Cyprus International University (CIU) in Northern Cyprus

Cyprus International University — one of the largest international universities in Northern Cyprus. The CIU campus is located in Haspolat, near Lefkoşa, and is a fully integrated student city with academic buildings, dormitories, cafés, a library, a medical center, a sports complex, a swimming pool, and its own horse riding club.

Approximately 14,000 students from more than 110 countries study at the university. CIU offers bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs, with a significant number of specialties available in English.

• About the university
• History of CIU
• Where the university is located
• Faculties and programs
• Language of instruction
• Admission of international students
• Admission documents
• Tuition fees and scholarships
• Academic year 2026/2027
• Diploma recognition and accreditations
• Dormitories
• What is available on campus
• Cafés and restaurants
• Library
• Medical center
• CIU Arena and sports
• CIU Horse Riding Club
• Student clubs
• Free buses
• Contacts

About the university

Cyprus International University, or CIU for short, is called Uluslararası Kıbrıs Üniversitesi — UKÜ in Turkish.

It is a private university that has been operating in Northern Cyprus since 1997. Today, CIU is considered one of the region's most international universities.

According to the university, approximately 14,000 students from more than 110 countries study here. CIU has 12 faculties and several schools, while the total number of educational programs exceeds 180.

One of the university's main features is its large proportion of international students. Therefore, English is widely used not only in classrooms but also in everyday campus life.

History of Cyprus International University

Cyprus International University was founded in 1997.

The first intake was small: the university began operating with 81 students and 45 employees. Over time, CIU expanded significantly and became a large educational complex.

The university established faculties of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, architecture, and other fields, as well as modern laboratories, research centers, its own dormitories, and extensive sports facilities.

Today, the university campus covers more than 1 million square meters.

Where CIU is located

The main campus of Cyprus International University is located in Haspolat, near Lefkoşa.

The campus is situated outside the densely built-up urban area but is connected to various parts of the capital by free university buses.

Most everyday infrastructure is located directly on the university grounds, so students do not have to travel into the city every day.
Website
Location

CIU faculties and programs

Cyprus International University has the following faculties:

• Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies;
• Faculty of Arts and Sciences;
• Faculty of Communication;
• Faculty of Dentistry;
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences;
• Faculty of Education;
• Faculty of Engineering;
• Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture;
• Faculty of Health Sciences;
• Faculty of Law;
• Faculty of Medicine;
• Faculty of Pharmacy.

There are also schools of applied sciences, foreign languages, health services, sports, tourism, and hotel management, as well as the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research.

Popular programs

The most sought-after fields include:

• Medicine — medicine;
• Dentistry — dentistry;
• Pharmacy — pharmacy;
• Psychology — psychology;
• Molecular Biology and Genetics;
• Computer Engineering;
• Software Engineering;
• Artificial Intelligence Engineering;
• Data Science;
• Information Technology Security;
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering;
• Civil Engineering;
• Industrial Engineering;
• Mechanical Engineering;
• Mechatronics Engineering;
• Biomedical Engineering;
• Architecture;
• Interior Architecture;
• Digital Game Design;
• Graphic Design;
• Business Administration;
• Accounting and Finance;
• International Relations;
• Law;
• Tourism and Hotel Management;
• Gastronomy and Culinary Arts;
• Nutrition and Dietetics;
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation;
• Nursing;
• Social Work;
• Sports Management.

Most bachelor's programs are designed to last four years. Medicine takes six years, while dentistry and some pharmacy programs take five years.

Language of instruction

A significant number of CIU programs are taught entirely in English.

There are also programs in Turkish, so the language of instruction should be checked separately for each program.

For admission to English-taught programs, the university accepts international language certificates.

• TOEFL iBT — from 65 points;
• IELTS — from 5.5.

If the applicant does not have a suitable certificate, the student can take the CIU internal English exam.

If their knowledge is insufficient, the applicant is directed to language preparation at the School of Foreign Languages.

How to apply as an international student

International applicants can submit their documents directly through the official CIU online system.

