About the university
The University of Cyprus (UCY) is the country's first and largest public university. It was set up by law in 1989 and took its first students in 1992. It is a research university with eight faculties, including engineering, pure and applied sciences, economics and management, social sciences, humanities and a medical school, and it hosts the KIOS Centre of Excellence for intelligent critical infrastructure.
UCY is the highest-ranked university in Cyprus in the QS World University Rankings 2027, at 525th in the world, and is in the 501–550 band of the THE World University Rankings 2027. Its business school holds AACSB accreditation and its MBA is EFMD-accredited, which few programmes in the region can claim.
There is one important point for Indian students: UCY's bachelor's degrees are taught in Greek, and international applicants must prove their knowledge of Greek. In practice, Indian students come to UCY for its English-taught master's degrees, which include Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer and Electrical Engineering, Finance, Economics and the MBA. Most state-funded master's degrees cost €5,125 in total, which is very low for an EU university.
The main campus is in Aglantzia, on the edge of Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. It is a modern campus with the Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Centre, student residences and sports facilities, a short bus ride from the city centre. UCY's own rooms are cheap but limited, so most international students rent privately in Nicosia, where rents rose sharply in 2025 and 2026.
- Founded
- Established by law in 1989; first students admitted in 1992
- Type
- Public research university, the largest and oldest in the Republic of Cyprus
- Teaching language
- Bachelor's degrees in Greek (Turkish for Turkish Studies); about 40 master's degrees taught in English
- Master's programmes
- 66 master's programmes in eight faculties
- Intakes
- September for most master's; some programmes also admit in January
- Bachelor's fee for non-EU students
- €6,834 a year (Greek-taught degrees)
- Accreditation
- School of Economics and Management accredited by AACSB; MBA accredited by EFMD
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
525th in the world (1st in Cyprus)
THE World University Rankings 2027
501–550 in the world
U.S. News Best Global Universities 2026–2027
925th
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2026
801–900
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- €3,417
- Duration
- 3 semesters (90 ECTS), full or part time
- Intakes
- September (some programmes also January)
- English
- Good command of English, usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (check the programme call)
- Postgraduate
MSc Data Science (Business Analytics, Computer Science or Statistics)
- Fee / year
- €3,417
- Duration
- 3 semesters (90 ECTS), full or part time
- Intakes
- September (some programmes also January)
- English
- Good command of English, usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (check the programme call)
- Postgraduate
Master in Business Administration (UCY MBA)
- Fee / year
- €10,250
- Duration
- 12 months full time or 24 months part time
- Intakes
- September (preparatory course in August)
- English
- IELTS or TOEFL equivalent of 6.5, unless your degree was taught in English
- Postgraduate
MSc / MEng Computer Engineering
- Fee / year
- €3,417
- Duration
- 3–4 semesters (MSc or MEng), full or part time
- Intakes
- September (some programmes also January)
- English
- Good command of English, usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (check the programme call)
- Postgraduate
MSc / MEng Electrical Engineering
- Fee / year
- €3,417
- Duration
- 3–4 semesters (MSc or MEng), full or part time
- Intakes
- September (some programmes also January)
- English
- Good command of English, usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (check the programme call)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- €3,417
- Duration
- 3 semesters (90 ECTS), full or part time
- Intakes
- September (some programmes also January)
- English
- Good command of English, usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (check the programme call)
- Postgraduate
MSc / MEng Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
- Fee / year
- €3,417
- Duration
- 3–4 semesters (MSc or MEng), full or part time
- Intakes
- September (some programmes also January)
- English
- Good command of English, usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (check the programme call)
- Postgraduate
MSc / MEng Civil Engineering (four specialisations)
- Fee / year
- €3,417
- Duration
- 3–4 semesters (MSc or MEng), full or part time
- Intakes
- September (some programmes also January)
- English
- Good command of English, usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (check the programme call)
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (EUR) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Artificial Intelligence | 3 semesters (90 ECTS), full or part time | €3,417 | ≈ ₹3.6 lakh |
| MSc Data Science (Business Analytics, Computer Science or Statistics) | 3 semesters (90 ECTS), full or part time | €3,417 | ≈ ₹3.6 lakh |
| Master in Business Administration (UCY MBA) | 12 months full time or 24 months part time | €10,250 | ≈ ₹10.9 lakh |
| MSc / MEng Computer Engineering | 3–4 semesters (MSc or MEng), full or part time | €3,417 | ≈ ₹3.6 lakh |
| MSc / MEng Electrical Engineering | 3–4 semesters (MSc or MEng), full or part time | €3,417 | ≈ ₹3.6 lakh |
| MSc Finance | 3 semesters (90 ECTS), full or part time | €3,417 | ≈ ₹3.6 lakh |
| MSc / MEng Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering | 3–4 semesters (MSc or MEng), full or part time | €3,417 | ≈ ₹3.6 lakh |
| MSc / MEng Civil Engineering (four specialisations) | 3–4 semesters (MSc or MEng), full or part time | €3,417 | ≈ ₹3.6 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at University of Cyprus with similar universities in Cyprus.
