Top 10 Affordable & Best Universities to Study in Cyprus for Pakistani Students (2025–26)

Cyprus is becoming a top destination for international students, especially from Pakistan, due to its affordable education, English-taught programs, and high scholarship rates. Here are 10 top universities in Cyprus that are affordable, reputable, and ideal for Pakistani students:

1. University of Cyprus (UCY) – Public University

•  Location: Nicosia (Republic of Cyprus – South)

•  Website: ucy.ac.cy

•  Top Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Humanities

•  Tuition: ~€6,834/year for non-EU undergraduates
  Master’s: €5,125–€10,250/year | PhD: ~€675/semester

•  Language: Greek (UG) + many Master’s/PhDs in English

•  Ideal for students seeking public education in South Cyprus

2. Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) – Northern Cyprus

•  Location: Famagusta

•  Website: emu.edu.tr

•  Top Programs: Engineering (ABET-accredited), Medicine, Business, Architecture

•  Tuition: $4,000–$8,000/year after 50% scholarships
  Master’s: $3,500–$7,000/year

•  Language: English (Prep courses available)

•  Popular among Pakistani students for affordability + English programs

3. University of Nicosia (UNIC) – Private University

•  Location: Nicosia (South)

•  Website: unic.ac.cy

•  Top Programs: MBBS, International Relations, Blockchain, Computer Science

•  Tuition: ~€9,500/year (UG) | Master’s (e.g. MBA): ~€12,000 total
  Scholarships: 10%–50% merit-based

•  Language: English (All international programs)

•  Largest private university; known for innovation & global reach

4. Near East University (NEU) – Northern Cyprus

•  Location: North Nicosia

•  Website: neu.edu.tr

•  Top Programs: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, Fine Arts

•  Tuition after 50% scholarship: €2,800–€5,000/year
  Additional 75%–100% scholarships for top students

•  Language: English (with Turkish options)

•  Affordable medical programs and strong science departments

5. European University Cyprus (EUC) – Private University

•  Location: Nicosia (South)

•  Website: euc.ac.cy

•  Top Programs: Medicine, Law, Business, Music

•  Tuition: €5,000–€7,500/year (Medical programs higher)

•  Language: Mostly English (some programs in Greek)

•  Good balance between quality and cost for Pakistani students

6. Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) – Public

•  Location: Limassol (South)

•  Website: cut.ac.cy

•  Top Fields: Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Maritime, IT

•  Tuition: ~€6,834/year (UG) | Master’s: €5,000–€8,000

•  Language: Undergrad mostly in Greek | Master’s available in English

•  Ideal for tech-focused Pakistani students preferring public universities

7. Cyprus International University (CIU) – Private

•  Location: North Nicosia (Haspolat)

•  Website: ciu.edu.tr

•  Top Programs: Business, IT, Engineering, Pharmacy, Health Sciences

•  Tuition after scholarships: ~€2,800–€3,500/year
  Scholarships: 50%–75% for Pakistani & international students

•  Language: English (with Turkish options)

•  One of the most affordable choices for Pakistani students

8. Girne American University (GAU) – Northern Cyprus

•  Location: Kyrenia (Girne)

•  Website: gau.edu.tr

•  Top Programs: Aviation, Business, Marine Engineering, Nursing

•  Tuition: ~$5,000/year → ~€2,500/year after 50% scholarship

•  Language: English (Turkish optional)

•  American-style education at a low cost

9. Frederick University – Private

•  Location: Nicosia & Limassol (South)

•  Website: frederick.ac.cy

•  Top Programs: Architecture, Engineering, Maritime, Business

•  Tuition: €5,400–€7,000/year (UG) | Master’s: €4,000–€7,000 total

•  Language: English (some UG programs in Greek)

•  A mid-tier private university with practical & career-focused degrees

10. European University of Lefke (EUL) – Northern Cyprus

•  Location: Lefka

•  Website: eul.edu.tr

•  Top Programs: Psychology, Social Sciences, Engineering, Law

•  Tuition after scholarships: €2,800–€4,000/year
  50% scholarship for all international students

•  Language: English for most programs

•  One of the cheapest options to study in Cyprus for Pakistani students

Related : Poland Study Guide 

Top 10 Scholarships for Pakistani Students to Study in Cyprus (2025–2026)

Studying in Cyprus is affordable and attractive for Pakistani students, especially with numerous scholarships that reduce tuition and living costs. Here are 10 top scholarships to help Pakistani and international students pursue higher education in Cyprus:

1. University of Cyprus Non-EU Undergraduate Scholarships

• 13 partial scholarships offering 50% tuition waiver (~€3,417/year) for top non-EU students including Pakistanis.

• Covers most bachelor’s degrees (except medical).

• Deadline: Apply during university admission, usually by July.

• Note: One-year Greek language prep may be required.

