The questions and answers below provide information on popular topics concerning the University of Cyprus.
General Facts and Figures
What are the mission and future goals of the University of Cyprus?
The main objectives of the University are twofold: the promotion of the scholarship and education through teaching and research, and the enhancement of the cultural, social and economic development of Cyprus. The most important strategic target of the University is the establishment and development of three new faculties: Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Fine Arts. The University within the framework of globalization promotes both European and Middle East Universities. Affiliation with other universities worldwide is under consideration.
How many students attend the University of Cyprus?
During the academic year 2010-2011, 4691 undergraduate students attended courses offered by the 21 departments. At the same time, there were 1549 postgraduate students.
How many people are employed by the University?
The University has approved the employment of 776 people (year 2010). 424 of them are academic staff (TRS) and 352 are administrative staff.
How many semesters are there and when do they start and finish?
There are two semesters in each academic year. The fall semester starts at the beginning of September and ends in mid-December. The spring semester starts at the end of January and finishes at the beginning of June.
What type of events does the University organize?
All departments of the University organize public lectures and other events of scholarly, scientific and wider interest. In addition, the University sponsors lectures, cultural events, exhibitions concerts and other activities open to the general public. In cooperation with external collaborators (municipalities), the University also organizes a series of lectures open to the public known as the “Free University”. These are held at Aglandzia (Nicosia), Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, London and Marioupoli (Ukraine).
Does the University offer any cultural activities?
The University has established a Cultural Centre, housed in an old mansion in Axiothea Street in the historic centre of Nicosia. The building serves as the locus for the University’s many cultural activities, such as an annual festival on Mediterranean culture, theatrical plays, concerts and dance performances.
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History and Organization
When was the University of Cyprus established?
The University of Cyprus was established in 1989 and admitted its first students in 1992. When the University first opened its doors to students, the incoming class consisted of 486 undergraduate students. Sixteen years later the University has fully fledged undergraduate and graduate programmes in all Departments.
What is the legal status of the University of Cyprus?
The University of Cyprus is a public corporate body, operating in accordance with the University of Cyprus Law 1989 to 2003. For more information click here.
What are the governing bodies of the University?
The University is governed by the Council and the Senate. The Council is responsible for the management of the administrative and financial affairs of the University and its property. The Senate is the highest academic body of the University and is responsible for all academic affairs of the University, both teaching and research. The Faculties and Departments are administered by Boards; each Faculty is headed by a Dean; and each Department is headed by a Chairperson.
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Applying to the University of Cyprus
I am interested in applying to the University of Cyprus. How do I apply? Who do I contact? Where can I find information about the programmes of studies?
For information on undergraduate (B.A. and B.Sc.) and postgraduate (M.A., M.Sc. and Ph.D.) programmes go to the website for Prospective Students , and the websites of the Offices for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies. Prospective students may contact the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Services. Tel.: (+357) 22892072/3, fax: (+357) 22892235, e-mail: fm@ucy.ac.cy
Prospective students may also contact the individual departments.
How can I obtain a Prospectus?
Interested students can obtain an undergraduate or postgraduate prospectus by contacting the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Services. Tel.: (+357) 22892072/3, fax: (+357) 22892235, e-mail: fm@ucy.ac.cy, or by visiting the University. The prospectuses are also available in electronic form.
What are the requirements for undergraduate admission?
Admission for the majority of students is by entrance examinations set by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus. Greeks of the Diaspora and Cypriots belonging to specific religious groups as determined by the constitution of Cyprus, repatriated Cypriots and Cypriots who are permanent residents in other countries, are eligible for a limited number of places (3% of the admitted Cypriot students) based on GCSE / GCE or other equivalent exams. Candidates who are citizens of E.U. member states are admitted based on GCE or other equivalent exams. A limited number of Greek citizens (10% of the total number of admissions) are admitted based on the entrance examinations set by the Ministry of Greece. Turkish Cypriots who hold a six-year high school diploma are eligible for admission upon satisfactory completing special examinations set by the University. For more information visit the website for Prospective Students and the Office for Undergraduate Studies.
What are the requirements for postgraduate admission?
The University of Cyprus offers postgraduate programmes of studies for Master and Ph.D. degrees, including courses and research activities. The basic requirements for admission are: a university degree in an appropriate subject, grades of the relevant degrees, letters of recommendation and interview results, where required. For more information visit the website for Prospective Students or the Office of Postgraduate Studies. Applicants must submit the application form along with other required documents to the postgraduate studies coordinator of the relevant department by April 15 of each year for entry in the Fall Semester, and by October 31 for entry in the Spring Semester. The application form can be found on the website of the Office for Postgraduate Studies.
What are the fees for undergraduate studies?