Scholarships
- MSc Artificial Intelligence
Department scholarships for the MSc Artificial Intelligence
Value: Several scholarships covering half of the tuition fee
Eligibility: Awarded by the Department of Computer Science on merit; ask the department when you apply.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - MBA
UCY MBA scholarships
Value: Partial fee reductions (amounts set each year)
Eligibility: Competitive: academic record, work experience, career prospects and entrepreneurial initiative; socio-economic criteria also apply.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Engineering and computing master's linked to KIOS research
KIOS Centre of Excellence MSc scholarships
Value: Tuition support announced in periodic calls
Eligibility: Strong applicants to related master's programmes; check the latest call from the KIOS Centre.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Joint master's with European partners (for example Human Rights and Democratisation)
Erasmus Mundus joint master's
Value: Full scholarships covering tuition, travel and a monthly allowance, where offered
Eligibility: Apply through each joint programme; very competitive.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Bachelor's degrees are taught in Greek. International applicants need a certificate showing good knowledge of Greek, plus A-levels or an equivalent in the required subjects.
- Places for non-Cypriot applicants are limited. Applications for the international entrance route run in April (for 2026–27: 2 to 30 April 2026).
- The non-EU fee for bachelor's degrees is €6,834 a year.
- The only English-taught bachelor's option is the YUFE Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies, run with a European university alliance.
Postgraduate
- A recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant subject. Each department sets its own requirements and may interview you.
- Apply online through the UCY postgraduate application system during the call. The fall call for September 2026 closed on 31 March 2026 (it was extended); spring calls for January entry close in late October.
- English: proof of good English, usually an IELTS or TOEFL equivalent of 6.5, or a degree taught in English.
- The MBA also asks for three years' work experience, two references and an interview.
- After admission, non-EU students apply for a Cyprus entry permit through the university's International Students and Staff Office.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate
- CV
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- English test score, or proof of an English-taught degree
- Proof of funds, health insurance and medical certificates for the entry permit
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS / TOEFL | Usually IELTS 6.5 or the TOEFL equivalent for English-taught master's; each call states the exact level |
| English-taught degree | A degree from an English-speaking institution is often accepted instead of a test (for example for the MBA) |
| Greek | Needed for all bachelor's degrees; not needed for English-taught master's |
Accommodation and living costs
UCY has single study bedrooms on campus, in clusters of eight with shared kitchens and bathrooms. Rent is low and includes bills, but there are only about 200 rooms and they are allocated partly on social criteria, so most international students rent privately in Nicosia. Rents in Nicosia rose sharply in 2025 and 2026.
| Item | In EUR | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| UCY student residence roomBills and internet included; €250 is the 2026–27 Erasmus rate; limited places | €150–250per month | ≈ ₹15,900 – ₹26,500 |
| Residence depositKept if you cancel your booking | €200one-off | ≈ ₹21,200 |
| One-bedroom flat in Nicosia2026 market figures; bills extra | €600–900per month | ≈ ₹63,600 – ₹95,400 |
| Three-bedroom flat in Nicosia (shared)About €570 each if three students share | €1,700per month | ≈ ₹1.8 lakh |
Campus and location
Nicosia is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, an inland city with the island's main government offices, businesses and several universities. It is hot in summer and mild in winter, and English is widely spoken. UCY's main campus is in Aglantzia, on the south-eastern edge of the city.
