About the university
The University of Nicosia, known as UNIC, grew out of Intercollege, a private college that opened in 1980. It became a licensed university in 2007 and is now the biggest private university in Cyprus. Most of its degrees are taught in English, which is why it draws students from more than 100 countries. Many programmes are also offered in Greek, so check the language of instruction on each course page before you apply.
UNIC is organised into eight schools, including business, law, life and health sciences, sciences and engineering, humanities, education, a medical school and a veterinary school. It is best known internationally for its Medical School, which runs the largest English-taught medicine programme in Cyprus, and for early work on blockchain and digital currency, including one of the first master's degrees in the subject. In the THE World University Rankings 2027 it sits in the 501–550 band, tied first among universities in Cyprus.
The main campus is in Engomi, a residential district of Nicosia, the capital of the Republic of Cyprus. Lecture buildings, the library, a gym, a cinema and the student union are within walking distance of each other, and the university's own residences (SIX, U and Triangle) are close by. Nicosia is an inland city: hot and dry in summer, mild in winter, and about 40 minutes by road from Larnaca airport.
For Indian students the attractions are English-taught bachelor's degrees at around €10,000 to €12,000 a year, two intakes a year and a large international community on campus. Points to plan for are the cost of rent in Nicosia, the limited list of sectors where non-EU students may work part time, and the fact that only master's and doctoral graduates can stay on for up to 12 months to look for work.
- Founded
- 1980 as Intercollege; licensed as the University of Nicosia in 2007
- Type
- Private university registered with the Cyprus Ministry of Education
- Students
- Students from more than 100 countries; the university describes itself as the largest English-teaching university in southern Europe
- Schools and programmes
- 8 schools and more than 100 on-campus and online programmes
- Intakes
- September (fall) and February (spring) for most programmes
- Application fee
- €60, plus €150 for visa processing for non-EU students
- Campuses
- Main campus in Nicosia; UNIC Athens in Greece and online programmes are separate
Rankings
THE World University Rankings 2027
501–550 in the world (joint 1st in Cyprus)
QS World University Rankings 2027
711–720 in the world (3rd in Cyprus)
THE Young University Rankings 2024
115th among young universities
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- €10,500
- Duration
- 1.5 years (3 semesters, 90 ECTS)
- Intakes
- September or February
- English
- IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- €10,800
- Duration
- 4 years (240 ECTS)
- Intakes
- September or February
- English
- IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72 (or UNIC placement test)
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- €10,800
- Duration
- 4 years (240 ECTS)
- Intakes
- September or February
- English
- IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72 (or UNIC placement test)
- Undergraduate
Medicine (MD, 6 years, undergraduate entry)
- Fee / year
- €24,000
- Duration
- 6 years (360 ECTS)
- Intakes
- September (Medical School has its own admission rounds)
- English
- Set by the Medical School; check the course page
- Undergraduate
BBA Business Administration: Finance and Economics
- Fee / year
- €10,320
- Duration
- 4 years (240 ECTS)
- Intakes
- September or February
- English
- IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72 (or UNIC placement test)
- Undergraduate
BSc Management Information Systems
- Fee / year
- €10,320
- Duration
- 4 years (240 ECTS)
- Intakes
- September or February
- English
- IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72 (or UNIC placement test)
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- €10,320
- Duration
- 4 years (240 ECTS)
- Intakes
- September or February
- English
- IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72 (or UNIC placement test)
- Undergraduate
- Fee / year
- €10,320
- Duration
- 4 years (240 ECTS)
- Intakes
- September or February
- English
- IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72 (or UNIC placement test)
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (EUR) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration (MBA) | 1.5 years (3 semesters, 90 ECTS) | €10,500 | ≈ ₹11.1 lakh |
| BSc Computer Science | 4 years (240 ECTS) | €10,800 | ≈ ₹11.4 lakh |
| BSc Data Science | 4 years (240 ECTS) | €10,800 | ≈ ₹11.4 lakh |
| Medicine (MD, 6 years, undergraduate entry) | 6 years (360 ECTS) | €24,000 | ≈ ₹25.4 lakh |
| BBA Business Administration: Finance and Economics | 4 years (240 ECTS) | €10,320 | ≈ ₹10.9 lakh |
| BSc Management Information Systems | 4 years (240 ECTS) | €10,320 | ≈ ₹10.9 lakh |
| BSc Accounting | 4 years (240 ECTS) | €10,320 | ≈ ₹10.9 lakh |
| BBA Hospitality Management | 4 years (240 ECTS) | €10,320 | ≈ ₹10.9 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 Nicosia with similar universities in Cyprus.
