Cyprus is a lush island in the Mediterranean that is emerging as an important financial and business hub. It is also an affordable and exciting new international destination for foreign students to study in Cyprus universities.
This week, Property Experts Cyprus explores the long list of reasons foreign students should choose to study in Cyprus universities and the island’s attractive multi-cultural educational environment.
Why Choose to Study at Cyprus Universities?
Thousands of foreign students are attracted to Cyprus universities every year as Cyprus boasts the top ranks for academic institutions and research centers.
With 13 public and 5 private universities as well as over 40 institutions of higher education, Cyprus offers students an international academic approach to study and the cultivation of knowledge-based learning that ensures graduates gain the necessary skills to be employed worldwide after studies.
Here are the top 10 reasons why you should opt to study in Cyprus universities.
1. Affordable Education
Cyprus education remains accessible to foreign students eager to study in Europe but who are hesitant about the costs. On average, tuition ranges from 3,000 to 8,000 Euros annually, with Masters programs costing 5,000 to 10,000 Euros per year.
Depending on the university, there are many scholarships available to foreign students. There are also government-funded scholarships, normally covering 10 to 20% of the tuition costs for international postgraduates with outstanding academic performance.
There are also opportunities to work in certain industries for foreign students six months after they first arrive to study in Cyprus universities. Part-time work during studies is permitted with a work permit. During the academic semester, students may work up to 20 hours weekly. During break periods, students may work up to 38 hours weekly.
A number of universities also offer assistantship programs for foreign postgraduates that allow them to teach, run labs, and grade assignments to cover some of the costs of tuition.
2. Quality Education
The 2018-2019 academic school year saw over 20,000 international students study in Cyprus universities and nearly 7,000 in institutes of higher education. For the first time, the number of non-Cypriot students at universities has surpassed Cypriot citizens, with 53% of students being from other EU-member countries or non-EU countries.
Further, Cyprus spends nearly 7% of its GDP on education, ranking fourth for government spending. With great emphasis on the quality of education, the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education actively works to improve quality assurance procedures both internally and externally and to enhance the overall competitiveness of higher education in Cyprus.
Academic institutions have also set up world-class research initiatives that place Cyprus as a growing research and information hub in the Mediterranean and throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
According to a new report by the Statistical Service of Cyprus, most EU countries see the largest research and development share in the business enterprise sector. However, in Cyprus, the higher education sector has the biggest share at 41.2%, almost double of other EU-member states’ education sectors.
3. Beneficial Course Structure
Most universities, although part of the EU, are structured similarly to American-style educational programs, giving students greater freedom to select their preferred course of study. A few educational institutes use European models of educational structuring.
The Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture considers intellectual capital the national economy’s most valuable asset. The Cypriot government invests heavily in the education sector but also continues to negotiate agreements with other countries to ensure that all their programs are accredited and recognized in the international sphere.
Foreign students who study in Cyprus universities are able to maintain global competitiveness while enriching their own international experience.
4. Accommodations
Cyprus is one of the most affordable European countries to live in and work in. There are a number of on-campus housing options as well as rentals available throughout all the major cities for any budget.
As the demand for housing increases due to a surge in foreign student enrollment, a significant number of development projects for student housing are already being constructed, with an approximate combined value of 27.2 million Euros. Moreover, student rooms on campus are expected to rise by over 2,000 by the end of the year.
Foreign students can find plenty of housing options and still have money left over to buy their basic necessities as well as have some fun each month without the stress of large financial expenses. Cyprus provides a study destination for students concerned about the cost of living.
5. An EU Country with Intensive Networking Opportunities
Located in the Eastern Mediterranean and a member of the EU, Cyprus offers a unique multi-cultural experience for foreign students who study in Cyprus universities.
Upon graduation, the knowledge, experience, and networking opportunities that graduates have acquired through their time in Cyprus make them excellent candidates for employment opportunities at home and abroad.
6. A Historical and Cultural Hub
With 10,000 years of human civilization in its corner, Cyprus is a fascinating place to explore around your studies. In fact, the whole city of Paphos is a UNESCO world heritage site and countless of the world’s oldest items have been found around the island.
The Byzantine period, Middle Ages, plus its Greek and Turkish heritage all blend together to create a dynamic mix of tradition and modernism throughout the island. The learning environment of Cyprus extends past just study in Cyprus universities as the history and culture of many facets of Europe and the East come to life each day anywhere you are on the island.
7. Language
Worried about needing to know another language in order to study in Cyprus universities? English is widely spoken throughout the island and many universities offer a wide range of programs with English-taught courses for foreign students.
If English is not your native language, you will need to demonstrate proficiency with a TOEFL or IELTS examination. However, some university programs provide English language training prior to the start of foreign students’ study programs to enhance their English abilities.
8. Fun in the Sun
Not all your time will be spent in the classroom, so having a destination that is perfect for exploring the Blue Flag beaches or enjoying the “siga siga,” slowly slowly, cultural lifestyle can make your time abroad even more engaging.
Cyprus gets 340 days of sunshine a year and has a mild climate. The summers get hot but are dry and perfect for escaping to the many natural landscapes around the island.
Winters are mild with lots of sunshine and little rainfall. This Mediterranean island is pleasant all year long, meaning when you study in Cyprus universities there is always something to do during your free time.
9. Safety
Safety when living abroad is always a major concern for foreign students. When you study in Cyprus universities, you can have peace of mind that you are in one of the safest countries in Europe.
Crime rates are incredibly low with only a few occasional reports of petty theft. Most residents of Cyprus feel safe walking alone during the day or night.
10. A Unique Experience
The list for why you should study in Cyprus universities is long, but to round out our list we finish with just how amazing Cyprus is for foreign students. So often, foreign students compete to study in the same global destinations in Europe.
With its history and vibrant culture as well as its location in Europe, near other fascinating international destinations, Cyprus offers foreign students an experience, unlike any others.
Imagine all the unique stories you will have as a foreign student studying in this emerging educational destination and the memories awaiting you in all areas of the island’s dynamic cities and landscapes that are unlike any other European destinations.
The Takeaway
Selecting an international university for study abroad can seem daunting with so many options to select and lifestyle concerns to navigate. If you study in Cyprus universities, there are endless advantages for educational quality, the cost of studying abroad, and the improvement to lifestyle.
Property Experts Cyprus can help you find the right university for your particular studies and aid you in the process of preparing the application and finding your perfect accommodation while you are here. Not sure what to do for fun for the first few weeks of the semester?
Our professionals can also create some awesome travel itineraries for any interests you might have so that you can explore this Mediterranean “jewel”.
Contact our team today and start learning about the opportunities that await you to study in Cyprus universities.
