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How to apply to study in Cyprus from Uzbekistan

  • The route to a bachelor’s degree in Cyprus with an Uzbek school certificate: straight into the first year.

    Source: gov.cy (opens in a new tab) · probably right

  • English for a bachelor’s degree: IELTS 5; also accepted: TOEFL iBT 71 and PTE Academic 58.

    Source: highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the page 17 September 2026 · probably right

Data read from the sources: 17 September 2026

What documents and grades do you need to study in Cyprus?

In Cyprus you apply with a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or an equivalent qualification; private universities set further requirements in their own prospectus. The English bar comes from the Council of Ministers decision of 19 July 2023: IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, PTE Academic 58, SAT EBRW 530, Cambridge B2 First (FCE) or CEFR B1, with the English Language Foundation Programme as the route for anyone below it. The entry permit is applied for by the university itself at the Migration Department, the application is examined by two authorities, the Migration Department and the Ministry of Education, within one month. Documents go in in Greek or English with an apostille, and medical examinations before and after arrival, a bank guarantee and Plan A insurance are required.

Foundation year

If your English falls short of the entry bar, Cyprus offers an official route: the English Language Foundation Programme at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus, evaluated and accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education. Admission to it takes IELTS 4.0, TOEFL iBT 42, PTE Academic 43, SAT EBRW 450, Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) or CEFR B1. The entry permit is applied for by the institution itself at the Civil Registry and Migration Department; documents go in in Greek or English with an apostille. Medical examinations before and after arrival, a clear criminal record, a bank guarantee and Plan A insurance are all required.

With an Uzbek attestat (11 years)

Foundation year

This is the route itself, with one caveat: the Cypriot foundation programme is a language programme, not an academic one. It is meant for applicants whose English falls short, and it takes them up to the bar the Council of Ministers decision of 19 July 2023 sets for undergraduate and postgraduate study. The official pages say nothing specific about an 11-year Uzbek attestat; what they ask for is a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or other equivalent qualification.

Documents

  • English certificate

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for academic certificates of the third country national such as the school leaving certificate, bachelor or other degree, master's degree and certificate of knowledge of the English language.

  • School certificate

    The Department of Higher Education states that students seeking admission to a Private University or Private Institution of Tertiary Education must have a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or other equivalent qualification and any other qualifications depending on the programme and the level of study which are in the institution's prospectus, and that students seeking admission to a Public University or Public Institution of Tertiary Education must have a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or other equivalent qualification and must have secured a place on the programme of study of their choice.

  • Passport

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list for students asks, before arrival, for a copy of a valid passport or other travel document with a validity that covers at least the duration of the intended stay or at least 2 years from the date of submission of the application, and after arrival for a copy of the passport page with the stamp showing the last arrival in Cyprus.

  • Certified translation

    The Migration Department states that all documents submitted with the application must be in Greek or English, and otherwise should be accompanied by an official translation into one of these languages from sworn translators, or by a consular authority of the issuing country, or a government department of the issuing country.

  • Apostille

    The Migration Department states that all accompanying public documents issued in other states that have ratified the Hague Apostille Convention of 5.10.1961 must be duly authenticated in accordance with the Law on the Abolition of the Requirement to Legalize Foreign Public Documents of 1972, that is with an apostille stamp; the HCCH status table lists Uzbekistan as a contracting party since 15 April 2012, so Uzbek documents take an apostille rather than diplomatic certification.

  • Financial statement

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, before arrival, for a certification by a banking institution of the country of origin that the applicant is financially able to cover the cost of living, studying and repatriating, accompanied by a bank statement, or a certificate for granting a scholarship, and after arrival for a certification by a bank institution in the Republic of Cyprus that the money has been transferred into a personal account. The list names no currency amount, so none is given here.

