In short
The University of Cyprus (UCY) is Cyprus's largest public research university, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Greek and English. It provides affordable, EU-recognized degrees with strong global rankings and a vibrant student life in the capital city of Nicosia.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1989
- Students
- 7,000
- International students
- 2,500
- Acceptance rate
- 30%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–5k/yr
- Languages
- EL, EN
- Location
- Nicosia, Cyprus
The University of Cyprus (UCY) is the largest public research university in Cyprus, founded in 1989 and opening to students in 1992. Located in Nicosia, it enrolls around 7,000 students across eight faculties, offering programs in Greek and English at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. UCY consistently ranks among the top 600 universities globally according to QS World University Rankings and is a full member of the European Higher Education Area.
Why study here
- Affordable EU-recognized degrees with tuition-free options for EU/Cypriot undergraduates and low fees for international students.
- Strong QS and THE rankings make UCY one of the most internationally recognized universities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Programs taught in both Greek and English, with an active Erasmus+ network connecting students to 400+ partner universities.
- Safe Mediterranean campus lifestyle in Nicosia with relatively low living costs compared to Western Europe.
- Active research participation in EU Horizon projects, with dedicated PhD scholarships and assistantships available.
Student life
UCY's Nicosia campus features a modern library, sports facilities, student union spaces, and on-campus residences. Students engage in a wide variety of clubs, cultural associations, and volunteer initiatives. Nicosia itself — the last divided capital in Europe — offers a unique blend of Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot, and cosmopolitan influences, with vibrant restaurants, nightlife, and historical sites all within easy reach.
Fees
InternationalInternational (non-EU) undergraduate tuition: approx. €3,417 per year. Postgraduate tuition: €4,100–€5,125 per year depending on program.
HomeEU citizens and Cypriot nationals pay no tuition for undergraduate programs. Postgraduate fees apply at similar rates to international students.
LivingEstimated monthly living costs in Nicosia: €700–€1,000, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Some joint or specialized Master's programs carry different fee structures. PhD candidates are often eligible for full waivers plus a monthly stipend.
Admissions
Undergraduate (Non-EU)Secondary School Leaving Certificate or equivalent with a minimum average of 17/20 or country equivalent. Program-specific prerequisites may apply.
Postgraduate (Master's)Recognized Bachelor's degree with GPA of at least 2.5/4.0 or equivalent. Specific prerequisites vary by faculty.
Postgraduate (PhD)Recognized Master's degree, detailed research proposal, and two letters of recommendation.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT80 overall
PTE Academic59 overall
Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency176+
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024576
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024301–350
University scholarships
UCY International Merit ScholarshipsPartial tuition waiver up to 50%
PhD Research AssistantshipsFull tuition waiver + monthly stipend (~€800)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA). All degrees recognized within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Cyprus · Cyprus
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
The undergraduate program in Biological Sciences offers a comprehensive foundation in the core principles of science and across all areas of biology. Graduates are prepared to pursue further studies in Master's programs in Cyprus or abroad, or to enter various professional fields. These include education, clinical and diagnostic laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, medical and genetic research, biotechnology, biomechanics, aquaculture, biological agriculture, environmental studies, environmental management, and biodiversity conservation.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
96 mo
Duration
University of Cyprus · Cyprus
Doctoral Programmes
The University of Cyprus offers doctoral programmes, providing an opportunity for advanced research and academic study. These programs are designed for students who wish to pursue in-depth scholarly work in their chosen field. While specific details about the doctoral programmes themselves are not elaborated on the provided pages, the university offers a doctoral degree which signifies the highest level of academic achievement. Admissions are competitive and are based on academic merit and research potential. The programme structure typically involves coursework, comprehensive examinations, and the completion of a dissertation based on original research.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Cyprus · Cyprus
Master in Mathematical Sciences
The Master in Mathematical Sciences program aims to deepen your knowledge in both pure and applied mathematics, equipping you with advanced skills for research. This program is designed to prepare you for doctoral studies in mathematics or for a successful career in various other fields. Upon completion, you will have acquired specialized knowledge, developed critical thinking for problem-solving, become familiar with international literature, and gained experience in research and thesis writing.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
18 mo
Duration
University of Cyprus · Cyprus
Master of Education Programs
The Department of Education at the University of Cyprus offers a range of Master's and PhD programs focused on various aspects of educational science. These postgraduate programs aim to deepen students' knowledge and research skills in specialized fields of education. The primary language of instruction for most programs is Greek, with some exceptions. The department is dedicated to fostering advanced study and research in education, contributing to the development of educational practices and policies.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Cyprusfull funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships
Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.
full
Funding
€100k
Max
Sep 10, 2026
Deadline
full funding
Rotary Foundation
Rotary Peace Fellowships
For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF)
ISRF Europe Early Career Fellowship
Open to early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities who are within 10 years of their PhD award (career breaks considered) and hold a salaried position at a higher education or research institution, or are independent scholars with a host institution. Research must be hosted at a European institution and address innovative, interdisciplinary social research questions. Open to scholars of all nationalities.
full
Funding
€82k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT Need-Based Aid for International Undergraduates
For international undergraduate applicants to MIT, which is need-blind in admission and meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student. Aid is a grant (no loans in the standard package); the amount is set by each family's assessed need.
full
Funding
€80k
Max
Nov 10, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Cyprus?
+
International (non-EU) undergraduate tuition is approximately €3,417 per year. Postgraduate tuition ranges from €4,100 to €5,125 per year, depending on the program. EU citizens and Cypriot nationals generally pay no tuition for undergraduate programs.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
For admission, international students typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0), a TOEFL iBT score of 80, a PTE Academic score of 59, or a Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency score of 176+.
Does the University of Cyprus offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, the university offers UCY International Merit Scholarships providing up to a 50% tuition waiver. Additionally, PhD students may be eligible for Research Assistantships, which include a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend.
What is the estimated cost of living for students in Nicosia?
+
Estimated monthly living costs in Nicosia are between €700 and €1,000, covering expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and personal costs.
How is the University of Cyprus ranked globally?
+
The University of Cyprus is ranked among the top 600 universities globally by QS World University Rankings and within the 301-350 band by Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
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