The procedure usually looks as follows:

1. Create an account in the application system.
2. Complete the electronic application form.
3. Upload the required documents.
4. Wait for the application to be reviewed.
5. Receive a preliminary admission letter.
6. Make the initial payment.
7. Receive the final Acceptance Letter.
8. Travel to Northern Cyprus.
9. Complete registration at the university.

Submitting an online application is free for international applicants.

Admission documents

For bachelor's programs

• completed application form;
• high school diploma;
• copy of a passport or another identity document;
• language certificate, if available;
• documents required by the regulations of the specific program.

For master's programs

In addition, a bachelor's diploma, academic transcript, and CV are required.

For PhD programs

Bachelor's and master's diplomas, transcripts, a CV, and a future research project — research proposal — are required.

Medicine, dentistry, and other regulated specialties may have additional requirements.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees depend on the program, the year of admission, and the scholarship awarded.

CIU does not publish one universal price for all international students. The final amount is calculated separately for the selected program.

Therefore, when comparing costs, it is better to use the university's official calculator rather than old tables found online.

Scholarships

For international bachelor's students, the university provides a 50% scholarship on the tuition fee.

Academic and sports scholarships are also available.

In some cases, the tuition discount may reach 100%, although its amount depends on academic results and other conditions.

The scholarship usually applies specifically to the tuition fee and does not automatically mean a discount on accommodation, meals, or other expenses.

Academic year 2026/2027

Event	Date
Registration for the fall semester	7–18 September 2026
English exam	14 September 2026
Classes begin	21 September 2026
Fall midterm exams	9–20 November 2026
Last day of classes for the fall semester	30 December 2026
Final exams	4–15 January 2027
Registration for the spring semester	1–5 February 2027
Spring semester begins	8 February 2027
Spring midterm exams	29 March – 9 April 2027
Last day of classes	27 May 2027
Final exams	31 May – 11 June 2027

Diploma recognition and accreditations

CIU operates with the permission of YÖDAK and is recognized by the Turkish YÖK.

Individual programs have additional professional and international accreditations.

• FIBAA;
• MÜDEK / EUR-ACE;
• EPDAD;
• FEDEK;
• İLEDAK;
• MİAK;
• AHPGS;
• Pearson Assured.

Before enrolling in a regulated specialty such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or law, it is important to check separately the rules for recognizing the diploma in the country where the graduate plans to work.

CIU dormitories

The campus has 18 dormitory buildings with a total capacity of approximately 2,790 students.

The university offers several types of accommodation — from standard rooms to studios and apartments.

Depending on the category, a room may accommodate one to several students.

The dormitories provide:

• internet;
• hot water;
• study areas;
• reception;
• security;
• video surveillance.

The average distance from the dormitories to the academic buildings is short, so most students walk around campus.

Electricity and heating may be charged separately depending on the accommodation terms.

What is available on campus

CIU is designed as a separate university city.

The campus has:

• dormitories;
• cafés and restaurants;
• cafeteria;
• supermarket;
• bookstore;
• copy center;
• bank and ATMs;
• medical center;
• dental clinic;
• psychological services;
• library;
• sports complex;
• recreation areas;
• hotel;
• horse riding club.

Cafés and restaurants

Several establishments offering different dining options operate on campus.

• Lake View — the main cafeteria;
• Break Point;
• Bits and Bites;
• WayCup;
• Gusto;
• JimmyB Coffee Shop;
• African Gold.

There are Turkish and international dishes, coffee, desserts, fast food, and complete hot meals.

Library

The university has its own library with print collections and electronic academic databases.

Registered students can use electronic resources remotely.

Under normal circumstances, the library is open on weekdays, while its hours are extended during examination periods.

Medical center

A Health Center operates on campus.

Students have access to basic outpatient medical services.

Psychological services and a dental clinic are also available.

CIU Arena and sports

One of the most prominent parts of the campus is the CIU Arena Sports Center.

The complex covers more than 20,000 m².

It includes:

• fitness center;
• semi-Olympic swimming pool;
• climbing wall;
• squash courts;
• dance studios;
• group training rooms;
• table tennis;
• football fields;
• basketball courts;
• volleyball courts;
• tennis courts;
• beach volleyball courts.

Swimming pool

CIU Arena has an indoor heated 25-meter semi-Olympic swimming pool.

