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 2006-2007, 3924 undergraduate students attended courses operating within the 29 undergraduate programmes offered by the 21 departments of the six faculties. At the same time, there were 1198 postgraduate students attending the 61 postgraduate programmes (32 Master and 29 Ph.D. programmes).

How many people are employed by the University?
The University employs 657 people (academic year 2006-2007), 383 of whom are academic staff and 274 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.
[Back to top]

 

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.

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.
[Back to top]

 

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.

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 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 Cypriot Students total 1.708,60 Euros per semester and are paid by the State. Fees for foreign students total 3.417,20 per semester. Fees for students admitted from the EU countries total 1.708,60 Euros 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 Euros per programme except the Master in Business Administration (MBA) which is 10,251 Euros.

 
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.):
  • Taught stage: 427 Euros  per course
  • Research stage: 854 Euros  per semester
  • Dissertation stage: 170 Euros  per semester

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 2500 CYP 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 200 CYP or 400 CYP for a maximum period of eight months. For more information visit the Website of the Student Life Office.

Does the University provide accommodation?
Limited student accommodation is available at the new University campus. At present there is accommodation for ----students in single self-catering study/bedrooms. Next year there are projejcted to be ----places available. Erasmus students are guaranteed housing in the University dormitories. The Housing Office (in the Academic Affairs and Student Welfare Services) will help place students in single or group apartments. Alternatively, students can contact the Housing Office for a list of rental apartments and select their own accommodation. Rent in University dormitories is ---per semester; in a two-bedroom apartment in Nicosia is---euros per month; for a three-bedroom apartment is---euros per month.

Cost of living in Nicosia?

Nicosia is a capital city, and as such, has higher living expenses than elsewhere on the island. Recent introduction of the euro has also made life a little more costly, not an uncommon phenomenon. Current estimated cost of living in Nicosia, apart from rent, is ---euros per month, although initially you must expect this figure to be higher. On the brighter side, the University has several cafeterias where meals are priced to be student-friendly; Ikea has recently opened a large storefront not far from the University; and there are two island-wide sales periods per year (after Christmas and July-August). Student IDs may also entitle you to discounts at some clubs, shops, ect.  

Does the University have student exchange programmes?
The University of Cyprus participates in the EU-sponsored SOCRATES/ERASMUS Programmes, which allow the exchange of students and staff with European universities; the Leonardo da Vinci Programme which ... work placements and exchange. The University has alsosigned  ...  Bilateral Cooperative Agreements, which gives students the opportunity to study at collaborating universities. Recently the University ... its credit system to confirm to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which allows the mutual recognition of the exchange programmes involved. For more information please visit the Website of the International Relations and European Programmes Office.

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 tought in Englich, 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 ... 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.
[Back to top]

 

Studying at the University of Cyprus

What are the requirements for an undergraduate degree?
Most undergraduate degrees require the successful comletion of 240 ECTS, although this may varies (slightly) by Department. The requirements are mamely fulfilled within four years / eight semesters. The credits must completed within 12 semesters, however, and class ... 15 cumpulsory. Most undergraduate programme  ... 2-3 courses in a french language, and all programme ... students 3-4 elective courses wich are best fulfilled ... the students area of ...  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:

  • Full-time attendance for a minimum of three semesters. The period of study may be extended up to four academic years.
  • 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.
  • 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:

  • 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.
  • Success in a comprehensive examination in the fifth semester of studies at the latest.
  • Presentation of the dissertation proposal before a three-member committee.
  • Submission of an original dissertation constituting an important contribution to the particular discipline.
  • Defence of the dissertation before a three-member committee.
  • The Ph.D. requirements must be fulfilled within the period of eight years from the day of admission.
  • 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 necesary 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 University Careers Centre has ... on both graduate programmes and employment opportunities. Every year the Centre organises an annual “Careers Fair” , and ... the year ... lectures, workshops and other events relevant to employment and postgraduate studies abroad. The Centre also offers the SHL Career Guidance Tools and General Abilities Profile, which consists of an integrated set of 12 ability tests, suitable for comprehensive career guidance and assessment.
[Back to top]

 

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 members 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 Service of Academic Affairs and Student Welfare.

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 Service of Academic Affairs and Student Welfare.
[Back to top]

 


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.
[Back to top]

 

Alumni

Does the University have an Alumini 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.
[Back to top]

 

Visiting the University

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. (www.nicosia.org.cy)

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 (www.visitcyprus.org.cy). 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.
[Back to top]

 

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 webside there is a Link CONTACT US which will direct you to the corresponding page of the faculty or department.
[Back to top]

Edit PageSiteMap