Northern Cyprus Universities 2023 - Comprehensive Report

Northern Cyprus universities are a popular destination for international students seeking high-quality higher education, as there are many distinguished universities in Cyprus.

Northern Cyprus universities are a popular destination for international students seeking high-quality higher education, as Cyprus is home to a number of universities offering a wide range of distinguished programs and academic degrees.

In this article, we will explore the most important universities in Northern Cyprus, the best fields of study, whether these universities are recognized in Turkey and globally, and general advice for students planning to study in "Turkish" Northern Cyprus.

The Most Important Universities in Northern Cyprus

There are several prominent universities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus that are renowned for their leading academic status and outstanding study programs, including:

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) was established in 1979 and is one of the oldest and most well-known universities in Northern Cyprus.

It has over 19,000 students, and international students from more than 100 countries enroll there. This international diversity enriches the academic environment at EMU and exposes students to different cultures and ways of thinking.

EMU offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in many fields such as engineering, business, law, arts and sciences, education, communications, tourism, architecture, and other disciplines. The diversity of its programs and the quality of its teaching are among the strengths of this university.

It also has a large student body drawn from around the world, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines.

Near East University (NEU)

Near East University (NEU) was established in 1988 to provide a unique university education opportunity for both local and international students. It is now one of the largest universities in Northern Cyprus, with over 26,000 students, and attracts international students from almost all over the world.

NEU offers a wide range of academic programs, including medicine, engineering, law, arts and sciences, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, communications, health sciences, and music.

The university is known for its high-quality education, modern facilities, and well-trained faculty members who are experts in their respective fields.

It also has strong partnerships with other institutions around the world, which enhances its reputation and provides opportunities for students to gain global knowledge.

Girne American University (GAU)

Girne American University (GAU) was established in 1985 and has since become one of the leading universities in the region, quickly gaining a good reputation at the local, regional, and international levels.

GAU offers a variety of academic programs in diverse fields such as business, law, engineering, education, humanities, health sciences, architecture, and social sciences, following modern curricula and providing unique academic facilities that enable students to gain substantial benefits from studying these disciplines at this university.

In general, the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation has solidified its position as a leading university in the region, which in turn benefits students who wish to study there or who graduate from its classrooms.

The Best University Disciplines to Study in Northern Cyprus

As mentioned earlier, Northern Cyprus universities offer a wide range of disciplines and degrees that meet the interests and preferences of international students.

Some of the best fields of study in Northern Cyprus include:

Engineering

This is one of the most popular disciplines among international students in Northern Cyprus, as the universities offer a wide range of engineering programs such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and environmental engineering.

Students can choose the program that suits their interests and career aspirations and have the unique opportunity to study this discipline in "Turkish" Northern Cyprus.

Business Administration

Business Administration is another popular discipline among international students in Northern Cyprus, with universities offering a variety of business programs such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, and international business.

A degree in Business Administration can open many career opportunities for graduates and is considered essential for many managerial positions in various fields of investment, companies, and both local and global markets.

Medical Disciplines

Northern Cyprus is home to some of the best medical schools in the region and the world, where universities offer modern facilities and experienced faculty members with practical training for students who seek to obtain a degree in medicine in all its specializations ("human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy" and other medical and health-related disciplines).

Are Northern Cyprus Universities Recognized?

One of the concerns for international students wishing to study in Northern Cyprus is whether the universities in Northern Cyprus are recognized and by which authorities, especially since the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not widely recognized politically on the global stage. Therefore, students worry about the recognition of their university degrees.

In general, the degrees issued by Northern Cyprus universities enjoy the following recognitions and accreditations:

Recognition by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YOK)
European University Association (EUA)
World Health Organization (WHO)
In addition, most "Turkish" universities in Northern Cyprus have partnerships with various global universities.
Graduates of Turkish Cypriot universities can continue their studies in Turkish universities and obtain Turkish academic degrees that are more widely recognized.
The importance of recognition mainly lies in the ability to pursue higher education in other countries, which is available in Turkey for graduates of Northern Cyprus universities. As for employment and professional practice, the opportunities are vast, and one can work in many countries around the world depending on the degrees from these universities, taking into account the specific work details and conditions in each country.

Advice for Students Planning to Study in Northern Cyprus

We advise students who wish to study at one of the universities in Northern Cyprus to follow a set of recommendations that must be observed:

Before going to Northern Cyprus, research the country and its culture. This will help you prepare for the new environment and get acquainted with the society’s customs, traditions, and lifestyle.
You must be proficient in Turkish or English for effective communication with the locals, making your university life easier and more flexible.
As an international student, you are entitled to obtain a student residence permit, which is required to stay legally in Northern Cyprus. Therefore, do not delay applying for your student residence permit.
Upon your arrival in Northern Cyprus, visit the university where you wish to enroll, get to know it, and discover its advantages for yourself.
Participate in student activities and clubs, and enhance your interaction with both local and international student friends to make your study experience enjoyable and satisfying.
Life in Northern Cyprus is affordable, but you must set a proper budget to avoid overspending. Your basic costs include tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and various recreational activities.