Scholarships
- First-year bachelor's students
Academic Merit Scholarship (first year)
Value: A percentage off tuition for one academic year (the rate is set by the university)
Eligibility: Based on your school leaving certificate, submitted with your application. You must study full time (30 ECTS a semester).
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Continuing bachelor's students
Academic Merit Scholarship (university performance)
Value: 50% off tuition with a GPA of 4.00; 20% with 3.75–3.99; 10% with 3.50–3.74
Eligibility: Full-time students who have completed at least 60 ECTS. Reviewed each semester.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Bachelor's
Financial Aid (socio-economic)
Value: A tuition reduction based on a points assessment
Eligibility: For students from a less advantaged background; international students apply on a separate form and the economy of the home country is considered.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Bachelor's
Athletic Scholarship
Value: Up to 40% off tuition
Eligibility: Active members of UNIC sports teams; high-level athletes are assessed case by case through the Sports Office.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - All levels, including master's
UNIC Academic Family
Value: 10% off for a second UNIC degree, or 10% per child when two or more siblings study at the same time
Eligibility: UNIC or Intercollege graduates starting another degree, and families with siblings enrolled together.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- A recognised school leaving certificate (Class 12). Students with less than 75% (7.5 out of 10) are admitted but get extra academic guidance in the first year.
- Some programmes, such as Medicine, Pharmacy and Architecture, set higher or subject-specific requirements; check the course page.
- English: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72. Students with IELTS 4.5 or above who have no other accepted proof can take UNIC's English placement test.
- Apply online with the €60 application fee. Non-EU students also pay a €150 visa-processing fee and a €500 seat reservation deposit once admitted.
- Rough deadlines: late June for the September intake and late October for the February intake. Apply earlier to leave time for the Cyprus entry permit.
Postgraduate
- A bachelor's degree from a recognised institution. Some departments add their own requirements, such as relevant subjects or work experience.
- English: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 79, unless your bachelor's degree was taught in English.
- Medicine (graduate entry) and other Medical School programmes have their own admission rules and dates.
- There are no university scholarships for most master's programmes; the Academic Family discount is the exception.
- Non-EU students lodge a €400 refundable international student guarantee and buy health insurance (€175 a year through the university).
Documents
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (for master's applications)
- English test score, or proof of an English-taught degree
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters, where the programme asks for them
- CV, for master's and MBA applications
- Bank statements showing you can pay fees and living costs, for the entry permit
- Police clearance and medical certificates, as required by the Civil Registry and Migration Department
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 Academic | 6.0 overall for bachelor's degrees; 6.5 overall for master's degrees |
| TOEFL iBT | 72 for bachelor's degrees; 79 for master's degrees |
| Other tests | Cambridge, Michigan and Password tests are accepted at set levels. PTE and Duolingo are not listed on the admission page, so ask before you book them. |
| Placement test | Bachelor's applicants with IELTS 4.5 or above can sit UNIC's own English placement test; a pre-university English course is available at extra cost. |
| English-taught degree | Master's applicants whose bachelor's degree was taught in English meet the requirement without a test. |
Accommodation and living costs
UNIC has three residences close to the Nicosia campus: SIX (single en-suite studios), U (single or double studios and shared two-bedroom flats) and Triangle (furnished rooms and rooftop units). Their published rates are weekly and include electricity, water and internet. Many students also rent privately in Engomi or nearby districts. Rents in Nicosia have risen sharply, so book early.
