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Higher Education in Study in Cyprus Experience

Kyrenia

4 1 6 2 5 Famagusta Polis Chysochous 8 Agia Napa

Troodos Platres 7 Paphos

3 Public Universities: 1. 2. Open University of Cyprus 3. Cyprus University of Technology

Private Universities: 4. 5. European University Cyprus 6. 7. Neapolis University Pafos 8. University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus

Capital City

Cities

International Airports, Larnaca & Paphos www.studyincyprus.org.cy Cultural Sites 1

Where tradition meets innovation Living in Cyprus

Cosmopolitan, lively and culturally rich, Cyprus is a modern and • High quality of life thriving European Union state, offering a unique value proposition • Safest country for young people catering to the needs of all visitors. Combining a strategic location • Most blue flag beaches per capita in the EU at the crossroads of three continents with an enviable quality • 2nd best climate worldwide, with an average annual temperature of 25°C of life, a multicultural English-speaking society, an advanced • Reasonable cost of living infrastructure and simple yet effective systems and regulations, • Friendly and hospitable people Cyprus has long developed into a destination of choice for • Wide range of sports and leisure options international activities. • Flourishing arts and culture • Delicious gastronomy • Vibrant nightlife 3

A booming higher education sector

Cyprus is a world-class educational and research centre of excellence with high quality academic institutions, offering a large variety of advanced and fully accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, at affordable cost. With a booming sector comprising 3 public and 5 private universities and more than 40 public and private higher education institutions enjoying international academic and scientific recognition, the island attracts thousands of international students every year.

A Holistic Global Academic Experience Encouraging Innovation, Startup and Intellectual capital is the national economy’s most valuable Entrepreneurship asset, contributing to the country’s social and economic Promoting research and innovation leads to a creative, knowledge- progress. Committed to excellence, the government of the based society and a boosted entrepreneurial spirit. Promising Republic of Cyprus invests strongly in the education sector, business ideas and products find real support, mentoring and funding while also concluding agreements on cooperation and opportunities in Cyprus, developing into a strong and rapidly growing mutual recognition of qualifications with other countries. startups and innovation ecosystem, supported by a highly educated Therefore, studying in Cyprus offers international students an and experienced human talent and a range of incentives which render unprecedented opportunity to not only enrich their knowledge Cyprus a perfect choice to start and scale companies. Low launching by renowned professionals in state-of-the-art local facilities, operating costs, an attractive IP box, and the introduction of the but also to benefit from mobility opportunities and gain a Startup Visa for third country nationals aim to attract international holistic global academic and cultural experience. innovators and multinational talent while promoting collaboration and co-creation within the wider global startup community. Quality Assurance and Enhancement Placing great emphasis on quality assurance and quality Employability enhancement of higher education institutions, the Cyprus Focused on cultivating a knowledge-based economy and investing Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher in human talent, Cyprus has put in place a favourable and effective Education was established to improve internal and external higher education framework, which emphasises on lifelong learning, quality assurance procedures as well as accreditation internationalisation, and employability. Aligning curricula with and recognition matters, while ensuring the increased international market trends, higher ensures competitiveness of the higher education sector. international employability of its graduates, developing the necessary skills to be able to effectively respond to today’s challenging and highly Research competitive global workplace. World class research initiatives have been set-up by international calibre researchers based in academic institutions and advanced research centres throughout Cyprus, placing Studying in Cyprus is much more than a quality academic the country high on the global research and development and learning process map. Creating value through ideas and encouraging scientific Ιt is a wonderful living experience in a stimulating, buzzing and safe research across a wide range of disciplines, render Cyprus a environment, with year-round sunshine, captivating natural beauty growing knowledge hub in the Eastern Mediterranean offering and a rich historical and cultural landscape. exciting opportunities to students and young professionals from overseas who want to be part of the real change and Golden sandy beaches and clear blue waters, enchanting mountains, progress in today’s society. cosmopolitan cities and traditional villages, a vibrant nightlife and a variety of outdoor activities, all form a diverse and exciting offering that can cater to different lifestyle options and needs. Cypriots, besides being multilingual in their majority, are much known worldwide for their genuine and sincere hospitality and friendliness, but also for the famous Cypriot cuisine. 5

Cyprus Qualifications Framework

Why study in Cyprus SVQ CyQF/NQF EQF

COMPULSORY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE 11

Academic excellence and innovation

• High quality institutions COMPULSORY NEW MODERN 22 • Quality assurance LOWER SECONDARY APPRENTICESHIP • Distinguished academics EDUCATION CERTIFICATE (PREPARATORY PROGRAMME) Graduates of 9th Class • Multidisciplinary accredited degrees • English taught programmes • Exciting research opportunities LOWER SECONDARY NEW MODERN SVQ 3 3 EDUCATION APPRENTICESHIP Level 3 CERTIFICATE CERTIFICATE Graduates of 10th Class