Sources: gov.cy (opens in a new tab), highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the pages 17 September 2026 · probably right

Tests

  • Any one of these is enough

    IELTS 4

    The Department of Higher Education states that students who do not meet the minimum criteria for the required certificates of success can attend the English Language Foundation Programme at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus, which has been evaluated and accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education, and that admission to that programme requires Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS 4.0, TOEFL iBT 42, Pearson PTE Academic 43, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 450, or CEFR B1.

  • TOEFL iBT 42

    The Department of Higher Education states that students who do not meet the minimum criteria for the required certificates of success can attend the English Language Foundation Programme at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus, which has been evaluated and accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education, and that admission to that programme requires Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS 4.0, TOEFL iBT 42, Pearson PTE Academic 43, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 450, or CEFR B1.

  • PTE Academic 43

    The Department of Higher Education states that students who do not meet the minimum criteria for the required certificates of success can attend the English Language Foundation Programme at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus, which has been evaluated and accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education, and that admission to that programme requires Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS 4.0, TOEFL iBT 42, Pearson PTE Academic 43, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 450, or CEFR B1.

  • Teaching is in English

    The Department of Higher Education states that according to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 19/7/2023 the admission of students from Third Countries to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus requires the following minimum success criteria in international English Language Examinations: Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, Pearson PTE Academic 58, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, and CEFR B1.

  • SAT 450 (optional)Optional

    The Department of Higher Education states that students who do not meet the minimum criteria for the required certificates of success can attend the English Language Foundation Programme at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus, which has been evaluated and accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education, and that admission to that programme requires Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS 4.0, TOEFL iBT 42, Pearson PTE Academic 43, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 450, or CEFR B1.

Source: highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the page 17 September 2026 · probably right

Other requirements

  • Enrolment on the English Language Foundation Programme at a Cypriot higher education institution, accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education

    The Department of Higher Education states that students who do not meet the minimum criteria for the required certificates of success can attend the English Language Foundation Programme at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus, which has been evaluated and accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education, and that admission to that programme requires Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS 4.0, TOEFL iBT 42, Pearson PTE Academic 43, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 450, or CEFR B1.

  • Academic certificates, examined by the Ministry of Education alongside the Migration Department

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for academic certificates of the third country national such as the school leaving certificate, bachelor or other degree and master's degree, and the Migration Department adds that student entry-permit applications are examined by two authorities, the Migration Department and the Ministry of Education of Cyprus.

  • Entry permit from the Civil Registry and Migration Department, applied for by the higher education institution

    The Migration Department states that a third-country national who has been accepted by a higher education institution and is admitted to pursue as a main activity a full-time course of study leading to a higher education qualification recognized by the Republic of Cyprus may enter Cyprus with an entry permit issued by the Civil Registry and Migration Department, provided that an application is submitted by the higher education institution, and that the institution must be registered with the Ministry of Education of Cyprus or be recognized or considered as such.

  • The application cannot be submitted while you are already in Cyprus on a tourist or visiting visa

    The Migration Department states that the application shall be submitted and examined either when the third-country national concerned is residing outside the territory of Cyprus or when the third-country national is already residing as holder of a valid residence permit, and that the application cannot be submitted when the third country national is already in Cyprus as a holder of a tourist or visiting visa.

  • Acceptance letter from the higher education institution naming the specific programme of studies

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for an acceptance letter by a higher education institution mentioning that the third-country national has been accepted to follow a specific program of studies.

  • Bank guarantee for repatriation expenses, from the student or from the higher education institution

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for a bank guarantee either from the student or from the higher education institution for repatriation expenses.

  • Original certificate of a clear criminal record from your country of origin

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for an original certificate of a clear criminal record from the country of origin, adding that if the third-country national is residing in a country other than the country of origin the certificate may be issued from the country of residence.

  • Original medical examinations for Hepatitis B and C, AIDS/HIV and syphilis and a chest X-ray report for tuberculosis, first from your country of origin and again in Cyprus after arrival

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, before arrival, for original medical examinations for Hepatitis B and C, AIDS/HIV, Syphilis and a report of chest X-ray for Tuberculosis from the country of origin, and after arrival for the same examinations from a public or private hospital of Cyprus stamped by a doctor.

