Recognized universities in the best Turkish Cypriot universities
List of the Best Universities in Northern Cyprus
Ranked based on academic reputation, quality of education, international accreditations, student diversity, and infrastructure:
1. Near East University (NEU)
Established: 1988
Location: Nicosia (Capital)
Top Majors: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, Aviation
Accreditations: Recognized in Saudi Arabia, EU, WFME, and more
Highlights: Large university hospital, private aviation school, modern campus
Local Ranking: #1 in Northern Cyprus
Website: [Not provided]
2. European University of Lefke (EUL)
Established: 1990
Location: Lefke
Top Majors: Health Sciences, Education, Media
Accreditations: Recognized in Arab countries
Highlights: Low tuition fees, peaceful environment, suitable for Arab students
Website: [Not provided]
3. Girne American University (GAU)
Established: 1985
Location: Girne (Kyrenia)
Top Majors: Medicine, Engineering, Education, Media
Accreditations: Recognized in Arab countries
Highlights: Affordable tuition, calm setting, Arab student-friendly
Website: [Not provided]
4. Cyprus International University (CIU)
Established: 1997
Location: Nicosia
Top Majors: Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Architecture
Accreditations: Recognized in Saudi Arabia and some Arab countries
Highlights: Spacious campus, comfortable housing, students from over 100 countries
Website: [Not provided]
5. University of Kyrenia (UoK)
Established: 2013
Location: Kyrenia
Top Majors: Medicine, Aviation, Maritime Studies
Accreditations: Affiliated with Near East University; recognized internationally
Highlights: Specialized faculties, seaside location, excellent for international students
Registration: [Details not provided]
6. Final International University (FIU)
Established: 2015
Location: Kyrenia
Top Majors: Medicine, Education, Media
Accreditations: Recognized in some Arab countries
Highlights: International partnerships, generous scholarships
Registration: [Details not provided]
Choosing the Right University: Key Criteria
Recognition in your home country
Language of instruction (English or Turkish)
Availability of your desired major
Tuition fees and scholarship opportunities
City and quality of life
Comparison Table of Top Universities in Northern Cyprus
| University | Established | Top Majors | Accreditations | Tuition Before Scholarship | Tuition After Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Near East University (NEU) | 1988 | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, Aviation | Saudi Arabia, WFME, EU | $10,000–$15,000 | $3,000–$6,000 (50%-75%) |
| Cyprus Int’l University (CIU) | 1997 | Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Architecture | Saudi Arabia, some Arab countries | $8,000–$12,000 | $2,000–$5,000 (50%-75%) |
| European Univ. of Lefke (EUL) | 1990 | Health Sciences, Education, Media | Several Arab countries | $6,000–$10,000 | $2,000–$3,500 (70%-80%) |
| University of Kyrenia (UoK) | 2013 | Medicine, Aviation, Maritime | Affiliated with NEU, recognized | $10,000–$13,000 | $3,000–$6,000 (50%-75%) |
| Final Int’l University (FIU) | 2015 | Medicine, Education, Media | Some Arab countries | $9,000–$12,000 | $2,000–$4,000 (60%-80%) |
| Girne American Univ. (GAU) | 1985 | Management, Design, IT, Medicine | Recognized in some countries, IAU member | $8,000–$11,000 | $2,000–$4,500 (60%-80%) |
2025 International Rankings of Northern Cyprus Universities
| University | QS 2025 Ranking | THE 2025 Ranking | International Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) | 611–620 | 601–800 | Internationally recognized; highest-ranked in N. Cyprus |
| Near East University (NEU) | 1201–1250 | 601–800 | Recognized in Saudi Arabia and many countries |
| Cyprus International University (CIU) | Not available | 601–800 | Recognized in Saudi Arabia and Arab countries |
| European University of Lefke (EUL) | Not available | Not available | Highly regarded in Environmental Science and Engineering |
| Girne American University (GAU) | 4925 (EduRank) | Not available | Recognized in some countries |
| University of Kyrenia (UoK) | Not available | Not available | Branch of NEU; specialized in Medicine and Aviation |
| Final International University (FIU) | Not available | Not available | Young university; recognized in some countries |
Notes:
Top universities: NEU, EUL, and CIU are considered among the best in Northern Cyprus for global ranking and international recognition.
Special strengths: EUL excels in Environmental Science and Electrical Engineering.
Some newer or specialized universities might not appear in major global rankings but offer strong academic programs and regional recognition.