2. Cyprus Government “Cyprus Aid” Scholarships

• Offered periodically to students from developing countries based on merit and financial need.

• Can cover full tuition and sometimes provide stipends.

• Deadline: Usually mid-year (e.g., July 2025 for 2025/26 cycle).

• Pakistani students should watch for bilateral announcements.

3. University of Nicosia Academic Merit Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships from 20% to 50% tuition reduction for undergraduates with high grades (≥90% or GPA ≥3.9).

• Also offers need-based grants and athletic scholarships up to 40%.

• Automatic assessment during admission and continuing semesters.

4. European University Cyprus Scholarships

• Merit scholarships for international students: 25% to 50% for undergraduates, and up to 50% for select master’s programs.

• Scholarships also available for music and athletic talents.

5. Cyprus International University (CIU) Scholarships

• Automatic 50% tuition scholarships for all international undergraduate students.

• Additional merit scholarships up to 75% or 100% tuition waiver available.

• Graduate scholarships up to 50% based on academic merit.

6. Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Scholarships

• 50% tuition waiver for new international undergraduate students automatically.

• Top students can receive 100% full scholarships.

• Graduate assistantships with stipend available.

• Deadlines vary, check EMU’s site for updates.

7. Near East University (NEU) Scholarships

• Most international students receive 50% tuition waiver.

• Top performers eligible for 75% or 100% scholarships via exams or merit.

• Postgraduate scholarships also offered for MSc and PhD students.

8. Girne American University (GAU) Scholarships

• 50% tuition scholarships guaranteed for all new international undergraduates.

• Up to 100% scholarships for exceptional academic or athletic achievements.

9. European University of Lefke (EUL) Scholarships

• 50% tuition scholarships automatically granted to all international students.

• Additional 25% off for students with high CGPA.

• Limited full scholarships (100%) for outstanding students.

10. Cyprus West University (CWU) Scholarships

• Up to 65% tuition scholarships available for international undergraduate students.

• Standard 50% scholarships granted automatically, with additional merit-based awards.

Related : Study in Luxembourg Guide 

Academic Eligibility to Study in Cyprus for Pakistani Students (2025–2026)

Bachelor’s (Undergraduate) Admission Criteria

To apply for a Bachelor’s degree in Cyprus, Pakistani students must meet the following academic requirements:

• Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC / FA / FSc) with at least 50% marks

• A-levels: Minimum 2–3 passes along with O-levels

• Medicine, Pharmacy, or Engineering programs may require 60–70% or higher marks

Note: Some universities may also offer a foundation year for students not meeting direct entry criteria.

Master’s (Postgraduate) Admission Criteria

For Master’s programs in Cyprus, the requirements for Pakistani students typically include:

• A 4-year Bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) in a relevant subject

• Alternatively, a 2-year Bachelor’s + 2-year Master’s (Pakistani old system) is usually accepted

• Minimum CGPA: Around 2.5/4.0 or 60% marks

• Some programs accept as low as 2.0 CGPA / 50%, depending on profile strength

• MBA or professional programs may require relevant work experience

PhD (Doctorate) Admission Criteria

Pakistani students applying for a PhD in Cyprus should meet the following:

• A relevant Master’s degree (18 years education)

• Strong academic background with First Division or CGPA above 3.0

• A research proposal aligned with the faculty’s interest

• Prior research experience or publications are a plus

Part-Time Jobs in Cyprus for Pakistani Students (2025–2026)

Work Hour Limits

In the Republic of Cyprus (South / EU part)
Non-EU international students, including Pakistanis, can work up to 20 hours per week during academic semesters, and full-time (38–40 hours/week) during vacations such as summer break. However, jobs are limited to approved sectors such as:

• Hospitality (restaurants, hotels)

• Retail

• Manual labor

• Office support (in some cases)

Note: You cannot work in professional fields (like engineering) unrelated to your study visa conditions.

In Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
Students are generally allowed to work 20 hours per week, and enforcement is relatively lenient. After the first academic year, students can get a legal work permit through employer support, often facilitated by the university.

Exceeding 20 hours per week during classes can negatively impact your residence permit.

Common Part-Time Jobs for Students

• Hospitality & Food Service: Waiter, barista, dishwasher, kitchen assistant

• Hotel Jobs: Housekeeping, bellboy, pool/gym attendant

• Retail Sales: Cashier, sales assistant, stock staff in malls or grocery stores

• Call Centers / Telemarketing: Customer support or sales (especially for English speakers)

• Office or Clerical Work: Data entry, administrative support (limited)

• University Campus Jobs: Library assistant, IT lab helper, campus ambassador

• Tutoring: English, Urdu, or school subjects to locals

• Freelancing: Online jobs in IT, writing, design, etc.