  • Certificate of health insurance for medical care covering inpatient and outpatient care and transportation of corpse (Plan A)

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, after arrival, for a certificate of health insurance for medical care that covers inpatient and outpatient care and transportation of corpse, described on the list as Plan A.

  • Title deed or accommodation rental agreement in Cyprus

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, after arrival, for a title deed or an accommodation rental agreement.

  • Migration Department fees: EUR 70 for an entry permit and residence permit, EUR 140 with an ARC, EUR 55 for the issuance or renewal of a residence permit, EUR 70 for first registration in the Aliens Register

    The Migration Department lists the fees as EUR 70 for an application for the issuance of an entry permit and residence permit, EUR 140 for an entry permit, residence permit and ARC, EUR 55 for a residence permit change of status, EUR 55 for the issuance or renewal of a residence permit, EUR 70 for registration in the Aliens Register in cases of first registration, and EUR 125 for a residence permit and ARC.

  • Entry permit applications for students are examined within one month when duly completed; residence permit applications within 3 months

    The Migration Department states that applications for the issuance of an entry permit for students shall be examined within one month provided that they are duly completed, that this time limit shall not apply if the information or documents submitted are insufficient, that these applications are examined by two authorities, the Migration Department and the Ministry of Education of Cyprus, and that applications for the issuance of a residence permit for students shall be examined within 3 months.

  • Registration in the Aliens' Register and a temporary residence permit within 7 days of arrival; the Department of Higher Education gives the figure as 10 days

    The Migration Department states that after the arrival in the Republic, within 7 days, the third country national is required to register in the Aliens' Register and obtain a temporary residence permit by submitting an application and the corresponding fees, while the Department of Higher Education page states that within 10 days of arriving in Cyprus students must apply to the Civil Registry and Migration Department for a residence permit. The two official pages give different figures, so treat the shorter one as the deadline and confirm with the Migration Department.

Sources: highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab), gov.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the pages 17 September 2026 · probably right

Bachelor’s

With an Uzbek attestat (11 years)

Straight into the first year

The Department of Higher Education states the requirement plainly: a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or other equivalent qualification, plus whatever a private institution lists in its prospectus. The page says nothing about the number of school years, so direct application with an 11-year Uzbek attestat is treated as open. But academic qualifications are examined separately by the Ministry of Education inside the entry-permit procedure and it may impose further conditions, so have your certificate checked in advance by both the university and the Ministry. If your English falls short, the English Language Foundation Programme is the bridge.

Documents

  • School certificate

    The Department of Higher Education states that students seeking admission to a Private University or Private Institution of Tertiary Education must have a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or other equivalent qualification and any other qualifications depending on the programme and the level of study which are in the institution's prospectus, and that students seeking admission to a Public University or Public Institution of Tertiary Education must have a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or other equivalent qualification and must have secured a place on the programme of study of their choice.

  • English certificate

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for academic certificates of the third country national such as the school leaving certificate, bachelor or other degree, master's degree and certificate of knowledge of the English language.

  • Passport

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list for students asks, before arrival, for a copy of a valid passport or other travel document with a validity that covers at least the duration of the intended stay or at least 2 years from the date of submission of the application, and after arrival for a copy of the passport page with the stamp showing the last arrival in Cyprus.

  • Certified translation

    The Migration Department states that all documents submitted with the application must be in Greek or English, and otherwise should be accompanied by an official translation into one of these languages from sworn translators, or by a consular authority of the issuing country, or a government department of the issuing country.

  • Apostille

    The Migration Department states that all accompanying public documents issued in other states that have ratified the Hague Apostille Convention of 5.10.1961 must be duly authenticated in accordance with the Law on the Abolition of the Requirement to Legalize Foreign Public Documents of 1972, that is with an apostille stamp; the HCCH status table lists Uzbekistan as a contracting party since 15 April 2012, so Uzbek documents take an apostille rather than diplomatic certification.

