution at the embassy in Nicosia, accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. Education in secondary school lasts 6 years in 2 stages. The first is mandatory, the second is optional.

Lowest average

The next 3 years in schools provide more in-depth knowledge of languages \u200b\u200band general subjects. Classes begin at 8-00 or 8-30 and last until 13-14 hours 5 days a week. Holidays - from early June to the second decade of September. Children also rest for 2 weeks at Christmas and Easter. The year is not divided into 2, but into 3 semesters.

Education is offered to both Cypriots and foreigners planning to enter universities. You can choose both a public school and a private one. Pupils choose most of the subjects on their own. The quality of education is excellent - up to 90% of graduates enter higher educational institutions both in Cyprus and in European countries.

Higher education

Children are usually sent to school if the parents have chosen this country for residence, and the choice of a place for further education is carried out according to other criteria. The quality of the acquired knowledge, the prestige of the diploma, its recognition in other countries, the cost of living, the possibility of subsequent employment are assessed.

Higher education in Cyprus is much cheaper than in the UK, USA, Germany, Switzerland or France. Accommodation and food costs are also lower. But the diploma received will make a favorable impression on employers in Europe, America and Russia in the future. The training includes three stages.

1. Bachelor's degree.
2. Master's degree.
3. Postgraduate studies.

You can get a bachelor's degree in Cyprus and colleges, and then continue your education in English and American educational institutions, with which universities in this country work closely.

Popular educational institutions

Institutions and universities in Cyprus are paid for foreigners. But tuition fees are lower than in most European universities, and the quality of education is high.

University of Cyprus	It was founded in 1989 in the capital and is considered the most prestigious in the country. Study in Greek and Turkish
Cyprus University of Technology	Located in the city of Limassol, it has been operating since 2004. A public university where most subjects are taught in Greek and Turkish
University of Nicosia	The largest private higher education institution in Cyprus. On campuses in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, up to 5 thousand students study in total. It is possible to obtain a double degree
European University Cyprus	One of the oldest educational institutions in the country. The college opened in 1961, and in 2000 it was accredited as a university. International diplomas are issued. Located in Nicosia
Eastern Mediterranean University	Received university status already in 1979. It has 15 thousand students, many of whom are foreigners, since teaching is carried out in English. Located in Famagusta city
University "Neapolis"	A private educational institution in Paphos has been open since 2010. Future economists, architects, psychologists, managers are expected at its faculties

For those who are fluent in Turkish, the universities of Northern Cyprus in Nicosia are the most interesting. Here you can get a diploma of a doctor, economist, lawyer, engineer, manager in the field of tourism. To those who know well and english language and plans to work in Europe in the future or continue his education in the UK or the USA, training is available at the Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus. You can master technical specialties at minimal cost in Limassol.

How to apply for a foreign citizen to the University of Cyprus

The country's authorities strive to attract as many students as possible. Study in Cyprus for Russians and applicants of other nationalities is attractive due to the minimum of bureaucratic procedures. Entrance exams must be taken only by those who want to obtain a medical diploma or master creative professions.

You can choose one of the many training programs in Greek, Turkish, English. This determines which documents are required upon admission. Those wishing to study in Greek or Turkish are tested, in English - they present their TOEFL or IELTS certificates.

Requirements for foreigners

Applicants from Russia and other countries represent:

• application - a sample can be downloaded on the website of the selected university;
• copy of your passport;
• 6 photos;
• a certificate of no criminal record;
• documents confirming the availability of funds for living in the country;
• results of medical examinations for AIDS, hepatitis, syphilis and tuberculosis;
• a certificate of secondary education with an insert with grades or a bachelor's degree for admission to a master's degree;
• a receipt confirming the payment of the fee for the examination of documents;
• tOEFL or IELTS certificate with a score of at least 5.5 or 500-550 points. If the level of language proficiency is insufficient, admission is possible, but with a must visit courses.

For all documents, a notarized translation must be prepared and apostilled.

Study visa application procedure

After the application is considered at the university and approved, the information is transferred to the Ministry of Education. To enter you need a training. It can be obtained only after paying tuition fees for one semester or a year, depending on the requirements of the university. After this, the applicant is invited for an interview at the embassy.

