Universities of Cyprus: How to Choose a University, Tuition Fees, and What to Expect from Your Studies

Higher education in Cyprus is not just about the sea and palm trees outside the window. It also offers real opportunities to obtain an international diploma, study in English, and access European academic standards. Both public and private universities are represented here — each type with its own features.

If you are considering studying in Cyprus, this review will tell you about the country’s leading universities! Details about those that deserve your attention!

University of Cyprus (UCY) — the main public university

This is definitely not a secondary school :)

University of Cyprus (UCY) is one of the most reputable universities in the country. It is a public institution founded in 1989, and today it holds high positions in international rankings such as Times Higher Education.

Location: The university campus is in the Aglantzia area, near the center of Nicosia. The territory is spacious, green, modern — with a library, sports halls, and research centers. (On the map)

Fields of study:
The university has eight faculties, including economics, sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences. Programs are available both in Greek and English.

Language adaptation: If you do not speak Greek, it will be difficult to study at the undergraduate level — the vast majority of programs are in that language. However, master's degrees and research are available in English. The university offers language courses and bridging programs.

Programs and duration:

• Bachelor’s degree: 4 years, about 120 ECTS credits
• Master’s degree: 90–120 ECTS
• Doctorate: up to 6 years, from €4,000 to €6,500 for the entire course

Tuition fees:

• Bachelor’s (EU citizens): €3,417/year
• Bachelor’s (non-EU citizens): €6,834/year
• Master’s: from €5,125 to €10,250
• PhD: from €4,000 to €6,500

Career prospects:

Graduates of the master's programs in economics and finance go into banking, consulting, international organizations, and government agencies. The university actively conducts research and partnerships, which facilitates employment through academic and insider pathways.

Interesting facts:

• The university’s faculty includes Nobel Prize laureate in economics Christopher Pissarides.
• Research is actively developing in nanotechnology, climatology, biomedicine, and digital humanities.
• The campus is continuously updated: new laboratories are being built, eco-friendly technologies are implemented, and infrastructure for students is being developed.
  
  
  

University of Nicosia (UNIC) — the largest private university

University of Nicosia (UNIC) is the largest private university in Cyprus and one of the most international. Its history began in the 1980s, and it gained university status in 2007.

Location: The campus is located in the capital, in a convenient area with developed infrastructure. The university occupies several buildings combined into a modern student hub. (On the map)

Key fields: Medicine (including the English-language MD program in cooperation with universities in the UK and USA), Law, Business, Education, Architecture, Blockchain, and Fintech.

Language adaptation: English is the main language of instruction. The university offers preparatory courses in academic English. Most students adapt within 2–3 weeks.

Programs and Duration:

• Bachelor’s degree: 3–4 years

• Medicine (MD): 6 years, €18,000–22,000 per year
• Veterinary Medicine: 5 years, €20,000 per year
• Architecture/Pharmacy: 5 years, €9,420–9,540 per year

• Master’s degree: 1.5–2 years, from €6,930 to €32,400
• Doctorate (PhD): 3–4 years, from €15,120

Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor’s degree: €9,420–9,540 per year
• Medicine: €18,000–22,000 per year
• Master’s degrees: €6,930–32,400
• PhD: €15,120 for 3 years + €1,700 per year thereafter

Career Prospects

UNIC graduates are in demand in medicine, business, IT, and architecture. The university prides itself on a high employment rate and a practice-oriented approach. A strong career office and annual job fairs provide students with real contacts to employers. The university offers prestigious scholarships (covering 50–100%) for international students.

What Makes UNIC Special:

• It is the world’s first university to launch a master’s program in digital currencies.
• A large number of online programs — convenient especially for international students.
• Education is mainly in English, making the university popular among foreign students.
  
  

Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) — Technological and by the Sea

Cyprus University of Technology, or simply CUT, is Cyprus’s answer to MIT, but with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. The university is young, progressive, and focused on everything related to technology, design, engineering, and innovation. Founded in 2004, it has already built a solid reputation.

Location: Limassol — the second largest city in Cyprus, right by the sea. The campus is located in the very center of the old town, so after classes you can immediately go down to the waterfront. (On the map)

Fields of study: marine technology, applied engineering, design, IT, media, and urban planning. The university is especially strong in visual communications and urban studies.

Language adaptation: The main language is Greek, but some master’s programs are available in English. There are language courses and support for international applicants. If you plan to do a master’s degree, CUT is definitely worth considering, especially if you have a technical background.

Programs and Duration:

• Bachelor’s degree: 4 years (in Greek)
• Master’s degree: 1.5–2 years
• PhD: 3–6 years
  
  

Tuition Fees:

• Bachelor’s degree: €3,417/year (EU citizens), €6,834/year (non-EU)
• Master’s degrees: from €5,125
• Doctorate: from €3,200
  
  

Career Prospects:
Graduates work in architecture and planning, digital art, software development, industrial design, multimedia, and marine engineering. Many find jobs in Cypriot and international companies or continue studies via Erasmus.