  • Financial statement

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, before arrival, for a certification by a banking institution of the country of origin that the applicant is financially able to cover the cost of living, studying and repatriating, accompanied by a bank statement, or a certificate for granting a scholarship, and after arrival for a certification by a bank institution in the Republic of Cyprus that the money has been transferred into a personal account. The list names no currency amount, so none is given here.

Sources: highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab), gov.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the pages 17 September 2026 · probably right

Tests

  • Any one of these is enough

    IELTS 5

    The Department of Higher Education states that according to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 19/7/2023 the admission of students from Third Countries to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus requires the following minimum success criteria in international English Language Examinations: Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, Pearson PTE Academic 58, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, and CEFR B1.

  • TOEFL iBT 71

    The Department of Higher Education states that according to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 19/7/2023 the admission of students from Third Countries to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus requires the following minimum success criteria in international English Language Examinations: Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, Pearson PTE Academic 58, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, and CEFR B1.

  • PTE Academic 58

    The Department of Higher Education states that according to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 19/7/2023 the admission of students from Third Countries to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus requires the following minimum success criteria in international English Language Examinations: Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, Pearson PTE Academic 58, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, and CEFR B1.

  • Teaching is in English

    The Department of Higher Education states that according to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 19/7/2023 the admission of students from Third Countries to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus requires the following minimum success criteria in international English Language Examinations: Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, Pearson PTE Academic 58, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, and CEFR B1.

  • SAT 530 (optional)Optional

    The Department of Higher Education states that according to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 19/7/2023 the admission of students from Third Countries to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus requires the following minimum success criteria in international English Language Examinations: Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, Pearson PTE Academic 58, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, and CEFR B1.

Source: highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the page 17 September 2026 · probably right

Other requirements

  • Academic certificates, examined by the Ministry of Education alongside the Migration Department

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for academic certificates of the third country national such as the school leaving certificate, bachelor or other degree and master's degree, and the Migration Department adds that student entry-permit applications are examined by two authorities, the Migration Department and the Ministry of Education of Cyprus.

  • Entry permit from the Civil Registry and Migration Department, applied for by the higher education institution

    The Migration Department states that a third-country national who has been accepted by a higher education institution and is admitted to pursue as a main activity a full-time course of study leading to a higher education qualification recognized by the Republic of Cyprus may enter Cyprus with an entry permit issued by the Civil Registry and Migration Department, provided that an application is submitted by the higher education institution, and that the institution must be registered with the Ministry of Education of Cyprus or be recognized or considered as such.

  • The application cannot be submitted while you are already in Cyprus on a tourist or visiting visa

    The Migration Department states that the application shall be submitted and examined either when the third-country national concerned is residing outside the territory of Cyprus or when the third-country national is already residing as holder of a valid residence permit, and that the application cannot be submitted when the third country national is already in Cyprus as a holder of a tourist or visiting visa.

  • Acceptance letter from the higher education institution naming the specific programme of studies

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for an acceptance letter by a higher education institution mentioning that the third-country national has been accepted to follow a specific program of studies.

  • Bank guarantee for repatriation expenses, from the student or from the higher education institution

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for a bank guarantee either from the student or from the higher education institution for repatriation expenses.

  • Original certificate of a clear criminal record from your country of origin

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for an original certificate of a clear criminal record from the country of origin, adding that if the third-country national is residing in a country other than the country of origin the certificate may be issued from the country of residence.

  • Original medical examinations for Hepatitis B and C, AIDS/HIV and syphilis and a chest X-ray report for tuberculosis, first from your country of origin and again in Cyprus after arrival

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, before arrival, for original medical examinations for Hepatitis B and C, AIDS/HIV, Syphilis and a report of chest X-ray for Tuberculosis from the country of origin, and after arrival for the same examinations from a public or private hospital of Cyprus stamped by a doctor.