Wages and Monthly Earnings

• Average wage: €5–€7 per hour

• North Cyprus: 30–40 Turkish Lira/hour (~€1.5–€2) with occasional free meals or tips

• Typical monthly income:

  • 20 hours/week at €6 = ~€480/month

  • This can cover most of your rent and food expenses

  • Summer full-time work increases savings potential

Where to Find Part-Time Jobs

• University Career Centers: On-campus listings and employer tie-ups

• Job Portals:

  • CyprusJobs

  • Kariera.com.cy

Post-Study Work & PR Opportunities in Cyprus 

Post-Study Work Visa (Republic of Cyprus)

Cyprus does not offer an automatic post-study work visa like countries such as the UK or Germany. Once your degree finishes, your student residence permit expires shortly after graduation. To stay in Cyprus, you must secure a job offer and switch to a work residence permit.

Work Visa Process:

• You need a confirmed job offer from a Cyprus-based employer.

• The employer must apply for your work visa via the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

• The company must prove no local/EU candidate is available for the role.

• Work permits are:

  • Tied to a specific job and employer

  • Usually issued for 1 year, renewable annually.

High-Demand Sectors in Cyprus:

• Information Technology & Software

• Accounting & Audit (including Big 4 firms)

• Sales, Digital Marketing & Business Development

• Shipping and Maritime Finance

• Tourism Management (limited roles with language skills)

🔎 Example: If a Pakistani Computer Science graduate gets hired by a tech company in Limassol, the employer can sponsor their work visa. Once approved, the student can stay and work legally in Cyprus.

Job Hunting Tips for Graduates

Start looking for jobs during your final semester. Focus on companies in high-demand sectors and actively use job portals such as:

• EURES Portal (EU Jobs)

• GRS Recruitment Cyprus

• JobInCyprus.com

• LinkedIn (search “graduate jobs in Cyprus”)

Proactive Steps:

• Apply for internships or part-time roles during your studies.

• Attend university career fairs and networking events.

• Learn basic Greek to boost your local employability.

• Get certifications (e.g., ACCA, digital marketing, coding) during your studies to stand out.

Long-Term Residence (PR) in Cyprus

Cyprus offers a path to EU Long-Term Residency for non-EU nationals who live and work in the country.

Key Pathway:

1. Complete studies (e.g., Bachelor’s or Master’s)

2. Switch to a work visa after getting a job offer

3. Work legally for 5+ years on a residence/work permit

Note: Student visa years may count partially (usually 50%) toward the 5-year PR requirement.

After 5 Years:

• Apply for Long-Term Residence Permit (LTRP)

  • Offers similar rights to PR: job flexibility, travel, and long-term stay

  • Requires proof of stable income, housing, health insurance, and integration

After 7 Years:

• Eligible to apply for Cyprus Citizenship by Naturalization

  • Must show language knowledge, good conduct, and integration into Cypriot society

  • Time spent as a student usually counts as half toward this total

Fast-Track PR Route (For Investors – Optional)

• Buying a property worth €300,000+ qualifies for fast-track Permanent Residency.

• This is generally aimed at investors or families — not applicable to most students, but may be relevant for future plans.

Living Expenses for International Students in Cyprus (Monthly Estimates)

• Accommodation

  • On-campus shared dorm: €150–€300

  • On-campus single studio: €300–€500

  • Off-campus shared room: €200–€250

  • Off-campus 1-bedroom flat (South Cyprus): €400–€600

  • Off-campus 1-bedroom flat (North Cyprus): €250–€350

• Utilities (if not included in rent)

  • Electricity, water, heating: €50–€80

• Groceries & Food

  • Groceries (self-cooked): €100–€150

  • Eating out occasionally: €50–€150

  • Total monthly food cost: €150–€300

• Transportation

  • Student bus pass: €20–€30

  • Intercity or local travel: €10–€20

  • Estimated total transport: €30–€50

• Mobile & Internet

  • Mobile data plan: €10–€20

  • WiFi share (home): ~€15

• Health Insurance

  • ~€120–€200 per year → €10–€17/month

• Personal Expenses

  • Books/stationery: ~€100 per semester → ~€20/month

  • Entertainment, outings, gym, etc.: €30–€50

Total Estimated Monthly Cost: €350 – €600
(Frugal students may manage around €350; higher-end up to €700 depending on lifestyle & city.)

Language Requirements for Studying in Cyprus

• Is English Test Required?

  • Yes, for English-taught programs.

  • Pakistani students usually need IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.