Fees for foreign students total €3.417 per semester. Fees for students admitted from the EU countries total €1.708 per semester. Fees for students admitted from Greece are paid by the Republic of Cyprus. For more information visit the website of the Office of Undergraduate Studies.
What are the fees for postgraduate studies?
All Master Programmes are €5.125 per programme except the Master in Business Administration (MBA) which is €10.250.
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.):
For more information visit the website of the Office for Postgraduate Studies.
Does the University offer any scholarships or additional student funding?
The Student Life Office of the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Services is responsible for the promulgation of annual scholarships/awards which are especially given to students of the University. Additionally, various organisations offer scholarships directly to new-coming students on the basis of academic, financial or other criteria. Each year, the Government of Cyprus offers five scholarships, approximately €3.844 each per year, to Greek citizen students, on the basis of their grade in the Pan-Hellenic Exams. Furthermore, the Office provides guidance on financial problems. Students with very serious financial problems may be subsidised by the Student Welfare Fund. The Fund is supported financially by private initiatives. Apart from scholarships offered by the State, the University of Cyprus may subsidize a postgraduate student who offers to work as an assistant in covering the needs of his/her department or other departments. Monthly earnings can amount to €342 or €683 for a maximum period of eight months. For more information visit the Website of the Student Life Office.
Does the University provide accommodation?
The University of Cyprus provides on-campus self-catering accommodation to a limited number of students. Information on rents, criteria and application procedures is available through the Housing Office. Due to the limited number of bed spaces available on campus, the Housing Office maintains a list of flats and houses for rent. This list is available at the beginning of each academic year. The rent for a one-bedroom flat is approximately €400–€500 per month, for a two-bedroom flat €480–€600 per month, and for a three-bedroom flat €600–€770 per month. For more information and application forms, please contact the Housing Office. Alternatively, students may request a list of old-campus housing, available at the Housing Office.
Living expenses in Nicosia can be high. Your own expenditure will depend on your lifestyle and the funds available to you. You should expect to spend more than usual in the first couple of weeks, during your initial adjustment, but your expenses should soon settle down, allowing you to manage your monthly budget carefully. Living expenses are estimated at between €700-1000 per month, including rent. The University has a restaurant and a canteen that operate on commercial terms but with controlled prices. There is also a restaurant at the Latsia Annex, and there are many small private restaurants located near the University.
Which student exchange programmes does the University participate in?
The University of Cyprus participates in the EU-sponsored SOCRATES/ERASMUS Programmes, which allow the exchange of students and staff with European universities. The University also participates in the Leonardo da Vinci Programme that promotes a vocational training policy in Europe and offers young university graduates the opportunity to be placed in companies or organizations in EU countries. Within the framework of Bilateral Agreements of Cooperation, students have the opportunity to study abroad at collaborating universities. Exchanges depend upon the mutual recognition of the educational study programmes by the host and sending universities. This is achieved through the implementation of the rules set by the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). For more information on the Exchange Programmes and the ECTS system, please contact the Life Long Learning Programme Office of the Research and International Relations Service.
Does the University offer accommodation for Erasmus students?
Erasmus students attending at the University of Cyprus are accommodated in single rooms in the campus dormitories or in furnished apartments near the main campus. Erasmus students should inform the Housing Office of their accommodation needs by June 30 for the fall semester and November 30 for the spring semester.
What are the languages of instruction at the University of Cyprus?
The languages of instruction are Greek and Turkish (the official languages as stipulated by the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus). However, every other year the MBA is taught in English, as are the programmes in the Department of English Studies. French is the language of instruction for the programmes in French Studies.
Does the University offer any language courses in Greek as a foreign language?
The University of Cyprus operates the School of Modern Greek (SMG), which specializes on teaching Greek to non-native speakers, from beginners to more advanced speakers. Besides language teaching, the School offers courses on Greek culture, which will give students a deeper understanding of Greek civilization as well as the wider contemporary Greek world. The School offers intensive and non-intensive courses at all levels.
What is the registration procedure?
Students who have been accepted complete a registration form and submit it along with the required documents to the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Office by the end of June. You can download all the necessary documents from the website of the Service.
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Studying at the University of Cyprus
What are the requirements for an undergraduate degree?
Both B.A. and B.Sc. degrees require the completion of at least 240 ECTS according to the analytical academic programmes of the various departments. Those 240 ECTS include credit units from three-four elective courses (not included in the student´s specialisation) which should be taken from three different faculties of the University. All undergraduate programmes require two-three courses in a foreign language. The student´s performance in the foreign language is included in the average mark. The requirements are mainly fulfilled within four years / eight semesters. For more information visit the website of the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Service.
What are the requirements for a Master degree?