You must also pay a visa fee - 86 euros. Arriving in Cyprus, the student is obliged to register at the educational institution before the start of classes. A weekly delay is allowed, but a € 35 fee will apply. The visa must be renewed in a timely manner at the Immigration Office.

Tuition fees

Cyprus offers only paid education for foreigners. The cost studying for a bachelor's degree ranges from 3.5 to 8 thousand euros per year. AT public universities prices are 30-50% lower than in private ones. You also need to pay a registration fee (approximately 250 euros) and buy textbooks. Master's studies require from 9 thousand euros annually.

Getting a scholarship

The state and its commercial structures, primarily the Development Bank of Cyprus, are interested in training good specialists. Highly performing students may be awarded a scholarship covering a portion of the tuition costs. For 1–4 courses, you can count on participation in short-term, no more than 2 months, incentive programs that involve internships in government departments.

Living conditions of students

Most universities have hostels. Students are charged a small fee of around € 100 per month. If you want, you can rent an apartment - it will require 200-300 euros, but fellow students or fellow countrymen often solve the housing problem together, and then this amount is divided into 2-4 people.

Further employment

The graduates hope to successfully and profitably apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies in practice. But before graduation, finding a job in your specialty is quite difficult. Legislatively limited not only the number of hours, but also the areas where it is allowed to use hired labor of immigrants from other countries. But after graduation, you can stay in the country for a year. is offered most often in the tourism business, but highly qualified doctors, engineers, economists, choreographers and architects also have a good chance of employment.

Advantages and disadvantages of studying in Cyprus

It is always useful to see, get to know and understand the inhabitants of another country. Graduates gain a diversified experience that will interest employers. Admission to the University of Cyprus has the following advantages:

• the quality of education is European, and the prices are much lower;
• wonderful climate, the opportunity not only to get an education, but also to relax at one of the world's best resorts;
• the opportunity to improve 3 languages \u200b\u200bat once - English, Turkish, Greek;

Much attention is paid to the issue of education in Cyprus. This is due to the fact that the state policy in the educational sphere is aimed at maintaining the authority of national teaching and education.

Cyprus map after the Turkish invasion

Historically, the island of Cyprus was effectively divided between 2 countries after the Turkish invasion of its northern part in 1974. The largest part is the Republic of Cyprus, which has been a member of the European Union since 2004. In the rest of the territory, the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was created and continues to exist in 1983, recognized only by Turkey itself.

The United Nations peacekeeping contingent is on the line of demarcation and is monitoring compliance with the conditions of peaceful coexistence by both parts of Cyprus. Thus, the Greek population is concentrated in the southern part of the island, while the Turkish Cypriots live in the north. Therefore in different parts islands different rules life.

Features of life and study in Cyprus

Recently, the island of Cyprus joined the European Union, due to which a large number of foreign students began to come to the country, in particular on exchange programs between partner universities. In addition, foreigners are attracted by the opportunity to study in English. Another language spoken in Cyprus is Greek, but English is spoken quite a lot local residents, which makes life much easier for a visitor.

Cyprus is considered one of the best countries in Europe, one of the safest countries, and one of the countries with a warm climate. Tired of studying, students will always be able to find how to spend time interestingly and relax. And the average annual temperature is 25 degrees, the cleanest beaches and Mediterranean cuisine allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of tourist towns.

Education opportunities in Cyprus

There are two in Cyprus different kinds higher educational institutions - universities and institutes. However, Cyprus is not a big island at all, which is why there are so few educational institutions there. There are only 3 public and 5 private universities in the country. But there are about 40 academic institutions in the country.

Universities, both private and public, offer bachelor's, master's or Ph.D. degrees. But in institutes, in addition to the main three levels of higher education, you can also get a professional one. At the end of one or two years of study in a certain specialty, the student receives a special certificate.

All educational institutions in Cyprus issue diplomas that are recognized around the world, and training takes place in accordance with European standards.

The Government of Cyprus actively funds the education sector, attracting a large number of students from all over the world every year. In Cyprus, there are both government grants and private grants from companies, enterprises and private educational institutions.

However, education in Cyprus is still paid and cannot even be called budget. Foreign students must pay tuition fees annually. The price of higher education in Cyprus starts from 3,000 euros for one academic year.

It is worth noting that most of the higher educational institutions in Cyprus work closely with many local and international companies that take students for practice and offer the best job placement and further career growth.

Heritage Private School in Limassol, Cyprus

Higher education institutions in Cyprus

Cyprus is a rather small state, so there are not many universities on the island. Most universities offer courses in English.

University classrooms in Cyprus

INTEM will help you to make sure of this. We will organize your studies in Cyprus, where you can learn a foreign (English) language, get to know interesting people, strike up strong friendships and have a great rest. High-quality education and quite affordable tuition fees are not all the advantages created in Cyprus for foreign students. Do you want to know more about what conditions and programs are offered by educational institutions for foreigners, how much does the training course you are interested in, and what features are hidden in the country's education system? Contact us! We will tell you about all these nuances and offer our help in organizing study abroad.

Study in Cyprus - features and benefits

Studying in Cyprus allows you to get an international diploma, which opens up wide opportunities for further professional self-realization of students. If you wish, you can go to summer courses in the study of English in order to successfully pass exams and enter a prestigious university. The undoubted advantage of this choice is the relatively low cost of education and living.

Schools and universities create optimal conditions for foreign students to receive quality education and further employment (the opportunity to stay in the country for a year after graduation to look for work). These and other factors make the learning process in Cyprus interesting, eventful, fruitful and promising.

Cypriots have always had a high desire for education. Even when the country did not have its own university (the decision to establish it was made only in 1989), Cyprus was one of the countries with the highest percentage of university-trained specialists. Then they went to study in Greece, Turkey, England, the USA and other countries.

Education system in Cyprus

Schools in Cyprus

The public education system in Cyprus is represented by primary and secondary schools, the level of teaching in which meets the high requirements. This European country also has vocational training schools, the main task of which is to prepare qualified personnel for work in the field of production and tourism services. An alternative to public secondary educational institutions are private schoolswho are recruiting students on a paid basis.

There is a selection of private schools in almost every city in Cyprus, in which mainly foreign students study. These schools offer instruction in English, French, Italian, Armenian and Arabic.

There are schools in Cyprus leading training in American and english programs (for example, American Academy Junior Schools - primary schools in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, English School - a gymnasium in Nicosia), as well as in French and Lebanese programs.

The school year in public secondary schools in Cyprus begins on September 1st. For students of gymnasiums (Gymnasio) and lyceums (Lykeo), lessons begin on September 10 and end on June 2-5 of the following year.

During school year there are the following holiday:

• Two weeks for the Christmas holidays.
• Two weeks for Easter.
• 10 days related to state, national or religious holidays.

School year within educational process divided into three semesters:

• Semester A: From September 10 to December 10.
• Semester B: From December 11 to March 10.
• Semester C: From March 11 until the end of the school year.

In grades 1-3 in schools in Cyprus, they are taught basic skills (reading, writing, counting), and then, in grades 4-6, in curriculum foreign languages, music, physical education and various humanitarian subjects are gradually added.

Then the children go to the gymnasium, where three years of study are the second stage of the compulsory nine-year education. This step provides in-depth study general education disciplines and foreign languages.

Finally, the final stage (already optional, and therefore paid in Cyprus) - three years of study in lyceums of optional subjects focused on specialization in the field of individual disciplines. Academic plan provides for the study of three categories of subjects: basic (compulsory for all), special and optional. The freedom of choice is limited to a set of the following combinations: classical sciences, humanitarian disciplines, subjects of the physics and mathematics cycle, as well as economics and languages.

Few of them serve as an alternative to public secondary educational institutions. private schools in Cypruswho are recruiting students on a paid basis. Some of them focus on learning foreign languages, mainly English, French and Italian.

There are schools in Cyprus that teach in American and English programs (for example, American Academy Junior Schools - primary schools in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, Pascal English Schools - schools in Nicosia), as well as French and Lebanese programs.

In an international school in Limassol, organized by immigrants from Russia, teaching is carried out in parallel according to Russian and American programs. And accordingly, in Russian and English. The Russian program takes 11 years, and in the last, twelfth year, students study only according to the American program. Graduates of this school in Cyprus receive a Russian certificate of secondary education and a school certificate. Here you can also get training for admission to American universities (Freshman). The cost of a year of study for this Russian-American program is, including room and board, in lower grades $ 13,700, in seniors - $ 16,300, and under the Freshman program - $ 16,000.

Higher education in Cyprus

The benefits of studying in Cyprus:

• Low tuition and living costs
• Ability to work while studying in Cyprus (20 hours per week during academic weeks and 38 hours per week during vacations)
• You can stay after graduation and work in Cyprus
• Possibility of transfer to 2 and 3 courses of universities in other countries
• Traditionally friendly attitude towards foreigners and towards Russians in particular
• Excellent climate, more than 300 sunny days a year, sea and beaches - almost all year round

Typically, the academic year is higher education starts in early September or October and ends in May or June. The academic year is divided into 2 semesters.

Institutions in Cyprus offering higher education

The most famous universities in Cyprus:

• University of Nicosia
• Cyprus University
• University of Technology
• Open University
• Neapolis University

University of Nicosia is the largest and most prestigious research university in Cyprus with about 11,500 students from more than 70 different countries... One of the main advantages is that training is conducted in English. The University of Nicosia is the first university in the world to introduce the practice of paying tuition in bitcoins in 2013, and in 2014 it was also the first to launch the Digital Currency Master's program in cryptocurrency studies. International accreditations and awards, partnerships with more than 400 educational institutions around the world, good career prospects and affordable price training - all this attracts young people to choose this particular university in Cyprus.

University of Cyprus (University of Cyprus) was founded in 1992. Education there is conducted in Greek and Turkish and lasts four years. Almost all of his students are Cypriots. There are practically no foreigners at the university. This is a reflection of government policy aimed at maintaining the prestige of national education. Quite high requirements are imposed on applicants, they have not only to go through a multi-stage procedure for passing exams, but also to withstand a competition of documents.

Cyprus also has private institutes and colleges (Idiotikes Scholes Tritovathmias Ekpaidefsis), which offer training programs in specific areas (secretarial, business management, electrical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, banking, accounting, hospitality, etc.). The tourism boom in Cyprus in the 1980s spawned the creation of hospitality and tourism management colleges. The ministry has 20 such institutions registered. They offer training programs for certification, diploma and degree. It should be noted that registration of institutions does not guarantee recognition of the degrees that their students receive. The recognition of a degree is possible only after the successful accreditation of a separate study program. To study at such an institute, the applicant must have a graduation certificate (Apolytirio), certifying that he has successfully completed secondary education and has a good knowledge of English. The main goal these institutes is to prepare students for a successful professional career. Most programs are offered through a 2-semester academic year. The language of instruction is English.

How to enter a university in Cyprus?

To enter college, a student must pass the TOEFL test with a score of 500 points or IELTS, gaining 5.5 points. It is also necessary to submit a certificate of secondary education and a transcript describing the courses and indicating the number of hours. Those who have not typed the required amount points in English, can study on open at the college language courses.

Foreign students, high school graduates with good knowledge of Greek or turkish languagemay also be admitted to university based on the G.C.E., or G.C.S.E., or other equivalent exams.

Terms of admission

In most colleges, studies begin in late September - early October, but students must register two to three weeks before the start of classes, especially newcomers. Although it is not necessary to apply for studies in the fall - in most Cypriot universities, you can start training from any semester, which is usually 2-3 during the year.

Residence

Some institutes offer hostels for their students, for others it is possible to live in a rented apartment. Foreign students with limited financial resources, colleges help find homes and apartments where four or more people live. Colleges without dormitories of their own also place their students in apartments.

Leisure

To make learning for students enjoyable and memorable, much is done to organize their free time. Computer labs with free Internet, organization of field trips, screenings of thematic films, festive evenings with student performances and other events. As a rule, there are free clubs and student associations of interest, the list of which in large colleges can be quite impressive.

Working while studying in Cyprus

Under Cypriot immigration law, foreign students are entitled to work in Cyprus while studying.