• IELTS Minimum Scores

  • Bachelor’s: 5.5 (some universities accept)

  • Master’s: 6.0 is common

  • Competitive/PhD programs: 6.5 preferred

• TOEFL iBT Equivalent

  • 70–79 for most programs

  • 80+ for top-level or research programs

• Other Accepted Tests

  • PTE Academic: ~50–55 points

  • Cambridge FCE (B2): Equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0

  • Cambridge CAE (C1 Advanced): Accepted widely

Most Popular Courses & Fields in Cyprus for International Students

• Medicine and Health Sciences

  • MD programs in English at University of Nicosia, European University Cyprus

  • Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy popular for global job prospects

  • Affordable fees and EU-standard healthcare training

• Business and Management

  • Degrees like BBA, MBA, Finance, Marketing, Management

  • Cyprus as financial and shipping hub boosts career options

  • Specializations in Accounting, International Business, Blockchain, FinTech

• Information Technology and Computer Science

  • Courses in Software Engineering, AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science

  • Growing tech ecosystem and tax benefits in Cyprus

  • High demand for IT graduates with global career scope

• Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts

  • Strong tourism sector offers internships and practical experience

  • Hospitality Management, Tourism & Hotel Administration popular

  • Culinary Arts for aspiring chefs and restaurant managers

• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum)

  • Traditional engineering fields with ABET accreditation in Northern Cyprus

  • Relevant to infrastructure, construction, and natural gas projects

  • Petroleum and Energy Engineering growing with Cyprus’s energy sector

• Maritime and Marine Studies

  • University of Kyrenia specializes in marine engineering and navigation

  • Cyprus’s large shipping registry offers global maritime career paths

• Architecture and Real Estate

  • Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning, Real Estate Management

  • Growing construction and property development industry

• MBA and Management Programs

  • Affordable, flexible MBA programs with EU perspective

  • Popular for mid-career professionals from Pakistan

• Allied Health and Pharmacy

  • Pharmacy, Medical Lab Science, Nutrition, Public Health gaining popularity

  • WHO-recognized programs with strong international demand

• Education and Psychology

  • Psychology, Educational Leadership, TESOL, Early Childhood Education

  • Careers in teaching, training, and counseling

Growing Industries & Career Opportunities in Cyprus

• Tourism & Hospitality – major employer, practical for graduates

• Financial Services & Accounting – demand for ACCA-qualified professionals

• Information Technology – high need for software developers, AI engineers, cybersecurity experts

• Shipping & Maritime – logistics, marine engineering, maritime law jobs

• Healthcare – nurses, pharmacists, medical technicians in demand

• Renewable Energy – growing field with solar and green tech investments

Salary Expectations (Monthly)

• IT Graduates: €1,500–€2,000

• Engineers: €1,300–€1,800

• Accountants: €1,200–€1,600 (higher with ACCA)

• Hospitality Jobs: €800–€1,000 + tips

• Nurses: €1,000–€1,200

• Research Assistants/Academia: ~€1,400

Required Documents for Admission

To apply to universities in Cyprus, Pakistani students typically need the following scanned documents:

1. Educational Certificates (Attested & Translated in English):

   • Undergraduate: HSSC certificate & transcript (attested by IBCC)

   • Master’s: Bachelor’s degree & transcript (attested by HEC)

   • PhD: Master’s degree & transcripts (attested by HEC)

   • Optional: Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, notarization, or apostille

2. Valid Passport Copy

3. Passport-Sized Photographs (Usually 2 photos – size: 3.5×4.5 cm)

4. Proof of English Proficiency:

   • IELTS or TOEFL (if required)

   • Some universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter

5. Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Motivation Letter (1–2 pages)

6. Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Usually 2 for Master’s and PhD

7. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Required for postgraduate programs

8. Research Proposal: For PhD applicants (1–3 pages)

9. Portfolio: If applying for Architecture, Design, or Fine Arts

10. Application Fee: Typically between €50–€100

Student Visa for Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus – South)

Step-by-Step Visa Application:

1. Where to Apply: Cyprus High Commission/Embassy in Islamabad

2. Visa Type: Category D (Long-Stay Student Visa)

3. Documents Required:

   • Completed Visa Application Form

   • Original & copy of valid passport

   • 4 Passport-sized photographs

   • Admission Letter from University

   • Attested Educational Certificates

   • IELTS/TOEFL or university’s language waiver

   • Financial Proof:

     • Bank statement (last 3-6 months) covering tuition + €7,000

     • Sponsor’s affidavit & income proof

     • Optional: Cyprus bank guarantee (confirm with embassy)

   • Police Character Certificate (attested)

   • Medical Certificate (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, TB)

   • Travel Health Insurance (coverage: €30,000)

   • Accommodation Proof (dorm letter, lease, or host letter)

   • Visa Fee (~€60 or Rs. 15,000 approx.)

   • CNIC copy and cover letter

4. Visa Interview: Basic questions about study plan and funding

5. Visa Approval Time: 2–4 weeks (up to 3 months in rare cases)

6. Arrival & Immigration:

   • Show admission letter & financial proof

   • Must register with District Aliens & Immigration Unit within 7–10 days