Admission Requirements
Students who have successfully completed the Lise Bitirme Diplomasi (High School Leaving Certificate) or equivalent are eligible for entry to undergraduate courses. After high school;
- According to the rules and regulations of the Council of Higher Education (YOK) of Turkey, graduates of Turkish high schools must take a central examination called Student Selection Examination (OSS) in order to access higher education programmes.
- According to the rules and regulations of the Accreditation Council of Higher Education of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (YÖDAK), high school graduates from Northern Cyprus must take a central university student examination, similar to the central examination taken by Turkish graduates.
- Overseas students are eligible to apply for university provided they hold a minimum of 12 years pre-university education and a higher secondary school leaving certificate, or its equivalent.
In addition to the academic entry requirements, competency in English language determines whether a student can enter a degree programme directly or will undergo a one or two semester preparatory English language programme. Students admitted on to a university programme will provide evidence of an internationally recognised English language proficiency qualification or sit an English examination organised by the university.
Offered Programs and Qualifications
In north Cyprus, tertiary education is conducted at both public and private institutions (total of 8 universities). Higher education encompasses all post-secondary programmes with a minimum duration of two years. The system consists of universities (state and foundation). Each university consists of faculties and schools offering four-year Bachelor degree programmes and varios other degrees as follows:
- Associate Degree. An Associate degree (based on the US system) is granted after successful completion of two years of full-time university study. Associate degrees are generally practical in nature, and students who graduate with an appropriate grade point average may transfer onto a relevant four-year Bachelor degree course.
- Bachelor’s Degree. Bachelor degrees are eight semesters (four years) in length. In general, the programme consists of taught courses, laboratory and tutorial work where appropriate and a graduation project depending on the subject area. Students normally require a cumulative credit-hour total of 120 and a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 in order to graduate.
- Master’s Degree. Master’s degrees are usually three to four semesters in duration and require completion of 21 credit hours (seven graduate courses) and a thesis, which must be defended in an oral examination. Students must attain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 for graduation. Master’s degrees without the thesis element are also offered and involve the completion of 10 graduate courses, a total of 30 credit hours, and submission of a project. For all programme types, students are admitted on the basis of a Bachelor degree (normally with a CGPA of 2.5) or equivalent.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA). The Master of Business Administration involves the equivalent of 14 three-credit courses (a total of 42 credits), which includes an optional six-credit thesis. The degree is usually completed in three semesters and builds upon undergraduate degrees involving a major in business administration. Previous professional experience is considered to be an advantage.
- Doctor of Philosopy (PhD). PhD degrees require the completion of 21 credits with a GPA of at least 3.5 and submission and defence of a thesis. A candidate must also have a publication related to his/her research topic published in an international journal (specifically in Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Science Citation Index or Arts and Humanities Citation Index) before attending the oral examination. Admission is based upon the Master’s degree, usually with a CGPA of 3.00, or equivalent, with other requirements depending on the department.
Grading System
Grading system follows the USA grade point average (GPA) system out of 4.00 and the letter grades and their corresponding points are as follows. In general, an overall GPA of 2.00 and above is conisdered a pass for an academic year. A student with an average GPA for a semester between 3.00 and 3.49 is considered to be an Honors Student; students with a semester average of 3.50 or above are designated as High Honors Students.
Grade |
Points |
A |
4.0 |
A- |
3.7 |
B+ |
3.3 |
B |
3.0 |
B- |
2.7 |
C+ |
2.3 |
Grade |
Points |
C |
2.0 |
C- |
1.7 |
D+ |
1.3 |
D |
1.0 |
D- |
0.7 |
F |
0 |
List of Recognized Higher Education Institutions
- Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)
- Girne American University (GAU)
- Istanbul Technical University (ITU) – North Cyprus Campus
- European University of Lefke (EUL)
- Middle East Technical University (METU) – Northern Cyprus Campus
- Cyprus International University (CIU)
- Near East University (NEU)
- University of Mediterranean Karpasia (UMK)