Education in Northern Cyprus is represented by primary, secondary and high schools that are located in all towns and cities across
the northern part of the island. The schools in Northern Cyprus can be private or state. When moving to Northern Cyprus, there are many options to choose from to select the perfect school for your child. Schools, where education is conducted in English language, are private schools, often located on the premises of international universities.

The prices for education, however, are more affordable than in other European countries. Education in public schools is free with the language of teaching being Turkish. Children start school in Cyprus when they are six, with secondary school starting at the age of 12, and high school at the age of 15.

Until high school, children follow mandatory curriculum, and in high school, they may choose the main directions of their education – science or arts. At the end of each year students, pass exams to evaluate their level of knowledge. If the student is planning to continue education in an oversea university, perhaps it is better to enroll in private school in Cyprus, where education is conducted in English.

One of these schools is the college of Bellapais, located near the city of Kyrenia. The main principle of this prestige school is to encourage students to achieve academic and personal excellence, and to develop skills that go far beyond the curriculum. After leaving the schools, young people become well prepared to pursuit their future. The curriculum provides students with a wide range of options, allowing them to discover their talents and interests. The school has highly professional teaching staff, many of whom come from the UK.

Education in school is based on the use of the most advanced technologies in science, language classes and laboratories. All subjects are taught in English. The program is based on the International Program for primary education and provides students Cambridge International Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). English School of Kyrenia received the status of IB World School in June 2012. The school also provides education to children from three years old. Education is based on mandatory program as well as extra curriculum activities – various sports, music, and arts. Approximate cost of education in the school – 300-400 euros per month, depending on the age of the child. College of the University of Near East is located in the capital city of Nicosia (Lefkosa).

The school follows the curriculum of Ministry of Education and Culture, and the education is conducted in both English and Turkish, depending on the choice of the student. There are also many extra curriculum activities like various sports clubs, music and language lessons. Children can take advantage of Olympic sized swimming pool, dance hall, computer, physics, and chemistry laboratories that are located on premises.

It is sometimes a nerve racking time for students thinking of studying overseas as part of their life experience, let alone for their future studies and careers. So, what does North Cyprus have to offer students in the way of a social life when coming to study here at one of the prestigious university campuses that are fast gaining a worldwide reputation for excellence?

Well we had a look and we have to say that the social scene aspect of life is indeed very good, and this article aims to shed some initial reservations any student may have about being bored or lonely when not studying!


Most of the universities can boast a really diverse mix of nationalities so when it comes to making friends outside of class you won’t find a shortage of cultures to learn about and after all, some of the best and lasting Student Life, North Cyprusfriendships have been made during university years. Being in the same situation of studying in a foreign land also has its positive side too, as you are more likely to find that students are keen to get to know strangers when they may perhaps have held back previously when in their own country.


When thinking about student accommodation prior to arriving, many favour the on-campus rooms and dorms that are available and which are mostly offered as a priority to new arrivals. Being on campus means that you are amongst your fellow students who are all new too and it should prove easier to mingle and socialise, enabling friendships to develop that much quicker. When you have adjusted and are used to life at university and life in North Cyprus then maybe you can think about renting an apartment or house off campus with a few of your fellow students? With property rental in North Cyprus being fairly affordable this can be a great option for those looking for a little more independence.


Student Life, North CyprusUniversities in North Cyprus are well geared to offering a broad range of activities for students to get involved with such as student unions, various clubs and heaps of sporting groups to enjoy. The on-site facilities these days are superb, with floodlit astro turf pitches for those all important male bonding football sessions! Most also have tennis, volleyball and basketball courts so there is always something to get involved with on the sporting side of things.


If you are not into sport then there is more on offer that you can sign up for such as chess clubs, climbing and cycling. If you are more inclined towards arts and crafts, then you can learn the art of ceramics, photography, painting or perhaps even dancing or theatre for example. There are way too many to list completely here, but you get the gist!


Student Life, North Cyprus Every year, generally during the months of Spring in April and May, universities will hold their annual festivals which every student is encouraged to participate in. Parades are held through the local streets and students can introduce their own culture to the events, with traditional dance, dress and cuisine being the most popular aspects to introduce to other people from different cultures and countries. Parties are held for students at the end of the festivals so they can let their hair down after all their hard work preparing for the event!


Students also have the added bonus of the great Mediterranean weather of course, so spare time can be spent at the many beaches , some of which are only a short walk from campus, providing some well deserved sunbathing and relaxation time during study breaks. Or perhaps not as there are plenty of water sports to try your hand at if you don’t like lounging around!


North Cyprus nightlife is also something which students can obviously enjoy too, with plenty of pubs, bars and clubs which are often within reaching distance on public transport. Obviously you shouldn’t overdo it too much Student Life, North Cyprus (we don’t want to advocate clubbing every night!), but a great night out at one of the beach clubs featuring some international DJ’s is a must after exam time! Having said that there has been the occasional campus event when a top name pop group has been snagged to perform too!


So there you have it, a very brief run down of what you should expect to find if you are looking at studying in North Cyprus. Hopefully you will agree that there is nothing to be frightened of and that the prospect of attending university here appeals