- The main campus in Aglantzia has modern faculty buildings, the Stelios Ioannou Learning Resource Centre (library), sports facilities and student residences.
- The KIOS Centre of Excellence is one of Europe's leading research centres on intelligent and critical infrastructure systems.
- Buses connect the campus with central Nicosia; Larnaca International Airport is about 45 minutes away by road.
- The International Students and Staff Office helps with entry permits, residence permits and arrival.
Careers and graduate outcomes
A master's from UCY carries the strongest academic reputation in Cyprus. After graduating, non-EU master's graduates can apply to stay in Cyprus for up to 12 months to look for work or start a business. While studying, non-EU students may work part time only in sectors the government lists.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Stay after a master's | Up to 12 months to look for work or start a business | Civil Registry and Migration Department |
| Part-time work for non-EU students | Up to 20 hours a week in term, 38 in breaks, in listed sectors only | Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation, Mar 2026 |
| MBA accreditation | EFMD-accredited MBA in an AACSB-accredited school | UCY MBA brochure 2026 |
Studying in Cyprus
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in Cyprus. Our country guide covers them in detail:
Other universities in Cyprus
- Public
Often chosen for Engineering, Nursing & Allied Health, Arts, Design & Media
- Private
University of Nicosia (official website, opens in a new tab)
Nicosia, CyprusOften chosen for Business & Management, Medicine & Health Sciences, Computer Science & IT
- Private
Often chosen for Medicine & Health Sciences, Business & Management, Computer Science & IT
Photo: Michailia, CC BY-SA 4.0 PrivateFrederick University (official website, opens in a new tab)
Nicosia, CyprusOften chosen for Engineering, Arts, Design & Media, Business & Management
- Private
Often chosen for Business & Management, Law, Life Sciences
Photo: UCLanCyprus, CC BY-SA 4.0 PrivateUCLan Cyprus (University of Central Lancashire Cyprus) (official website, opens in a new tab)
Larnaca, CyprusOften chosen for Business & Management, Computer Science & IT, Law
FAQs
Can I do a bachelor's degree at the University of Cyprus in English?
Generally no. UCY's bachelor's degrees are taught in Greek and international applicants need proof of Greek. The YUFE Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies is the only English-taught bachelor's option. For an English-taught bachelor's in Cyprus, look at private universities such as UNIC, UCLan Cyprus or Frederick University.
How much does a master's cost at UCY?
Most state-funded master's degrees cost €5,125 in total. Self-funded programmes cost more: €7,500 for HRM, €8,000 for Natural Gas in Energy Transition and €10,250 for the MBA. Confirm the fee for non-EU students in the programme's call.
When do I apply for September entry?
The fall call usually closes at the end of March (31 March 2026 for September 2026, later extended). Some programmes also take students in January, with calls closing around the end of October.
Does UCY have student housing?
Yes, but only about 200 rooms at around €150–€250 a month including bills, and they go quickly. Most international students rent privately in Nicosia, so budget €600–€900 a month for a one-bedroom flat or share a larger flat.
Is UCY the best university in Cyprus?
It is the top Cypriot university in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (525th) and shares the top THE band for Cyprus. The right choice still depends on your course and whether it is taught in English.
Sources
- University of Cyprus: master's tuition fees (Graduate School) (opens in a new tab)
- University of Cyprus: Study at UCY in English, 2026 programme list (opens in a new tab)
- University of Cyprus: international entrance announcement 2026–27 (opens in a new tab)
- University of Cyprus: MSc Artificial Intelligence (opens in a new tab)
- University of Cyprus: MBA tuition fees (opens in a new tab)
- University of Cyprus: MBA brochure 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- University of Cyprus: global rankings (opens in a new tab)
- University of Cyprus: QS World University Rankings 2027 announcement (opens in a new tab)
- University of Cyprus: student residence application 2026–27 (opens in a new tab)
- Cyprus Mail: student rents soar amid housing shortage (Aug 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- Civil Registry and Migration Department: stay after studies to seek work (opens in a new tab)
- Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation: revised decree on employing third-country students, Mar 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.ucy.ac.cy (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details