Study in Northern Cyprus: Universities, Costs and Scholarships

English-taught programmes, accessible scholarships, a Mediterranean climate and a moderate cost of living: Northern Cyprus has in recent years become a popular destination for Tunisian students, particularly in engineering, architecture, business, health sciences and IT. But it is also a destination that requires a good understanding of a few specific points, notably degree recognition. Here is our complete guide.

Why Northern Cyprus attracts Tunisian students

• Programmes taught in English in most fields, from bachelor's to doctorate.

• Partial scholarships awarded by universities based on your baccalaureate or previous degree grades, which greatly reduce fees.

• Fast admission: universities often respond within a few days to a few weeks.

• A moderate cost of living compared with Western Europe.

• A Mediterranean environment and a large international student community, including students from the Maghreb.

• A preparatory English year for students who do not yet have the required level.

The main universities

Northern Cyprus has around twenty universities, public and private. Among the best known to international students:

• Near East University (Nicosia): a large campus with a very wide offer, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and engineering;

• Eastern Mediterranean University (Famagusta): a public university, renowned for engineering, architecture and tourism;

• Cyprus International University (Nicosia);

• Girne American University and University of Kyrenia (Kyrenia);

• European University of Lefke and Final International University.

Some fields hold international accreditations (for example in engineering, architecture or business). This is an important criterion when choosing a programme.

Admission: how does it work?

1. Choosing the programme and university.

2. Online application with passport, transcripts and diploma (or a school enrolment certificate if you are in your final year), and possibly an English certificate.

3. Admission letter (often conditional if you have not yet passed the baccalaureate), stating the scholarship rate granted.

4. Paying a deposit to confirm your place, depending on the university.

5. Travel and enrolment on site, followed by the student residence permit application with help from the university's international office.

If you don't have an English certificate, most universities hold a placement test on arrival. Depending on the result, you go straight into your programme or into a preparatory English year.

Scholarships in Northern Cyprus

Universities grant international students tuition fee reductions, usually as a percentage, based on:

• the average of your baccalaureate or previous degree;

• the programme chosen (health fields often have specific rules);

• sometimes sporting criteria or internal competitions.

These scholarships are generally maintained from one year to the next if you keep a sufficient average. With our support, students often obtain an advantageous scholarship rate depending on their grades. The exact amounts vary depending on the university and the year.

What budget should you plan for?

Rather than figures that change from year to year, keep in mind the expense categories:

• tuition fees after the scholarship, which vary depending on the university and programme (health fields are the most expensive);

• accommodation: university residence or shared flat;

• daily life: food, transport, phone;

• administrative costs: residence permit, health insurance, medical exam;

• plane tickets, via Turkey.

Overall, the total annual budget remains among the most moderate for English-taught studies in the Mediterranean region.

Getting to Northern Cyprus from Tunisia

You reach Northern Cyprus by plane via Turkey (usually through Istanbul), to Ercan airport, or through the southern part of the island depending on the case. Universities often organise airport pick-up at the start of the semester. Before leaving, check the entry conditions that apply to your passport for Turkey and Northern Cyprus.

The point to watch: degree recognition

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey. Degrees are recognised in Turkey and many programmes have international accreditations, but recognition in Tunisia or in another country depends on the field and on the rules in force at the time of the equivalence application.

Before enrolling, ask yourself: where do you want to work after graduating? For regulated professions (medicine, pharmacy, architecture, state engineer (ingénieur d'État)…), check the equivalence conditions precisely. Our guide Recognition of Tunisian diplomas abroad sets out the main principles.

Northern Cyprus, Cyprus or Turkey?

• Cyprus (European Union): European degree, generally higher fees.

• Turkey: public and private universities, programmes in Turkish and English, Türkiye Bursları scholarship.

• Northern Cyprus: fast admission, grade-based scholarships, English-taught programmes.

Documents to prepare in Tunisia

• transcripts and baccalaureate diploma (or final-year school enrolment certificate);

• English translations if necessary;

• passport valid for the entire stay;

• ID photos;

• English certificate if you have one;

• for some fields, a medical certificate and tests required on arrival.

Keep digital copies of every document: you will need them for enrolment, the residence permit and the bank.

Key takeaway: Northern Cyprus offers English-taught studies at a moderate cost and grade-based scholarships, but degree recognition must be checked before enrolling, especially for regulated professions.

Our support

Worldwide Studies helps you choose the university and programme best suited to your career plans, obtain the best possible scholarship based on your grades, and prepare your arrival (accommodation, residence permit, welcome).

👉 Fees and scholarship rates vary depending on the university and your average: talk to an advisor to find out what scholarship you could get.