The requirements for a Master degree are:
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Full-time attendance for a minimum of three semesters. The period of study may be extended up to four academic years.
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Successful completion of a minimum of 90-120 ECTS units at the graduate level, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant programme of studies.
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Fulfilling other criteria set by the department, which may include a comprehensive examination at the end of the programme and/or the submission of a dissertation.
For more information visit the website of the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Service.
What are the requirements for a Ph.D.?
The requirements for a Ph.D. are:
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Successful completion of 240 ECTS units of which a minimum of 60 ECTS must be in courses at the graduate level, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant programme of studies. Candidates holding a Master Degree or the equivalent are partly or fully exempted from this requirement.
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Success in a comprehensive examination in the fifth semester of studies at the latest.
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Presentation of the dissertation proposal before a three-member committee.
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Submission of an original dissertation constituting an important contribution to the particular discipline.
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Defence of the dissertation before a three-member committee.
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The Ph.D. requirements must be fulfilled within the period of eight years from the day of admission.
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The Ph.D. candidate may not submit a dissertation until the completion of six semesters in the postgraduate programme.
For more information visit the website of the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Service.
Where can I find information on the schedule of courses?
Undergraduate and postgraduate students can access information on all courses directly from the website for Current Students, of the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Office. The schedule of courses is available online every semester before the registration period as are instructions on Registration and the necessary applications.
Where can I find information on the exam schedule?
Undergraduate and postgraduate students can find exam timetables on the website for Current Students, of the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Services.
Where can I find information on my final grades?
Final grades for both undergraduate and postgraduate students are available on the website Class Rosters – Grading System of the University.
Are there any Student Clubs at the University?
There are twenty-two Student Clubs at the University of Cyprus, involved in educational, cultural, artistic and entertainment activities. Approved Student Clubs are funded by the University. The “Club Evening” is a yearly event where students can learn about the activities of the various clubs, and where they can also register for the clubs of their preferences.
Where can I learn about career opportunities?
The Careers Office helps students and graduates make career decisions, develop skills through work experience, understand the graduate recruitment market and make effective applications for work or further study. The Careers Office offers all students and alumni individual help in all aspects of career planning. Counsellors are available to discuss ideas and options and help you identify the best way to forward, whether this means further study or professional employment.
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Services and Facilities
Who can use the University Library?
All members of the University of Cyprus (students, academic staff, researchers and administrative staff) are supplied with a Library card, which gives them access to all Library facilities and services. The reading rooms and open-stack books are also available to external users not affiliated with the University of Cyprus. External users, who wish to obtain borrowing rights, must pay an annual membership fee as well as submit an application approved by the Library Director. For more information visit the website of the Library.
How can I get a user and an e-mail account?
All members of the University of Cyprus (students, academic staff, researchers and administrative staff) must contact the Network Centre and Advanced Applications of the Information Systems Services to obtain an e-mail account, direct, quick and easy access to wired network of the UCY, remote dial-up access, wireless network access and other services. For more information visit the website of the Information System Services.
What is the University policy on students with special needs?
Students with special needs are treated the same as all other students, whilst every effort is made to offer practical solutions to their specific problems, be it access to University facilities or assistance on academic issues.
Does the University have a student service?
All Cypriot students of the University of Cyprus are entitled to free medical and pharmaceutical care by all public hospitals on presentation of their student identity card. All students from EU member states are also entitled to free medical and pharmaceutical care by all public hospitals on presentation of their Eurocard. The University Health Centre, which is located in the University central building, offers first aid, provides advice on health issues, and also organises prevention campaigns, blood-donations and refers students to public hospitals. For more information on the services available contact the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Service.
Are there any athletic activities at the University?
The University of Cyprus believes strongly in the importance of physical fitness. The Athletics Office adheres to the adage, “sound mind, sound body”, and offers a wide variety of sports and physical activities from which students can choose those best suited to individual needs. For more information contact the Athletics Office of the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Service.
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Research and University Publications
What are the research activities of the University?
Original research is one of the primary activities of the academic staff of the University of Cyprus. This research may also involve undergraduate and postgraduate students, and research assistants. The University’s research programmes cover a wide range of fields that correspond to existing specializations and departments.
How are the research programmes funded?
The University’s research programmes are funded either through the University’s budget or by institutions in Cyprus (such as the Leventis Foundation, the Cyprus Research Foundation) and abroad. European Union projects (including the 7th Framework Programme, INTERREG II, COST, EUROMED, HERITAGE II, LEONARDO, MEDA) constitute the majority of externally funded projects.
Does the University have any external affiliations / cooperative agreements?
