Are you looking for a cheap and low tuition university to pursue your studies in Cyprus? Then think of doing that in one of the affordable universities in Cyprus – University of Cyprus. Continue reading to find out more about this university plus the low tuition fees they charge for the different programs offered.
The University of Cyprus started admitting students in 1992, though it was established three years earlier; that was in 1989. It is located in Nicosia, Nicosia District, Cyprus. The Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus is responsible for conducting entrance examination for candidates seeking admission into this institution for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. This instituition offers admission to students with special circumstances of needs. The first set of undergraduate students to be admitted to this institution were 486 in number; the number of undergraduate and postgraduate students increased to 4691 and 1549, respectively, by 2010 across the 21 departments in the institution.
Tuition fees
UE and Cyprus nationals are required to pay €3,417 each academic year for undergraduate studies, and the money is paid by the Republic of Cyprus. On the other hand, non-European students are required to pay a tuition fee of €6,834 per academic year.
Tuition fee for postgraduate students vary. Many of the programs incur a fee of €5, 125 per annum, while the fee differs in some other instances as highlighted below:
• MBA programs attract tuition fee of €10,250
• Masters in Petroleum Engineering costs €8,000
• Master Program in Business Economics costs €10,000
• Master Program in Design and Development of Computer Games and Interactive Media costs €4,100
• Master Program in Economic Analysis costs €4,100.
• Masters in Financial Economics cost €4,100
• Masters in Field Archaeology on Land and Under the Sea cost €4,100
• Masters in Human Resource Management costs €7,500
Ph.D. students that already have Master Degree are to pay a total fee of €4,000
Ph.D. students that do not have Master Degree are to pay €6,500. The maximum tuition fee for Ph.D. students never exceeds €9,000.
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Cost of living in Cyprus
The cost of living is lower in Cyprus compared to that of the United Kingdom with little difference. As a citizen, you can enjoy tax benefits. Check the general cost of living below:
• Food and drink: You can either eat at a restaurant or buy foods from a shop; the latter is the cheaper alternative. Beverages and grocery items can cost you up to €100 per week. Wine costs around €3 per bottle, while beer costs around €2 per pint. Meals in an inexpensive restaurant can cost up to €10. White bread costs around €1.39, while milk costs €1.38
• Transportation: One-way ticket for local transportation costs €1.50, while monthly pass costs €35.00. Taxi services costs €3.42, while petrol costs €1.40
• Clothing: The clothes being sold here are cheaper than what obtains in the UK. The cost is determined by where you make your purchase, be it a departmental store or flea markets. Footwear is also very cheap here. Fitness club registration can cost up to €53.91. Cinema can cost around €80.00. A pair of jeans can cost up to €74.89, while summer dress can cost up to €35.85. Shoes, on the other hand, can cost up to €35.85.
• Accommodation: You can either buy a home here or rent an accommodation. But as a student, you are more likely to rent an apartment. The small towns have old homes that cost around €30,000, while bigger towns have their homes costing up to €1245,000. One bedroom apartment can cost up to €391 in the city center and €326.07 outside the city center.
• Cost of services: The health care service here is similar to what obtains in the UK; it is subsidized by the government. Other services, like telephone and internet, are also relatively cheap. Basic services, like the garbage disposal, water, heating and electricity, costs around €147 per month. Internet costs around €32.78.
• Taxation: Corporate tax is 12.5%; income tax is 35% of income; payroll tax is 6.8%, while VAT is 19%.
Accommodation in the University of Cyprus
The school provides accommodation on-campus to its students; though the students have to feed themselves. It should also be noted that the accommodation is limited, which means the majority of students will have to seek accommodation off-campus. The students will have to register via the Affairs and Student Welfare Services located in the Housing Office to get on-campus accommodation. Many restaurants and other services can be found on the campus and around Nicosia, the town where the university is situated. Cost of accommodation at Nicosia is similar to what obtains in other cities in Cyprus. You may spend more during your first weeks here, but the cost of living will reduce after you have settled down.
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Admission Requirements
The student must possess the Higher School Leaving Certificate from a recognized institution. A certified copy of this document must be submitted along with other relevant documents, to the Admission Office online.
Examples of documents recognized for Higher School leaving Certificate are highlighted below:
• NECO
• WAEC
• SAT
• JAMB
• WASSCE
• Senior School Certificate
• Secondary Education Certificate
• General Certificate of Secondary Education
• Higher School or Senior Higher School Leaving Certificate
• Secondary School Certificate
• Upper Secondary
• Matriculation Examination Certificate
Mode of lecture in the university is the English Language
Documents required for admission into undergraduate studies are highlighted below:
• One passport photograph
• Full transcript if you are a transfer student
• A copy of the proof of English proficiency
• A scanned copy of the international travel passport
• A scanned copy of secondary school certificate
Admission requirements for Doctoral/Masters Degrees are highlighted below:
• Photocopy of international travel passport
• Document of scores received for academic proficiency tests and exams, as well as English proficiency
• Two passport photographs
• Transcript of courses attended during undergraduate studies
• Graduate program English Language Requirement
• Copies of certificate or diploma obtained from a university or any other tertiary institution.
• Research project proposal for Ph.D. students
• A brief note of interest and goals of the student based on academic or research career
• Masters and Ph.D. thesis
Other essential documents common to both undergraduate and postgraduate programs are:
• Medical examination reports for Hepatitis B, X-Ray, TB and so on.
• Fitness report
• Evidence of financial stability
• Letters of recommendation from minimum of two notable people
• Tuition fee receipts
• A copy of birth certificate.
Conclusion
Studying in Cyprus is interesting. The academic year is divided into two; that is, the Spring Semester and the Autumn Semester. The Spring Semester runs between January and April, while the Autumn Semester runs from September to January. Admission is subject to the scrutiny of the management and tuition fee is paid after admission is offered. Evidence of tuition fee payment can hasten visa processing for international students.