  • Certificate of health insurance for medical care covering inpatient and outpatient care and transportation of corpse (Plan A)

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, after arrival, for a certificate of health insurance for medical care that covers inpatient and outpatient care and transportation of corpse, described on the list as Plan A.

  • Title deed or accommodation rental agreement in Cyprus

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, after arrival, for a title deed or an accommodation rental agreement.

  • Migration Department fees: EUR 70 for an entry permit and residence permit, EUR 140 with an ARC, EUR 55 for the issuance or renewal of a residence permit, EUR 70 for first registration in the Aliens Register

    The Migration Department lists the fees as EUR 70 for an application for the issuance of an entry permit and residence permit, EUR 140 for an entry permit, residence permit and ARC, EUR 55 for a residence permit change of status, EUR 55 for the issuance or renewal of a residence permit, EUR 70 for registration in the Aliens Register in cases of first registration, and EUR 125 for a residence permit and ARC.

  • Entry permit applications for students are examined within one month when duly completed; residence permit applications within 3 months

    The Migration Department states that applications for the issuance of an entry permit for students shall be examined within one month provided that they are duly completed, that this time limit shall not apply if the information or documents submitted are insufficient, that these applications are examined by two authorities, the Migration Department and the Ministry of Education of Cyprus, and that applications for the issuance of a residence permit for students shall be examined within 3 months.

  • Registration in the Aliens' Register and a temporary residence permit within 7 days of arrival; the Department of Higher Education gives the figure as 10 days

    The Migration Department states that after the arrival in the Republic, within 7 days, the third country national is required to register in the Aliens' Register and obtain a temporary residence permit by submitting an application and the corresponding fees, while the Department of Higher Education page states that within 10 days of arriving in Cyprus students must apply to the Civil Registry and Migration Department for a residence permit. The two official pages give different figures, so treat the shorter one as the deadline and confirm with the Migration Department.

  • English Language Foundation Programme if you are below the admission barOptional

    The Department of Higher Education states that students who do not meet the minimum criteria for the required certificates of success can attend the English Language Foundation Programme at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus, which has been evaluated and accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education, and that admission to that programme requires Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS 4.0, TOEFL iBT 42, Pearson PTE Academic 43, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 450, or CEFR B1.

  • Recognition of a higher education qualification by KY.S.A.T.S., where the institution or an employer asks for itOptional

    The Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth states that KY.S.A.T.S. is the competent authority of the Republic of Cyprus for the recognition of diplomas awarded by recognised higher education institutions whose courses have been evaluated or accredited by the competent authorities of the country in which they are offered, that it also acts as the National Information Centre for Education, and that it has been a full member of the ENIC/NARIC and MERIC networks since its inception in 2000.

Sources: gov.cy (opens in a new tab), highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab), moec.gov.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the pages 17 September 2026 · probably right

Master’s

You apply to a Cypriot master with a bachelor degree — the Migration Department's document list names a bachelor or other degree and a master's degree among the academic certificates. The English bar is the same as for undergraduate study: under the Council of Ministers decision of 19 July 2023, IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, PTE Academic 58, SAT EBRW 530, Cambridge B2 First (FCE) or CEFR B1. Where the degree has to be recognised, the competent authority is KY.S.A.T.S. The entry permit is applied for by the university; documents go in in Greek or English with an apostille, and medical examinations, a bank guarantee and Plan A insurance are required.

With an Uzbek attestat (11 years)

Straight into the first year

Entry to a master rests on a completed bachelor degree, so the 11-year attestat question does not arise here. The Migration Department's document list names a bachelor or other degree among the academic certificates, and the institution sets the exact requirements in its prospectus. The official pages say nothing about the Uzbek attestat as such.

Documents

  • Diploma

    The bachelor diploma itself, named on the Migration Department's supporting-documents list among the academic certificates of the third country national.

  • Academic transcript

    Not checked yet

    The academic transcript of the bachelor degree. The Migration Department's list names a transcript explicitly for renewals, as a record of progress from the institution, and the university itself will want the transcript behind your diploma at admission.

