Higher Education System of Cyprus
The Ministry of Education and Culture regulates the higher education sector in Cyprus. The Department of Higher and Tertiary Education (DHTE) deals with the matters related to the Cyprus higher education. Higher or tertiary education is offered by both public and private higher education institutions.
Higher Education Stats
Currently, there are 53 higher education institutions in Cyprus.
- Public universities: 3
- Private universities: 5
- Public higher education institutions: 5
- Private higher education institution: 40
Higher Education Institutions: Snapshot
University Level
- Public universities: These institutions are academically independent regulated by their Senate and council, and established as public corporate bodies. The public universities are mainly funded by the government. These are multi-faculty universities wherein each faculty comprises of departments. These universities offer study programmes at all degree levels-bachelor, master and doctoral.
- Private universities: These universities are established by law no. 109 (I)/2005 on private universities. The private universities are registered
with the Ministry of Education and these institutions receive funds from tuition fees.
Non-University Level
- Public non-university level institution: These institutions provide several programmes as per the needs of the job market. In Cyprus, presently there are 5 public institutions functioning at the non-university level. The medium of instruction at these institutions is English or Greek.
- Private non-university level institutions: These institutions are registered as per the Laws 67(I)/1996-1(I)/2010, with the Ministry of Education and Culture. The private non-university level institutions provide academic and vocational courses at different levels-certificate, diploma, higher diploma, bachelor and master level. These institutions provide programmes in the following fields: hotel management, business administration, engineering, accountancy, computers and banking.
Higher Education Qualifications: At a Glance
In Cyprus, following qualifications are conferred:
First Cycle Programmes: Undergraduate Level
This cycle includes bachelor and short cycle study programmes.
- Short-cycle programmes: These programmes are provided by both public and private non-university level institutions. These programmes last for 1-3 years.
- Bachelor level: This level lasts for 4 years.
Second Cycle Programmes: Master Level
The master degree programmes are provided by public as well as private university and non-university level private institutions of higher education.
This cycle lasts for 1-2 years depending on the field of study. MA and MSc courses of study are provided by the institutions of higher education or university departments individually.
Third Cycle Programmes: Doctoral/PhD
In Cyprus, the state universities provide doctorate studies. These programmes last for 4 years. Doctorate programmes in the following fields: law, humanities, management and economics, health sciences, education, social sciences, engineering, pure and applied sciences.
Admission Requirements
To gain admission into the undergraduate programme, students are required to pass a Pancyprian exam that is organised centrally by the Ministry of Education and Culture. For master’s studies, students must have completed undergraduate programme, and for doctoral degree students must hold a relevant master’s degree. International students are required to demonstrate their Greek/Turkish or English language skills depending upon the language of instruction of the programme.
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