Higher Education
Higher education can be accessed from the moment a person submits an applicatino for international protection. Cyprus has two State-run universities, the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus Institute of Technology, where tuition is free of charge; admission is subject to exams and the language of instruction is Greek.
There are a number of state and private universities across the island offering undergraduate and post-graduate study programmes in a wide range of subjects. Depending on the institution and the programme of study sought, there are different application procedures and entry requirements. Languages of instruction may vary, but normally are Greek and / or English. The main universities in the Republic of Cyprus are:
State Universities:
Private Universities:
- Frederick University
- European University Cyprus
- University of Nicosia
- Neapolis University – Pafos
- University of Central Lancashire – Cyprus
For a comprehensive guide to higher education in Cyprus, click here. This site includes detailed information about accredited programmes of study, universities and entry requirements, international student requirements, and tertiary education for non-university higher education courses for other professions and qualifications. This site also includes information about recognition of degrees and diplomas awarded in other countries, which is done at the state level by the national Council of Recognition of Higher Qualifications (KY.S.A.T.S.).
Recognition of Degrees and Diplomas Awarded in Other Countries
The recognition of degrees and diplomas awarded in other countries is done at the state level by the national Council of Recognition of Higher Qualifications (KY.S.A.T.S.). See here for the recognition principles and types of recognition given by KY.S.A.T.S.
See below for some general guidelines on the procedures for applying for recognition of the degrees or diplomas you have earned in another country.
The application should be attached with the following documents:
-Certified copy of the School leaving Certificate (Apolyterion).
-Certified copy of the Title/Titles of Study.
-Diploma Supplement, or when this is not possible, an Official Transcript of the Total of studies which is related to the demand.
-Official translation in Greek or English, if the submitted documents are in any other language.
-Receipt of payment of fees for the examination of the application.
-Submission of Detailed description of courses is recommended.
Note:
-A separate application must be submitted for each Title (or Degree) for which recognition is sought.
-The fees for the evaluation of every recognition application are €85,43.
-The fees for issue of the recognition document for each Title are €34,17.
For full details on the application procedure visit the KY.S.A.T.S. website.
Click here to download the application form in English.
Academic Scholarships
There are some scholarship schemes in Cyprus for refugees, mostly offered by private universities.
Additionally, there are certain financial aid schemes for example with the University of Cyprus available for students with special criteria, for example from families who are on social assistance (GMI). For more information, visit the University of Cyprus website.
The Cyprus Foundation for State Scholarships (Ίδρυμα Κρατικών Υποτροφιών Κύπρου) advertises different types of scholarships for higher education programmes in Cyprus and abroad.
The University of Nicosia has a partnership agreement with UNHCR, as does the European University of Cyprus, to provide scholarship opportunities for refugees in Cyprus. For more information about the application process and the eligibility criteria, please contact the universities directly, or contact the Cyprus Refugee Council, or send an email to UNHCR Cyprus: [email protected].
Welcome to Universities (Καλωσορίσατε στα Πανεπιστήμια) is a project that aims to make it easier for refugees to access higher education. For more information, see here.
Are you a refugee striving for higher education?
This platform helps you to find accredited higher education academic or scholarship programmes verified by UNHCR to allow you to pursue advanced study, skills and professional development. Some of these programmes are available to refugees to apply regardless of the country of current asylum, and some of them are only available to specific nationalities and specific countries of first asylum. Use the search function to find out more: https://services.unhcr.org/opportunities/search.
Vocational Training
The Ministry of Education run the Technical and Vocational System (STEEK) under which several programmes are available, either free of charge or with minimal tuition fees:
1. Evening School (ESTEE)
The evening schools provide classes for adults who have not completed secondary education. They are free of charge and offer the opportunity to attend a technical or academic courses.
Telephone: 22 461316
2. School of Higher Vocational and Educational Training (MIEEK)
MIEEK offers high quality education and training programs of a two year cycle in technical and professional sectors and it is free of charge.
Registrations are online through Ministry of Education and usually between June and August:
Telephone: 22 800653 / 22 800828
3. Lifelong learning Technical and Vocational Training (PDVEEK)
Life Long learning Technical and Voacational Training programms of the Ministry of Education offer 1 and 3 year programs and cover a wide range of sectors. The one year proram cost 153,78 euros and the three year programm is 239,20. For more information and registration please visit the relevant webpage of the Ministry of Education or call at 22 800651 or send an email to [email protected].
4. Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA /ANAD)
The Human Resource Development Authority offer training programms aiming to improve professional skills of employees or unemployed people in Cyprus who have full access to the labour market, including International Protection Beneficiaries
For more information please visit HRDA website.