ABOUT CYPRUS
Located to the east of the Mediterranean Sea and the south of the Anatolian Peninsula, the Republic of Cyprus is the third most populated island country in the region. It shares its neighbourhood with Turkey to the south, Syria to the west, Lebanon and Israel to the northwest, Egypt to the north and Greece to the southeast. Cyprus’s geographical location makes it enjoy an intense Mediterranean climate which features long dry summers and mild winters. While the largest city and capital stands to be Nicosia, students have often found residence in Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol and Paralimni. Cyprus enjoys a very high income economy with high rankings in the human development index.
HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN CYPRUS
The Study in Cyprus can be best described as a combination of three different cycles. They are:
The Bachelor’s or the first cycle: Cyprus provides a variety of programs for a 4 year bachelor’s degree which include applied sciences, arts, design, business management, IT, education, engineering, environmental sciences, hospitality, humanities, journalism, law, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences.
Requirement to study Bachelor’s in Cyprus:
- Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
- An overall TOEFL minimum score of 92
Master’s or the second cycle: After the successful completion of their bachelor’s degree, students may avail a variety of master’s courses that country provides based on their subject of interest. These include agriculture, applied sciences, arts, design, business management, IT, education, engineering, environmental sciences, hospitality, humanities, journalism, law, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences.. While the degree may take upto 1-4 years to complete, students are often taught through seminars, exercises, practical workshops, field trips and research. These help them to not only prepare for a professional career but also an academic career if they choose to.
Requirement to study Master’s in Cyprus:
- Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
- Successful completion of bachelor’s with 60% and above
- An overall TOEFL minimum score of 92
Doctoral degree or the third cycle: After the successful completion of their master’s, students can also apply for a doctoral degree which all public and private universities offer in the country. Students are given the opportunity to conduct independent research under academic supervision which later they will have to defend in front of a panel of experts appointed by the university. While the degree may take upto 3 years to complete, students are also given financial grants that will help them sustain themselves in the country.
Requirement to study PhD in Cyprus:
- Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
- Successful completion of bachelor’s with 60% and above
- Successful completion of master’s with 60% and above
- Independent research idea
- An overall TOEFL minimum score of 92
Cost of studying in Cyprus
While the cost may differ as per the course, students are likely to pay an average of USD 10000 – 15000 (around INR 740000 – 1120000) per year to study in Malta. Students are also likely to pay upto USD 12000 (around INR 89000) per year for their accommodation in the country.
WORK OPPORTUNITIES
While Cyprus does allow students to work part time for 20 hours a week, they cannot work for the first 6 months in the country. In addition they are also required to apply for a permit to work in the country. Students are likely to find quite a lot of employment opportunities in cafes, restaurants, hotels and other service sectors of the country.
However, they are required to leave the country within 60 days of completion of their study. If they have been able to secure an employment opportunity in the country, they may re-enter using a work and a residential permit which is for a year and can be renewed at the end of its validity. After living in the country for 5 years, they can apply for a permanent residency visa to stay longer in the country.
STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENT FOR CYPRUS
To receive a student visa for Cyprus, any applicant must furnish:
- A passport which is valid at least 12 months beyond their stay
- A letter of acceptance from any Cyprus university
- Proof of funds to sustain their stay in the country
- Proof of health insurance