Education in North Cyprus

Education in North Cyprus is based on the British educational system and consists of 4 degrees:

1. Pre-school education. Children receive their first education by attending nursery schools. There they are grouped in age groups from 1.5 to 5-6 years old. Kindergartens are not free of charge; English language learning is a compulsory factor in the educational program.
2. Primary school. You can start primary school at the age of five, either free of charge or for a fee. Children graduate from the fifth grade.
3. Middle School. Children study here from Grade 5 to 11. In public schools, students study on a 6-day week and in public schools on a 5-day week. It is more advantageous for public schools to educate their children because they usually work with a number of universities – it is more likely that your child will enter a university or college at once.
4. High schools (colleges, universities). There are many universities in Northern Cyprus. There are local universities, as well as branches of famous world universities. The island offers European quality education.

Kindergartens in Northern Cyprus

Pre-school education is not compulsory in Northern Cyprus. The quality of services is much higher than in the CIS countries as almost all are private. The education program uses many teaching and learning methods and includes:

• Getting used to the team;
• Basics of independence;
• Physical development;
• Acquisition of knowledge and skills – personal, intellectual, social, cultural.

Working hours are from 7.00-7.30 am until 16.30-17.00 pm on 5 or 6 days a week. Many kindergartens have a bus service. The number of children in groups is small, no more than 10-12, and some facilities have mini-groups of 4-7. Full-day and reduced-day programs are available.

A balanced day plan which combines relaxation, activity, and teaching in Northern Cyprus is an excellent way to help children adjust to their new environment and overcome the language barrier more easily. Kindergarten is a much more effective way of helping pupils succeed later in primary school.

The Best Nursery Schools in Northern Cyprus

Alsanjak, “Beehive” Kindergarten

It is conveniently located just 9 km from Kyrenia in the small town of Alsandjak.

Small groups of kids.

Kindergartens from the age of 1.5, with minimum skills (holding a spoon, walking, etc.).

The garden is located in the villa and is equipped with everything necessary for development and play.

Children spend a lot of time outdoors.

The facility is open until 16:30 and shuttle service is available.

Kyrenia, Colourland Prep School

A private kindergarten.

Situated in a modern building and equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable and safe stay for children.

Kindergarten facilities include a playroom, computer room, video room, dining room, and playground.

Children are welcome from the age of 1.5 years.

Teachers and educators speak English, Russian and Turkish.

Video surveillance for online monitoring of the children by parents

A diary for every child where we will record his/her physical and psychological condition on a daily basis. A varied diet, including fresh seasonal fruits.

Educational activities include modeling, drawing, storytelling, drama and music lessons, etc.

Chatalke, Munevver Bindayi kindergarten

We offer a suitable environment for your child’s personal development and adaptation to the group.

Good teachers are available.

Nutrition is of high quality.

Children from an early age are socialized and taken on excursions around the city and attractions.

Northern Cyprus schools

Public schools begin in Turkish; English is taught as a foreign language several times a week. Then at the secondary level, some subjects are taught in English.

Public schools teach mostly in English or Russian and additionally Turkish. More subjects are studied at these schools, especially emphasizing the arts, IT, and other areas.

Public schools in Northern Cyprus meet high educational standards and must be certified by the Ministry of Education.

The cost of tuition in North Cyprus public schools is €2000 – €3500 per year.

The best public schools in Northern Cyprus

Public schools start teaching in Turkish, with English as a foreign language several times a week. Then, in secondary schools, some subjects are already taught in English.

In public schools teaching is more often in English or Russian, with Turkish studied additionally. More subjects are studied at these schools, especially emphasizing the arts, IT, and other areas.

Public schools in Northern Cyprus meet high educational standards and must be certified by the Ministry of Education.

Public schools in Northern Cyprus cost between €2000 and €3500 per year.

Near East College in the Eni Boazici area provides education in English. The school aims to develop pupils’ potential, that’s why there’s a variety of additional subjects to choose from. As well as creative workshops, sports halls, and music lessons, pupils also have the chance to explore new scientific concepts through robotics, IT, and software engineering courses.

The Doğa Foundation ETA ITU College, based in Famagusta, nurtures students’ “learner of the future profile” using the “Natural Concepts” educational model, where students are taught through their own experiences. The international standard of teaching enables students to express themselves freely, find different solutions, experiment, and be tolerant of the ideas of others. College trainers are world-class teachers, presenting students with material that has been approved by the European Union.

The English School in Kyrenia. Specializes in teaching students from pre-school age (3-5 years) to senior high school age (18 years).

Courses and subjects are taught in English. The emphasis is on an internationally recognized English language education system.

The school has its own dormitories. This means that your children can live comfortably on campus and travel home for weekends and holidays.

The American College Girne is another school in Kyrenia. It is deservedly popular with parents who see their children’s further education in England or the USA.

For example, after obtaining their high school diploma, graduates have a pathway to the American University in Girne.

The Necat British College admits students aged two to eighteen. Given that the school is private, the education system is noticeably stronger than its state counterpart.