  • English certificate

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for academic certificates of the third country national such as the school leaving certificate, bachelor or other degree, master's degree and certificate of knowledge of the English language.

  • Passport

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list for students asks, before arrival, for a copy of a valid passport or other travel document with a validity that covers at least the duration of the intended stay or at least 2 years from the date of submission of the application, and after arrival for a copy of the passport page with the stamp showing the last arrival in Cyprus.

  • Certified translation

    The Migration Department states that all documents submitted with the application must be in Greek or English, and otherwise should be accompanied by an official translation into one of these languages from sworn translators, or by a consular authority of the issuing country, or a government department of the issuing country.

  • Apostille

    The Migration Department states that all accompanying public documents issued in other states that have ratified the Hague Apostille Convention of 5.10.1961 must be duly authenticated in accordance with the Law on the Abolition of the Requirement to Legalize Foreign Public Documents of 1972, that is with an apostille stamp; the HCCH status table lists Uzbekistan as a contracting party since 15 April 2012, so Uzbek documents take an apostille rather than diplomatic certification.

  • Financial statement

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, before arrival, for a certification by a banking institution of the country of origin that the applicant is financially able to cover the cost of living, studying and repatriating, accompanied by a bank statement, or a certificate for granting a scholarship, and after arrival for a certification by a bank institution in the Republic of Cyprus that the money has been transferred into a personal account. The list names no currency amount, so none is given here.

Source: gov.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the pages 17 September 2026 · probably right

Tests

  • Any one of these is enough

    IELTS 5

    The Department of Higher Education states that according to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 19/7/2023 the admission of students from Third Countries to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus requires the following minimum success criteria in international English Language Examinations: Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, Pearson PTE Academic 58, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, and CEFR B1.

  • TOEFL iBT 71

    The Department of Higher Education states that according to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 19/7/2023 the admission of students from Third Countries to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus requires the following minimum success criteria in international English Language Examinations: Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, Pearson PTE Academic 58, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, and CEFR B1.

  • PTE Academic 58

    The Department of Higher Education states that according to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 19/7/2023 the admission of students from Third Countries to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus requires the following minimum success criteria in international English Language Examinations: Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, Pearson PTE Academic 58, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, and CEFR B1.

  • Teaching is in English

    The Department of Higher Education states that according to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 19/7/2023 the admission of students from Third Countries to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus requires the following minimum success criteria in international English Language Examinations: Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, Pearson PTE Academic 58, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, and CEFR B1.

  • SAT 530 (optional)Optional

    The Department of Higher Education states that according to the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 19/7/2023 the admission of students from Third Countries to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus requires the following minimum success criteria in international English Language Examinations: Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS 5, TOEFL iBT 71, Pearson PTE Academic 58, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, and CEFR B1.

Source: highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the page 17 September 2026 · probably right

Minimum grades and years of school

  • A completed Bachelor’s degree

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for academic certificates of the third country national such as the school leaving certificate, bachelor or other degree, master's degree and certificate of knowledge of the English language, so a postgraduate applicant submits the first degree; the Department of Higher Education adds that the qualifications required depend on the programme and the level of study set out in the institution's prospectus.

Source: gov.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the page 17 September 2026 · probably right

Other requirements

  • Academic certificates, examined by the Ministry of Education alongside the Migration Department

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for academic certificates of the third country national such as the school leaving certificate, bachelor or other degree and master's degree, and the Migration Department adds that student entry-permit applications are examined by two authorities, the Migration Department and the Ministry of Education of Cyprus.

  • Entry permit from the Civil Registry and Migration Department, applied for by the higher education institution

    The Migration Department states that a third-country national who has been accepted by a higher education institution and is admitted to pursue as a main activity a full-time course of study leading to a higher education qualification recognized by the Republic of Cyprus may enter Cyprus with an entry permit issued by the Civil Registry and Migration Department, provided that an application is submitted by the higher education institution, and that the institution must be registered with the Ministry of Education of Cyprus or be recognized or considered as such.

