Higher education in North Cyprus:
Northern Cyprus has 3 top universities in the overall Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The highest-ranking university in Northern Cyprus is Eastern Mediterranean University and ranked number 501–600.
List of Universities:
EMU (Eastern Mediterranean University) located in Famagusta
Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) of Northern Cyprus is an international university with over 13,500 students from 67 different countries. With more than 1,000 academic staff from around the world (more than 35 nationalities) and modern facilities, the University tries to maintain and develop international standards of excellence in teaching and research at both undergraduate and graduate levels in North Cyprus education.
NEU (Near East University) located in Nicosia
Near East University (NEU) is a private international institution of higher education founded in Nicosia in 1988. The main objective of this institution is to give students a sound education and bring them up as confident and responsible individuals with creative and inquisitive minds. Today Near East University consists of selected students from eighteen different countries. NEU with its ample educational facilities and highly qualified staff from 12 different countries is the only institution of higher education in Nicosia, the capital city of North Cyprus, rendering quality education.
CIU (Cyprus International University) located in Nicosia
International Cyprus University (CIU) in North Cyprus was established in 1996. It is a modern, innovative institution for its students. With all academic and social activities, the University’s prime commitment is to provide educational facilities to satisfy a modern technological society. With internationally accredited programs and modern campus, CIU attracts students from all over the world and is important in North Cyprus education system.
Schools and colleges:
North Cyprus education is compulsory and is free from the Cyprus government from the ages of 5 -17 years. Many foreigners in Cyprus prefer to send their children to one of the many private schools in North Cyprus, which cater to all ages, from Nursery to Pre-School taking you up to university.
Government schools and colleges:
The Government schools and colleges operate predominantly in the Turkish language, the English language is a second language and there is also the option of German or French. Then, after the entrance exam at the age of eleven, selected students are attending one of four “Marif Kolegi” secondary schools, where the language of the class is English. On the other hand, Expatriate children can enter without examination on the condition that they have been living on the island for no more than two years. In comparison, the private sector uses English or Turkish as a medium of instruction. A third option is one of the modern foreign languages.
Government schools and colleges work in accordance with a curriculum ordered by the Ministry of Education and embrace children aged 5 to 17. A significant component of education is Turkish and Cypriot history. Progress through stages such as kindergarten, primary, middle school, and senior high school is regarded as a great milestone and are celebrated with Government certificates, speeches, and ceremony.
Private schools and colleges
Private schools and colleges operate with fees and usually charge between $1,500 and $2,500 per academic year, depending on the age of the student and the establishment itself. Although they are “private” institutions, still the Ministry of Education monitor them and they must follow the principles relating to the basic curriculum, assessment, disciplinary issues, and standards of teachers and teaching.
As the private schools provide longer hours and terms, they are able to extend the curriculum and some follow the UK Key Stages, IGCSE, and a limited number of AS levels, The Cambridge Young Learners Scheme, SATs, and TEFOL. An important part of the curriculum is Information Technology. However, All students should learn Turkish. Also, Extracurricular activities are a hallmark of the private school system with an emphasis on natural gifts to encourage children to build their confidence in dancing, music, sport, and other types of performance.