UPPER SECONDARY UPPER SECONDARY SVQ 4 4 A broad experience GENERAL EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL Level 4 • Funded student mobility (Erasmus +) EVENING SCHOOLS EDUCATION AND EVENING CERTIFICATES TECHNICAL SCHOOLS (12th Class - or 12 &13th CERTIFICATES • Scholarships and funding opportunities for some private schools) (12th Class) - APOLYTERION • Student support services - APOLYTERION • Multicultural environment • Large international community POST SECONDARY CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS 1 year SVQ 5a 5 2 years Level 5 5b 3 years or more (HIGHER CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS) 5c An international business centre UNIVERSITY DEGREE (PTYCHION/BACHELOR’S DEGREE) SVQ 6 6 • Home to leading international companies Level 6 • Employability: work in a global marketplace POST GRADUATE STUDIES • Internships and placement opportunities POST GRADUATE CERTIFICATES 7a 7 • A supporting innovation ecosystem POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA 7b 7c • Access to national and European funding MASTER’S DEGREE • Modern and advanced infrastructure DOCTORAL DEGREE 8 8 7

Structure of the Education System of Cyprus

OptionalEducation Mandatory Education Partially Mandatory Education Higher Education Primary Education Universities Public and Private Sector Public and Private Sector

Nursery 1st Cycle 1-2 years 4 years / 240 ECTS Ptychio or Bachelor

Preschool 2nd Cycle 1 year 1-2 years / 90-120 ECTS Magister Artium / Scientiae or Masters Primary School 6 years 3rd Cycle 3-8 years (min. residency 3 years) Doctorate Secondary Education Institutions of Higher Education (Non-University) Public Sector Private Sector Public Sector Private Sector Lower Secondary Vocational / Academic Education (Gymnasium) Private Secondary 1-3 years Education programmes 3 years 1. Mediterranean Institute 6-7 years of Management (M.I.M.) Upper Upper - Master (Requires Bachelor Secondary Secondary Degree) General Technical 2. The Higher Hotel Institute Education and 1st Cycle (Lyceum) Vocational of Cyprus - Diploma 3. The Police Academy 4 years / 240 ECTS 3 years School (Technical - Diploma Bachelor - Apolyterion School) 4. The School for Tourist 3 years Guides - Diploma 2nd Cycle - Apolyterion 5. Post Secondary Institutes 1-2 years / 90-120 ECTS of Vocational Education Masters Degree and Training - Diploma 3rd Cycle Copyright ©Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture| Higher Education 2-6 years www.highereducation.ac.cy Doctorate 9

Useful Tips

1 Choose a program of study and an academic institution 4 Make accommodation and travel arrangements

2

* Working while studying

• Part-time work during studies is allowed to students who have a work permit • During the semester students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week • During break time students are allowed to work up to 38 hours per week

3 Check visa requirements

• EU citizens can freely enter, study and work in Cyprus • International students from non-EU countries need a student visa for entry to Cyprus • Student visas are issued only to full-time international students (students who register for at least 15 credits or 30 ECTS in a semester) • Student visas can be issued either by an Embassy/ High Commission/ Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus in the candidate’s home country or by the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus 11

Useful Contacts

Higher Education Institutions

Public Universities: Ministry of Education and Culture • University of Cyprus Department of Higher and Tertiary Education www.ucy.ac.cy www.highereducation.ac.cy • Open University of Cyprus www.ouc.ac.cy Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance • Cyprus University of Technology and Accreditation in Higher Education www.cut.ac.cy www.dipae.ac.cy

Private Universities: Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications • Frederick University www.kysats.ac.cy www.frederick.ac.cy • European University Cyprus Cyprus Qualifications Framework www.euc.ac.cy www.cyqf.gov.cy • University of Nicosia www.unic.ac.cy Invest Cyprus (Cyprus Investment Promotion • Neapolis University Pafos Agency) www.nup.ac.cy www.investcyprus.org.cy • University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus www.uclancyprus.ac.cy

Public and Private Institutions of Higher Education www.highereducation.ac.cy/en/private- institutions-tertiary-education.html

Disclaimer: The information available in this guide intends to provide a general introduction to the Higher Education sector in Cyprus, and every reasonable effort is being made to ensure its accuracy and timely amendment. In no circumstances shall the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA) or the Ministry of Education and Culture (MOEC) be legally bound as a result of any information contained in this guide.

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CYPRUS MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE