Universities of Northern Cyprus

There are more than 20 universities operating in Northern Cyprus, with tens of thousands of students from more than 100 countries around the world. Most programs are taught in English, and tuition fees are usually lower than in many European countries. This article brings together all the main universities of Northern Cyprus, their features, and their strengths to help you choose the right university.

• Why people choose universities in Northern Cyprus
• All universities in Northern Cyprus
• University comparison
• How to choose a university
• Frequently asked questions

Why foreign students choose Northern Cyprus

Higher education in Northern Cyprus is geared toward foreign students. Most universities offer programs in English, modern campuses, dormitories, and an international student community.

Advantages include:

• studying in English;
• international faculty;
• comparatively affordable tuition fees;
• modern campuses;
• dormitories;
• scholarship programs;
• students from more than 100 countries.

Universities in Northern Cyprus

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)

One of the oldest and most well-known universities in Northern Cyprus, located in Famagusta. EMU is considered one of the leaders in engineering, architecture, business, and international relations. The university has a large green campus, modern laboratories, its own beach club, and a developed sports infrastructure.
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Near East University (NEU)

The largest private university in Northern Cyprus, located in Nicosia. It is especially known for its medical faculty, dentistry, pharmacy, and its own university clinic. The campus features a museum, library, Olympic-size swimming pool, and a modern sports complex.
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Cyprus International University (CIU)

A modern university in Nicosia with a large international student community. Its strong fields include programming, engineering, architecture, economics, and education. The campus is known for its modern infrastructure and environmental projects.
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Girne American University (GAU)

One of the first private universities in Northern Cyprus. It is located in Kyrenia and offers a wide range of programs in business, tourism, law, architecture, and the humanities. The university actively cooperates with foreign educational institutions.
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European University of Lefke (EUL)

Located in the city of Lefke. The university is known for small class sizes and strong programs in engineering, healthcare, pharmacy, and agriculture.
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University of Kyrenia

A university in Kyrenia specializing in medicine, dentistry, aviation, maritime studies, and healthcare. It is part of the Near East educational group.
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Final International University

A young university in the Kyrenia area offering programs in business, tourism, education, psychology, and computer technologies.
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ARUCAD – Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design

The first specialized university of art and design in Northern Cyprus. It offers training in architecture, design, film, photography, graphics, music, and contemporary art.
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Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus (METU NCC)

A campus of one of Turkey's leading public universities. It is especially strong in engineering and technical fields, programming, and natural sciences.
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Istanbul Technical University TRNC Campus

A campus of Istanbul Technical University with engineering and technology programs.
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Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University

A university in the Güzelyurt area specializing in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and social sciences.
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Cyprus Social Sciences University

The university's main profile is the humanities, education, psychology, and social research.
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University of Mediterranean Karpasia

Offers programs in business, tourism, communications, and computer technologies.
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European Leadership University (ELU)

European Leadership University (ELU) is an international university in Famagusta specializing in modern programs in business, leadership, information technology, and digital professions. The education is geared toward international students and combines in-person and distance learning formats.
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Ada Kent University

A university in Famagusta known for its medical and dental programs.
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Cyprus West University

A private university with programs in business, law, education, and information technology.
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Netkent Mediterranean Research and Science University

One of the younger universities in Northern Cyprus with distance and on-campus educational programs.
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Rauf Denktaş University

A private university in Nicosia offering programs in engineering, business, law, and the humanities.
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International University of Alasia

A modern university with programs in business, engineering, law, and healthcare.
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Bahçeşehir Cyprus University

Part of the international BAU Global educational network. Offers programs in business, architecture, law, and communications.
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Onbeş Kasım Kıbrıs Üniversitesi

A young university developing programs in engineering, economics, and social sciences.
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Ankara Social Sciences University TRNC Campus

A campus of a public university in Turkey focused on the humanities, economics, and public administration.
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American University of Cyprus

One of the newer universities in Northern Cyprus with an international model of education.
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Altınbaş International University

A young university offering programs in engineering, business, and healthcare.
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University comparison

How to choose a university

When choosing a university, you should pay attention not only to tuition fees, but also to the specialization, language of instruction, availability of accreditations, dormitories, laboratories, and international exchange programs. For future doctors and dentists, universities with their own clinics are suitable, while for engineers and programmers, universities with a modern technical base are the best fit.

On Cyprus-FAQ, you can also find separate reviews of medical universities and the best universities for studying programming, architecture, business, and other fields.

Frequently asked questions

How many universities operate in Northern Cyprus?

As of today, there are more than 20 universities and campuses of international universities operating in Northern Cyprus.

Which university is considered the most well-known?

Among the most well-known are Eastern Mediterranean University, Near East University, Cyprus International University, and Girne American University.

Is there education in English?

Yes. Most programs for foreign students are taught in English.

Which university is best to choose for medicine?

The most popular are Near East University, University of Kyrenia, and Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University.

Where is the best place to study programming?

EMU, CIU, METU NCC, and Near East University offer strong programs in Computer Engineering and Software Engineering.