The University of Cyprus is a member of a number of international university organizations and networks. It also cooperates, through inter-state and inter-university agreements, with universities and research centres in Europe and internationally, for the promotion of science, scholarly research and exchange of information. The University, within the framework of its social contribution, cooperates with various institutions in Cyprus on research programmes that are specifically aimed at the needs of Cypriot industry and the economy in general.
Which are the University publications?
The Publications Office of the University publishes an annual undergraduate and postgraduate prospectus in Greek and English, as well as a tri-annual volume listing the research interests, projects and publications of the academic staff. There are also the University Annual Report, information leaflets and other material. A University magazine is published on a quarterly basis and a newsletter is published every two months. The faculties, departments, research units and other University bodies produce various research and information publications. In 2002 the University of Cyprus, in a joint venture with Ellinika Grammata of Greece, established Mesogios Press, a new publishing house whose aim is to promote and enhance science, art and culture. Mesogios Press has published thirteen books, while others will be published soon. For further information please contact the Research and International Relations Service.
How can I get a publication?
For all the University publications, including those of Mesogios Press, please contact the Publications Office of the Research and International Relations Service.
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Alumni
Does the University have an Alumni Association?
Yes, the Alumni Association of the University of Cyprus is an autonomous organization in which all the University graduates are automatically registered. The Association functions in close cooperation with the University in order to establish a strong and independent relationship in favour of the Institution and its graduates. The Association supports and develops a series of activities serving the University graduates and students, as well as the wider Cypriot society.
I need a certified copy of my degree and a transcript of grades / courses. How can I get these?
The Information Office of the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Services is responsible for issuing transcript and certificates. This service also provides information and documentation related to academic affairs.
How can I track down an old friend of mine from the University of Cyprus?
Graduates of the University of Cyprus can obtain information about old friends who also studied at the University by using the search engine on the Alumni website.
Are there any special privileges for the University of Cyprus?
University graduates enjoy a variety of privileges such as discounts for hotels, restaurants and other services, as well special prizes at several shops. For more information visit the website for the Alumni Office. As an employer, how can I verify that an applicant is a University graduate?
Contact the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Services.
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Visiting the University
The University maps enable you to locate each Department, Faculty or Service of the University of Cyprus.
Where is the University of Cyprus located?
The University of Cyprus is located in Nicosia, the capital of the island and its largest and leading city. It is the administrative, commercial, cultural, educational and religious centre of the country, and is also geographically at the centre of the island. For more information about Nicosia and maps of the City, visit the website of Nicosia Municipality.
Getting to Nicosia: Travellers to the Republic of Cyprus may enter only through the legal points of entry: Larnaca and Paphos International Airports, or the Larnaca and Limassol ports. The closest airport to Nicosia is Larnaca International Airport (49 km). Private taxis, service (group) taxis and buses are available for transport to Nicosia. Within the city there is limited bus service and private taxis. Click here for more information.
Where can I find University maps?
University maps are available at the website of the University. They are also available from the University.
Where can I find tourist information about Cyprus?
For tourist information and detailed travel maps of Cyprus, visit the website of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation. Once in Cyprus, you can obtain information, maps and other printed material from the many offices of the Tourism Organisation located throughout the island.
Where can I find information about hotels in Cyprus?
For an online hotel directory visit the website www.cyprushotels.net
What is the climate in Cyprus?
Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine the year round. Long dry summers and mild winters are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. In summer temperatures can be quite high (up to 40 + degrees) while winters are rather mild, with some rain throughout the island and snow on the Troodos Mountains (but not heavy). Lightweight cottons and linens during summer months, and warm clothing and rainwear during winter are recommended, as is a facial sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.
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Contacting the University
How can I contact the University?
The contact details of the University of Cyprus are: University House “Anastasios G. Leventis”. P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus. Tel.: (+357) 22894000. E-mail: admin@ucy.ac.cy
I am thinking of applying to the University. Who shall I contact?
Prospective students may contact the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Office fm@ucy.ac.cy
Prospective students may also contact the relevant departments. For undergraduate studies, prospective students may also contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Tel.: (+357) 22892020, (+357) 22892681. For postgraduate studies, prospective students may contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office. Tel.: (+357) 22894060, (+357) 22894034/3.
How can I contact the Housing Office?
People may contact the Housing Office of the Service of Academic Affairs and Student Welfare at these numbers: Tel.: (+357) 22894027, (+357) 22893001, (+357) 22894037/8.
How can I contact the Student Union?
People may contact the Student Union Office at the following numbers: Tel.: (+357) 22892020, (+357) 22892681. Fax: (+357) 22750291.
Where can I find contact information for faculties and departments?
At the upper right corner of the Faculties and Departments website there is a Link CONTACT US which will direct you to the corresponding page of the faculty or department.
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