Pre-school children study according to the famous Montessori system, which develops all the frameworks for a successful personality in the future.

Older pupils can gain an internationally recognized diploma and also sit for the University of Cambridge examinations.

All of this opens the door for your children, provided their grades are good.

The most popular state schools in North Cyprus are:

• ABC ÇOCUK EĞİTİM MERKEZİ in Nicosia
• KAMU-SEN ÇOCUK in Nicosia
• GÜVEN ÇOCUK OYUN İLE EĞT. MER. in Kyrenia
• INTER. PLAYSCHOOL NURSERY SCH. in Kyrenia

Russian school in North Cyprus

For families who have relocated for permanent residence, the question of whether their children can attend a Russian-speaking school will be important. There is a Russian school “Children’s Harmony” in Kyrenia.

This school teaches both general curriculum subjects and a number of other disciplines aimed at all-around development. Teaching is in Russian and there is also an opportunity to learn a foreign language.

After lessons, they have an opportunity to attend special interest groups and studios (singing, theatre, cookery, astronomy, creativity, experiments, computer technology, ecology, psychology).

Universities of Northern Cyprus

The following Northern Cypriot universities welcome domestic and international applicants for higher education:

The American Girne University (GAU) is the first private institution of higher education in Kyrenia, founded in 1985 and most recently the university celebrated its 35th anniversary. Since its establishment, GAU has been aiming at providing comprehensive American higher education to students of different nationalities in Northern Cyprus.

EMU (Eastern Mediterranean University) was founded in 1979 in Famagusta as a High-Tech Institution. The University is a public educational institution and currently covers an area of over 615,000m², totaling over 60 rugby fields. Complying with international standards and regulations and focusing on quality education, EMU considers international accreditation and cooperation as a basis for development and provides full higher education accredited by the Turkish Council of Higher Education.

The Middle East University (NEU), founded in 1988, is located in the capital city of Northern Cyprus, Nicosia. NEU offers the widest range of educational opportunities to more than 27,000 students from 102 countries worldwide. NEU is a full member of organizations such as the European University Association (EUA), International Association of Universities (IAU) within UNESCO, International Society for Engineering Education (IGIP), International Commission (JCI), Federation of Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW). The university organizes and hosts scientific conferences and symposia at the international level, attended by leading specialists and scientists from different countries.

The European University of Lefka (EUL) is a reputable public institution founded in 1989 by the Cyprus Science Foundation and opened in 1990. It is located near the town of Lefke, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Northern Cyprus. It is a modern scientific and educational campus with excellent international links.

Cyprus International University (CIU) is a private higher education institution. CIU is one of the largest and best universities in Northern Cyprus. The University campus is located in the capital city of Nicosia, 5 km from the city center. Due to the ever-increasing demands of standards and society, CMU enhances and adapts its academic programs to make them up-to-date and up-to-date.

Karpas University (UMK) is The youngest institution of higher education to become the sixth in North Cyprus. It began its history in 2012. It provides not only a good education but also encourages students to get actively involved in research and development.

The University of the West of Scotland is one of the top 5 universities in Scotland and also ranks among the top 5% of the world’s higher education institutions. Students receive a high-quality education and can take part in innovative research. The University of Kyrenia is another young educational institution in Northern Cyprus and is part of the Near East University. The university focuses entirely on the study of aviation and maritime subjects. The university’s major goal is to become a leader in higher education in its field of study.

Cyprus Science University is a promising young academic institution that offers students a wide range of high-quality pursuits. The university’s diplomas are recognized by the UK NARIC: National Academic Recognition Information Centre.

Middle East Technical University (METU, North Cyprus Corps) is a popular university among local and international students and is one of the world’s top 60 higher education institutions. The campus covers an area of 339 hectares. The campus is equipped with high-tech, modern homes, many of which have won architectural awards. The university is equipped with laboratories, a cultural conference center, a library, shopping and medical centers, a bank, and a bookstore. METU’s world-class education is available to a wide range of young people who have performed well in school and in their final examinations. Such students receive an education free of charge.

Arkin University of Arts and Design (ARUCAD) is a higher education institution with an artistic focus. The main fields of study are design, art, and communication. The university was founded only recently – in 2017 – but this does not prevent it from making ambitious plans and actively developing intercultural study programs.

The American University of Cyprus (AUC) – located in Nicosia, which began operations in 2014. The opening of this university was facilitated by a sister university – GAU in Kyrenia. Studying here is just as prestigious as at Kyrenia University. The main campus of the American University of Cyprus is located in the heart of the historic capital of Nicosia. AUC aims to provide a learning environment that encourages students to embrace the surrounding culture.

BAU International University. The BAU Education Network consists of higher education institutions and language schools located on three different continents (North America, Europe, and Asia). The BAU global network includes 5 universities, 4 language schools, and 5 global centers. Programs are offered in architecture, art, business administration, design, education, engineering, health, information technology, law, and medicine.

Our team will gladly help you choose the right institution for your children, whether it is a kindergarten, school, or university. Our lawyers will take care of the paperwork.