  • The application cannot be submitted while you are already in Cyprus on a tourist or visiting visa

    The Migration Department states that the application shall be submitted and examined either when the third-country national concerned is residing outside the territory of Cyprus or when the third-country national is already residing as holder of a valid residence permit, and that the application cannot be submitted when the third country national is already in Cyprus as a holder of a tourist or visiting visa.

  • Acceptance letter from the higher education institution naming the specific programme of studies

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for an acceptance letter by a higher education institution mentioning that the third-country national has been accepted to follow a specific program of studies.

  • Bank guarantee for repatriation expenses, from the student or from the higher education institution

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for a bank guarantee either from the student or from the higher education institution for repatriation expenses.

  • Original certificate of a clear criminal record from your country of origin

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks for an original certificate of a clear criminal record from the country of origin, adding that if the third-country national is residing in a country other than the country of origin the certificate may be issued from the country of residence.

  • Original medical examinations for Hepatitis B and C, AIDS/HIV and syphilis and a chest X-ray report for tuberculosis, first from your country of origin and again in Cyprus after arrival

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, before arrival, for original medical examinations for Hepatitis B and C, AIDS/HIV, Syphilis and a report of chest X-ray for Tuberculosis from the country of origin, and after arrival for the same examinations from a public or private hospital of Cyprus stamped by a doctor.

  • Certificate of health insurance for medical care covering inpatient and outpatient care and transportation of corpse (Plan A)

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, after arrival, for a certificate of health insurance for medical care that covers inpatient and outpatient care and transportation of corpse, described on the list as Plan A.

  • Title deed or accommodation rental agreement in Cyprus

    The Migration Department's supporting-documents list asks, after arrival, for a title deed or an accommodation rental agreement.

  • Migration Department fees: EUR 70 for an entry permit and residence permit, EUR 140 with an ARC, EUR 55 for the issuance or renewal of a residence permit, EUR 70 for first registration in the Aliens Register

    The Migration Department lists the fees as EUR 70 for an application for the issuance of an entry permit and residence permit, EUR 140 for an entry permit, residence permit and ARC, EUR 55 for a residence permit change of status, EUR 55 for the issuance or renewal of a residence permit, EUR 70 for registration in the Aliens Register in cases of first registration, and EUR 125 for a residence permit and ARC.

  • Entry permit applications for students are examined within one month when duly completed; residence permit applications within 3 months

    The Migration Department states that applications for the issuance of an entry permit for students shall be examined within one month provided that they are duly completed, that this time limit shall not apply if the information or documents submitted are insufficient, that these applications are examined by two authorities, the Migration Department and the Ministry of Education of Cyprus, and that applications for the issuance of a residence permit for students shall be examined within 3 months.

  • Registration in the Aliens' Register and a temporary residence permit within 7 days of arrival; the Department of Higher Education gives the figure as 10 days

    The Migration Department states that after the arrival in the Republic, within 7 days, the third country national is required to register in the Aliens' Register and obtain a temporary residence permit by submitting an application and the corresponding fees, while the Department of Higher Education page states that within 10 days of arriving in Cyprus students must apply to the Civil Registry and Migration Department for a residence permit. The two official pages give different figures, so treat the shorter one as the deadline and confirm with the Migration Department.

  • English Language Foundation Programme if you are below the admission barOptional

    The Department of Higher Education states that students who do not meet the minimum criteria for the required certificates of success can attend the English Language Foundation Programme at the Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus, which has been evaluated and accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education, and that admission to that programme requires Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS 4.0, TOEFL iBT 42, Pearson PTE Academic 43, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 450, or CEFR B1.

  • Recognition of a higher education qualification by KY.S.A.T.S., where the institution or an employer asks for itOptional

    The Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth states that KY.S.A.T.S. is the competent authority of the Republic of Cyprus for the recognition of diplomas awarded by recognised higher education institutions whose courses have been evaluated or accredited by the competent authorities of the country in which they are offered, that it also acts as the National Information Centre for Education, and that it has been a full member of the ENIC/NARIC and MERIC networks since its inception in 2000.