It has eight lanes. The pool is used for swimming, water polo, and other aquatic disciplines.

Fitness and climbing wall

The fitness center covers approximately 780 m². It has exercise equipment, a cardio zone, and studios for various group classes.

A climbing wall is also located inside the sports complex.

CIU Horse Riding Club

One of the most unusual features of Cyprus International University is its own Horse Riding Club.

The stable and training areas are located directly on the university campus in Haspolat.

This is an active sports club where students can not only ride horses but also learn the basics of caring for them.

What is taught at the Horse Riding Club

The program includes:

• horse riding training;
• proper interaction with a horse;
• basic care;
• introduction to veterinary care;
• stable work;
• the basics of keeping horses;
• show jumping training;
• rides and other activities.

The club is suitable for both experienced riders and beginners.

Show jumping

Students with a good level of training can attend show jumping sessions.

Successful participants may represent the university in competitions.

Who can join

The Horse Riding Club is open not only to students in sports-related fields.

According to official CIU information, any interested university student can join.

Can non-students visit the horse riding club

The official CIU website describes the student club specifically.

Current conditions for one-time visits to the stable by people who do not study at the university have not been officially published.

There is also no publicly available current price list for rides, individual lessons, and training.

Therefore, prices and conditions should be clarified directly with the CIU Horse Riding Club.

Horse Riding Club opening hours

The club's social media page lists the following schedule:

• Monday – Saturday: 08:00–10:30 and 17:00–20:30;
• Sunday: closed.

The schedule may change depending on the season and weather.

Student clubs

CIU has a large number of student organizations.

They include:

• Horse Riding Club;
• Diving Club;
• Anime Club;
• sports clubs;
• cultural associations;
• professional clubs;
• engineering communities;
• international student organizations.

Throughout the year, the university holds festivals, sports competitions, concerts, conferences, and cultural events.

Free CIU buses

A free university bus system is available to students.

The routes connect the campus with various areas of Lefkoşa.

Stops include:

• Girne Kapısı;
• Ortaköy;
• Gönyeli;
• Kumsal;
• Hamitköy;
• the state hospital area;
• other popular student areas.

This allows students to live both in CIU dormitories and in different areas of Lefkoşa.

Is Cyprus International University worth choosing

CIU is particularly appealing to those looking not simply for a university but for a full-fledged campus with developed infrastructure.

Students can live close to the academic buildings, use free transportation, play sports, swim in the pool, attend clubs, and even go horseback riding.

When choosing a program, it is important to check the language of instruction, the final cost, the available scholarship, the accreditation of the specialty, and the rules for recognizing the diploma in the country where the graduate plans to work.

Cyprus International University contacts

Name: Cyprus International University / Uluslararası Kıbrıs Üniversitesi

Abbreviation: CIU / UKÜ

Address: Haspolat, Lefkoşa, North Cyprus

Phone: +90 392 671 1111

E-mail: info@ciu.edu.tr

Frequently asked questions about Cyprus International University

Where is CIU located?

The university is located in Haspolat near Lefkoşa.

When was Cyprus International University founded?

CIU has been operating since 1997.

How many students study at the university?

Approximately 14,000 students from more than 110 countries.

Is education available in English?

Yes. Many programs are taught entirely in English.

Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory?

No. If you do not have a certificate, you can take the CIU internal English exam.

Are there dormitories?

Yes. There are 18 dormitory buildings on campus.

Is free transportation available?

Yes. Students can use university buses free of charge between the campus and the areas of Lefkoşa.

Is there a swimming pool?

Yes. CIU Arena has an indoor 25-meter semi-Olympic swimming pool.

Is there a horse riding club?

Yes. CIU Horse Riding Club operates on campus and has its own stable.

Can beginners take horse riding lessons?

Yes. The club's program is also designed for students with no horse riding experience.

Can I visit the horse riding club if I do not study at CIU?

Current conditions for outside visitors have not been officially published. They must be clarified directly with the horse riding club.

Is a CIU diploma recognized?

The university is recognized by YÖK and operates with the permission of YÖDAK. Individual programs have additional international accreditations.