Well-known for its sunny beaches, luxurious hotels and impeccable tourism services, Cyprus has invested its riches in a high-quality European education system, with affordable university tuition costs and plenty of facilities and benefits.

You’ll not have trouble finding excellent Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Cyprus that will match the standards of international universities worldwide.

Cyprus offers affordable and high-quality education

Cyprus spends more than 7% of its GDP on education, the third-highest share in the European Union after Denmark and Sweden.

Just like anywhere else, the educational system in Cyprus has its own peculiarities. Not surprisingly, the most popular disciplines offered by universities in Cyprus are Hospitality Business and Tourism, although the list of all available programs is by no means limited to these ones.

Although Cyprus is a member of the EU and the Bologna system, most schools and colleges are based on the American system of education, which gives students the opportunity to choose their academic load and vary their course. It has a positive impact both on students’ leisure time and tuition fees, as the fewer subjects you study, the less you pay.

At the same time, it is somewhat more complicated for the foreigners, since education for them is more expensive and, under the Cyprus immigration law, they are not allowed to work more hours than prescribed by the legislation.

Nevertheless, the cost of education in Cyprus is accessible, and although it grows annually, this increase correlates to the inflation index. On average, tuition fees range between 3,400 and 8,000 EUR/year, or at around 314 EUR/module.

In educational institutions based on the more conservative European system, the curriculum and payments are fixed and all talented students (including foreigners) are eligible for a scholarship or reduction of fees.

The exam and course structure is beneficial to students

In most colleges classes start in February or the beginning of October. However, foreigners should register two-three weeks in advance. Institutions also receive rolling admissions for the next start date.

There are no pass-fail exams. Instead, a system of testing, research essays, and group projects is used. However, students usually take two exams in each course (subject) – in the middle and at the end of the term.

Cyprus has cheap accommodation and attractive facilities

Students are provided with the necessary conditions for a successful and comfortable study, as well as help with accommodation. The accommodation system is designed in such a way that a place in a dormitory should be primarily given to newcomers and foreigners, but the “first come, first served” approach is still widely practised.

All major universities and colleges have their own dormitories, and the monthly accommodation cost amounts to 150 EUR. Renting an apartment is more expensive, but all students limited financially may seek college help in finding houses and apartments to live and share with four and more people.

The higher education institutions are well-funded and provide students with high-standard study halls, libraries, mess halls and student assistance offices, ready to handle the challenges that arise in an international campus.

Great universities in Cyprus to choose from

Cyprus has an extensive system of secondary and higher education. However, the latter is particularly popular among foreigners. There are around 25,000 students studying at the Cypriot universities, and foreigners make up at least one-third of them. Several international colleges and universities in Cyprus offer dual degree programs, fully accredited by the UK and USA partner universities.

There are several public and private universities in the country, offering study programmes in various fields, from business and medicine to computer science and tourism management. 

Reasonable entry requirements for internationals

Entry requirements of higher education institutions in Cyprus are the same as those of the European ones. Candidates shall have a certificate of complete secondary education (translated certificate detailing the courses and number of hours), as well as a good level of English (TOEFL or IELTS). In addition, colleges offer a wide range of language courses for those who due to various reasons could not get the required number of credits in English.

Booming business programmes

A staple of Cypriot higher education is the abundance of MBA programmes, which cater to the needs of the well-developed local business sector. The largest employers are the banks and holding companies which are relevant players in international trade. Therefore, universities and business schools have adapted to this economic reality with high-quality study programmes that offer real employability upon graduation.

The requirements for an MBA program in Cyprus are standard: good level of English, Bachelor’s degree and work experience in the chosen field for at least two years.

With its practically-oriented curriculum, high graduate rates, accessible study programmes and high living standards, Cyprus is definitely a great option to consider for studying abroad this year. So look it up and book your plane for this sunny Mediterranean island that you’ll never forget.

Source: mastersportal.com