European University Cyprus (EUC) — International Scale and Medicine

European University Cyprus (EUC) is a private university with very serious infrastructure and ambitions. The university is part of the international Galileo Global Education network, which is already a high level. Here, it is easy to feel part of a large academic world.

Location: Nicosia, a quiet and green district near the city center. The campus is modern, comfortable, and designed with students in mind. (On the map)

Fields of study: particularly strong in medicine, dentistry, business, music, law, and digital technologies. The medical school operates according to Western standards and collaborates with universities from Germany and other EU countries.

Language adaptation: Most programs are taught in English, with fully English-language tracks available. The university actively works with international students and offers introductory language courses.

Programs and Duration:

• Bachelor’s degree: 3–5 years
• Medicine: 6 years
• Master’s degrees: 1.5–2 years
• PhD: from 3 years
  
  

Tuition fees:

• Bachelor’s degree: from €8,940 per year
• Medicine: €18,000–24,000 per year
• Master’s degree: €4,320–13,500
  
  

Career prospects:
EUC is a versatile starting point. Graduates work all over the EU—in clinics, law offices, business structures, and educational projects. The university actively develops its career center and assists with employment even during studies.

Frederick University — practical and welcoming

Frederick University is one of the most “homey” private universities in Cyprus. Founded in 1965 as a college, today it is an accredited university with campuses in Nicosia and Limassol.

Location: Nicosia (main campus) and Limassol. Campuses are not very large but are convenient and businesslike. The atmosphere is calm and warm. (On the map)

Fields of study: engineering, architecture, logistics, business, shipping (maritime business). The university emphasizes practice and industry connections.

Language adaptation: Many programs are in English, especially master’s degrees. International students feel comfortable here — the university is friendly, and the teachers are accommodating.

Programs and Duration:

• Bachelor’s degree: 4 years
• Master’s degrees: 1.5–2 years
• PhD: 3–4 years
  
  

Tuition fees:

• Bachelor’s degree: €8,640–9,450 per year
• Master’s degree: around €9,000
• Doctorate: ~€12,000 for the full program
  
  

Career prospects:
Here, practical education is not just words. The university actively offers internships, cooperates with real companies, and in the maritime business field — it is one of the leaders. An excellent choice if you value employer connections even before graduation.

Open University of Cyprus (OUC) — convenient, remote, and modern

Open University of Cyprus (OUC) is a state online university created especially for adult learners and those unwilling to relocate. The format is fully remote, but the quality is top-notch.

Location: Nicosia, but you can study from anywhere in the world. All lectures, assignments, and communication are conducted through a convenient platform. (On the map)

Fields of study: management, education, psychology, sustainable development, business, healthcare. Only master’s and PhD programs.

Language adaptation: Most programs are in Greek, but there are also English-language ones, especially at the master’s level. The university caters to self-directed students but provides support and academic advisors.

Programs and Duration:

• Master’s degree: from 2 years
• Doctorate: up to 6 years
  
  

Tuition fees:

• ~€750 per module
• Full program — from €3,000 to €5,000
  
  

Career prospects:
OUC is ideal for those who are already working and want to upgrade their diploma or change direction. The education received is recognized throughout Europe, and the flexible schedule is a huge plus.

Neapolis University Pafos (NUP) — a seaside university with an intimate atmosphere

Neapolis University Pafos (NUP) is like studying in a hotel by the sea. The university is cozy, young (founded in 2007), but ambitious. There are no crowds of students or queues in the cafeteria — everything is calm, individual, and purposeful.

Location: Paphos is a tourist city, and the campus is within walking distance of the sea. It feels like studying in a resort residence. (On the map)

Fields of study: architecture, urban planning, finance, psychology, law, real estate management. The university emphasizes teaching quality and strong ties with the EU.

Language adaptation: Programs are available in English and Greek. English-language master's programs are especially popular among students from the CIS and the Middle East.

Programs and duration:

• Bachelor’s degree: 4–5 years
• Master’s degree: 1.5–2 years
  
  

Tuition fees:

• Bachelor’s: approx. €8,900/year
• Master’s: €7,000–9,000
  
  

Career prospects:

Thanks to the small number of students, everyone receives maximum attention. There are partnership programs with EU institutions, opportunities to participate in research, and a personalized approach to career development. Plus — a relaxing and creative environment.

In conclusion

Cyprus is not only a great place for vacation but also a platform for quality and affordable higher education — especially if you are looking for English-language studies in an international environment. The key is to define your priorities: public or private university, field of study, format, and budget.