| Item | In EUR | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| UNIC residencesStarting rates; about €5,865–€6,120 a year, utilities and Wi-Fi included | €115–120per week | ≈ ₹12,190 – ₹12,720 |
| Private room or flat shareUniversity estimate; utilities may be extra | €200–500per month | ≈ ₹21,200 – ₹53,000 |
| FoodUniversity estimate | €250–350per month | ≈ ₹26,500 – ₹37,100 |
| Books and materialsUniversity estimate | €100–200per semester | ≈ ₹10,600 – ₹21,200 |
| Total living costsUniversity estimate including rent | €700–1,200per month | ≈ ₹74,200 – ₹1.3 lakh |
| Health and accident insuranceThrough UNIC, non-EU students | €175per year | ≈ ₹18,550 |
Campus and location
Nicosia is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus and its biggest inland city. It is the seat of government and home to four universities, so there is a large student population. English is widely spoken. Daily life is relaxed and safe, but summers are very hot and public transport is mostly by bus.
- The campus is in Engomi, a residential area with cafés, supermarkets and the UNIC residences within walking distance.
- Facilities include the library, computer labs, a gym, a cinema, cafés and a restaurant.
- The Medical School works with a network of 16 hospitals and clinics in Cyprus and abroad for clinical training.
- Larnaca International Airport is about 40–45 minutes away by road; there are airport shuttle buses to Nicosia.
- Student clubs and international events help new arrivals settle in; there is an Indian community in Nicosia and Limassol.
- UNIC Athens in Greece and the online programmes have separate admissions and fees from the Nicosia campus.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Cyprus has a small job market with strong clusters in shipping, technology, finance, accounting and tourism, many of which work in English. Non-EU students may work part time only in sectors the government lists, and only master's and doctoral graduates can apply to stay for up to 12 months after graduating. UNIC runs a careers office that posts internships and jobs, and it placed third among Cypriot and Greek universities for employment outcomes in the QS 2027 rankings.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Stay after graduation | Up to 12 months, master's and PhD graduates only | Civil Registry and Migration Department |
| Employment outcomes indicator | 3rd among Cypriot and Greek universities | Cyprus Mail on QS World University Rankings 2027 |
| Overall ranking in Cyprus | Joint 1st (THE World University Rankings 2027) | Cyprus Mail on THE World University Rankings 2027 |
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
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FAQs
Is the University of Nicosia recognised?
Yes. It is a private university licensed by the Republic of Cyprus and its degrees are recognised as EU degrees. It is in Nicosia in the Republic, not in the northern part of the island.
Are all programmes taught in English?
Most are, but many programmes are also offered in Greek, and a few only in Greek. Check that the course page lists English as the language before you apply.
How much does a bachelor's degree cost for an Indian student?
For 2026–27, most bachelor's degrees cost €10,320 or €10,800 a year, Law and Human Biology €11,700 and Architecture €11,820. Medicine is €24,000 a year. Add the €60 application fee, the €150 visa fee and a €400 refundable guarantee.
Can I work while I study?
After your first semester you can work up to 20 hours a week in term and 38 hours in breaks, but only in sectors approved by the government, such as hospitality, delivery and cleaning. Do not plan to pay your fees from part-time work.
Is the UNIC MD accepted for practice in India?
Any foreign medical degree must meet the National Medical Commission's rules for foreign medical graduates, including course length, internship in the same country, English medium and eligibility to practise in Cyprus, and you must pass the NMC's screening or licensing exam. Check the latest NMC rules and talk to our counsellor before choosing.
When should I apply?
For September, apply by late June at the latest; for February, by late October. The Cyprus entry permit can take several weeks, so we suggest applying three to four months before the deadline.
Sources
- University of Nicosia: non-EU tuition fees 2026–27 (opens in a new tab)
- University of Nicosia: admission requirements (opens in a new tab)
- University of Nicosia: bachelor's degrees (opens in a new tab)
- University of Nicosia: master's degrees (opens in a new tab)
- University of Nicosia: scholarships and financial aid (opens in a new tab)
- UNIC residences brochure (opens in a new tab)
- Cyprus Mail: UNIC in THE World University Rankings 2027 (Oct 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- Cyprus Mail: UNIC in QS World University Rankings 2027 (Jun 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- Times Higher Education: University of Nicosia (opens in a new tab)
- Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation: revised decree on employing third-country students, Mar 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Civil Registry and Migration Department: stay after studies to seek work (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.unic.ac.cy (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details