Ranking of the best universities in Turkish Cyprus
the features of each university in Northern Cyprus (Turkish Cyprus) based on prominent majors and available scholarships:
1. Near East University (NEU)
Prominent Majors:
Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, Aviation, Artificial Intelligence
Key Features:
Modern university hospital (one of the largest in the region)
Private aviation academy
Advanced medical and engineering labs
English-language academic programs
Scholarships:
Up to 75% scholarships for all majors
100% scholarships for top-performing students, children of martyrs, or special cases
Special scholarships for Arab students
2. Cyprus International University (CIU)
Prominent Majors:
Business Administration, Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science, Interior Design, Nutrition
Key Features:
High-quality university dormitories
International student environment (over 100 nationalities)
Advanced technology center
Large and modern campus
Scholarships:
50% scholarships for all international students
Up to 75% based on GPA or financial status
Additional discounts for early registration
3. European University of Lefke (EUL)
Prominent Majors:
Dentistry, Education, Physiotherapy, Media, Business, Psychology
Key Features:
Calm environment ideal for study
Lower tuition fees compared to other universities
Strong practical education approach
Scholarships:
Scholarships starting from 60%, up to 80%
Extra discounts for Arab and baccalaureate students
Lower medical tuition compared to other universities
4. University of Kyrenia (UoK)
Prominent Majors:
Medicine, Dentistry, Maritime Navigation, Aviation, Nursing
Key Features:
Specialization in medical and maritime fields
Accredited branch of Near East University
Seaside location in a touristic city
Scholarships:
Up to 75% scholarships
100% scholarships for top achievers
Special scholarships for Arab students
5. Final International University (FIU)
Prominent Majors:
Dentistry, Media, Psychology, Education, Business Administration
Key Features:
Modern and advanced academic programs
Partnerships with international universities
New classrooms and educational facilities
Scholarships:
Scholarships up to 80%
Discounts for Syrian and Arab students
Full scholarships possible through special evaluation
6. Girne American University (GAU)
Prominent Majors:
Graphic Design, Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Media
Key Features:
One of the oldest private universities in Northern Cyprus
English-medium academic programs
International campuses in Istanbul and London
Scholarships:
Scholarships up to 75%
Additional discounts for top-performing students
Annual merit-based scholarships
Summary by Major:
| Major | Top Universities |
|---|---|
| Medicine | NEU – UoK – FIU |
| Dentistry | NEU – UoK |
| Pharmacy | NEU – CIU |
| Engineering | NEU – CIU – GAU |
| Aviation & Maritime | NEU – UoK |
| Business & Management | CIU – GAU – EUL |
| Education & Media | FIU – EUL – GAU |
Is it recommended to study at the best universities in Turkish Cyprus?
Yes, studying in Northern Cyprus is considered a good and suitable option for many international students, especially from Arab countries. However, the decision depends on your academic and professional goals. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the pros and cons to help you make the right decision:
Advantages of studying at the top universities in Northern Cyprus:
Generous Scholarships
Most universities offer scholarships ranging from 50% to 80%, making the costs significantly lower than universities in Europe or the Gulf region.English-Taught Programs
The majority of university programs, especially in medicine and engineering, are fully taught in English.Easy and Fast Admission
Admission requirements are simple (usually a high school diploma and a copy of your passport), and most programs do not require TOEFL or IELTS.Recognized in Some Countries
Universities such as NEU, EMU, and CIU are recognized in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, and other regions.International Student Environment
Students come from over 100 countries, providing an opportunity to build a diverse network.Safe and Affordable Lifestyle
Northern Cyprus is relatively safe, and the cost of housing and living is lower than in Western Europe and even Turkey itself.
Studying in Northern Cyprus is recommended if:
You want to study medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy at a low cost.
You’re looking for a strong scholarship with easy admission.
You wish to study in English in a multicultural environment.
You have a plan to move to another country later for further study or work.
Conclusion:
Studying in Northern Cyprus is a very suitable option for those seeking private education with medium to high quality and strong scholarships, especially in medical and engineering fields. However, it is essential to choose the university carefully and ensure its recognition in your home country.
Steps for registering at the best universities in Turkish Cyprus
A Comprehensive Guide to Registering at Turkish Cypriot Universities
With “Step by Step Group for University Services” – Organized and Easy to Understand
Registration Steps through “Step by Step Group” for University Services:
Step 1: Contact the Team
To register at the best universities in Northern Cyprus, you can reach out via:
A personal file is opened to gather your information.
📞 A free consultation is provided to help determine the right major and university for you based on:
Your preferences
Your academic average
Your budget
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Basic documents required (for almost all majors):
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | Translated into English (if available) |
| Transcript (grades) | If available |
| Personal photo | With a white background |
| Copy of passport | Information page only |
| Language certificate (if available) | Such as TOEFL/IELTS (usually not mandatory) |
Step 3: Choose University and Major
Based on your preferences and grades, the “Step by Step” team helps you with:
Comparing universities
Identifying suitable scholarships
Understanding tuition fees and accommodation
📌 You can apply to more than one university if you wish.
Step 4: Submit the Application
The admission application is filled out by the team.
The application is officially submitted to the selected university.
No application fee is required (for most universities).
Step 5: Receive Preliminary Acceptance
The acceptance is issued within 2–5 days and includes:
Your name
Your chosen major
Fee details after scholarship
University’s bank account information
Step 6: Pay the Reservation Fee
Usually between $1,500 – $2,000 (deducted later from the first installment).
Payment is made directly to the university’s account.
After payment, send a copy of the transfer to the team to confirm.
Step 7: Receive Final Acceptance Letter
The university issues:
Official final acceptance + paid invoice
Used for visa application (if you’re from a country that requires a visa)
Step 8: Prepare for Travel and Accommodation
The “Step by Step” team assists you with:
Booking university or private housing
Airport pickup
Guidance on university residency procedures
Opening a bank account
University registration
Additional Services Provided by “Step by Step”:
Applying to multiple universities to increase your chances of acceptance
Free document translation
Flexible payment options at certain universities
Assistance for Syrian, Yemeni, and Iraqi students
Student follow-up until graduation