- Choose an accredited programme at a public or private institution listed by the Department of Higher Education (highereducation.ac.cy).
- Check that you meet the English requirement (or plan for the accredited English foundation programme) and the institution's academic entry criteria.
- Apply directly to the institution and receive an acceptance letter for a full-time programme.
- Pay the EUR 3,000 advance towards tuition fees and keep the receipt.
- Prepare certified academic documents, a passport valid at least two years, police certificate, medical examination and a bank letter showing you can cover tuition, living and repatriation costs.
- Submit the Civil Registry and Migration Department forms to obtain your visa/entry permit, following the guidance of the Cypriot diplomatic mission.
- Travel to Cyprus and apply for a residence permit at the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 10 days of arrival.
Study in Cyprus from Pakistan
Checked October 9, 2026 against official sources
The Republic of Cyprus is an EU member where Pakistani students can earn European degrees at public and private universities, many of which teach in English. Its institutions include the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology and several private universities and branch campuses such as UCLan Cyprus. Students should check that their institution is recognised by the Republic of Cyprus, because 'universities' in the Turkish-occupied north are not recognised by it.
Work while studyingPart-time employment is permitted for students, upon application and authorisation from the Cyprus Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance.
Why Pakistani students choose Cyprus
- EU member state with public and private universities accredited by the Republic of Cyprus
- Third-country students can meet English requirements through recognised tests or an accredited English foundation programme
- Part-time work is allowed with authorisation from the Ministry of Labour
- Public university bachelor's tuition for non-EU students is EUR 6,834 per academic year
- Student health insurance is compulsory
What it costs
Work out the money to show in PKR →
Student visa and English
- Third-country students need minimum English scores set by the Council of Ministers (for example IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL iBT 71) for degree admission, or can first take an accredited English Language Foundation Programme.
- Student health insurance is obligatory; check with your Cypriot institution that it has made the arrangements.
Steps to study in Cyprus
Frequently asked questions
Are universities in North Cyprus recognised?
No. The Republic of Cyprus Department of Higher Education states that 'universities' in the area under Turkish military occupation operate illegally and their qualifications are not recognised by the Republic of Cyprus or by any other country except Turkey. Choose an institution accredited by the Republic of Cyprus.
Can I study in Cyprus without IELTS?
Third-country students need a recognised English test result, such as IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL iBT 71, or equivalents like Cambridge or PTE Academic. If you do not meet the minimum, you can join an accredited English Language Foundation Programme at a Cypriot institution, which has lower entry scores.
How much are tuition fees at public universities?
At public universities, first-cycle (bachelor's) fees for non-EU students are EUR 6,834 per academic year. Second-cycle (master's) fees range from EUR 5,125 to EUR 10,250 per year depending on the programme. Private universities set their own fees, so check with the institution.
Can I work while studying in Cyprus?
Part-time work is allowed, but only after you apply for and receive authorisation from the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance. Your residence permit can also be revoked if you do not make satisfactory progress or attend classes regularly, so studies must come first.
Amounts in PKR use today's exchange rate. Rules change; always confirm on the official pages linked here before you apply.