Sources: gov.cy (opens in a new tab), highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab), moec.gov.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the pages 17 September 2026 · probably right

Which IELTS score do you need to study in Cyprus?

Foundation year in Cyprus: IELTS 4 or TOEFL iBT 42 or PTE Academic 43. Bachelor’s in Cyprus: IELTS 5 or TOEFL iBT 71 or PTE Academic 58. Master’s in Cyprus: IELTS 5 or TOEFL iBT 71 or PTE Academic 58.

Minimum English scores by level
LevelIELTSOther testsSource
Foundation yearIELTS 4TOEFL iBT 42 or PTE Academic 43Source: highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the page 17 September 2026 · probably right
Bachelor’sIELTS 5TOEFL iBT 71 or PTE Academic 58Source: highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the page 17 September 2026 · probably right
Master’sIELTS 5TOEFL iBT 71 or PTE Academic 58Source: highereducation.ac.cy (opens in a new tab) · read from the page 17 September 2026 · probably right

Which universities are there in Cyprus?

The INTAKE catalogue holds 53 universities in Cyprus.

  1. Alexander CollegeLarnaca
  2. American CollegeNicosia
  3. American University of Beirut – MediterraneoPaphos
  4. American University of CyprusLarnaca
  5. Arkın Yaratıcı Sanatlar ve Tasarım ÜniversitesiKyrenia
  6. ASBU Kuzey Kibris Yerleşkesi̇Nicosia
  7. Association for Historical Dialogue and ResearchNicosia
  8. Atatürk Teacher Training AcademyNicosia
  9. Bahçeşehir Cyprus UniversityNicosia
  10. British University of NicosiaKyrenia
  11. Casa CollegeNicosia
  12. CDA CollegeNicosia
  13. College of Tourism and Hotel ManagementNicosia
  14. Ctl EurocollegeLimassol
  15. Cyprus Aydin UniversityKyrenia
  16. Cyprus College of ArtLarnaca
  17. Cyprus CollegeNicosia
  18. Cyprus Forestry CollegeCyprus
  19. Cyprus Institute of MarketingNicosia
  20. Cyprus International UniversityNicosia
  21. Cyprus University of TechnologyLimassol
  22. Cyprus West UniversityFamagusta
  23. Dublin Metropolitan UniversityLimassol
  24. Eastern Mediterranean UniversityFamagusta
  25. European University CyprusNicosia
  26. European University of LefkeCyprus
  27. Final International UniversityKyrenia
  28. Frederick UniversityNicosia
  29. Girne American UniversityKyrenia
  30. Global CollegeNicosia
  31. IntercollegeNicosia
  32. ITU-TRNC Education Research CampusesCyprus
  33. KES CollegeNicosia
  34. KIOS Research and Innovation Center of ExcellenceNicosia
  35. Kıbrıs Ada Kent ÜniversitesiFamagusta
  36. Kıbrıs Amerikan ÜniversitesiNicosia
  37. Larnaca CollegeLarnaca
  38. Mediterranean Institute of ManagementNicosia
  39. Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus CampusGüzelyurt District
  40. Neapolis University PafosPaphos
  41. Near East UniversityNicosia
  42. Open University of CyprusNicosia
  43. PHAETHON Centre of ExcellenceNicosia
  44. Philips CollegeNicosia
  45. Philips UniversityNicosia
  46. Rauf Denktas UniversityNicosia
  47. Theological School of the Church of CyprusNicosia
  48. University of Central Lancashire CyprusLarnaca
  49. University of CyprusNicosia
  50. University of KyreniaKyrenia
  51. University of LimassolNicosia
  52. University of Mediterranean KarpasiaNicosia
  53. University of NicosiaNicosia

Universities 1–53 of 53