The Northern Cyprus education system has grown rapidly over the past few years and provides very high standard education packages at University level. North Cyprus has good Universities in all cities. There is also a choice of state or private schools but all offer a very good education system.
Pre-school education in North Cyprus
North Cyprus Education provides crèches and nurseries (kindergardens) for children between the ages 4-6. For both Turkish and UK children.
Primary education in North Cyprus
Primary education in North Cyprus is divided into three stages:
- Elementary school; which is between age of 7-12 for a period of five years. This period is compulsory for children who are at this age. North Cyprus has private schools and state schools.
- Secondary school; which is between age of 12-14. Secondary school is also compulsory and covers a period of three years.
- High school; which is between age of 14-18. This education system covers 1 year preparatory school. High school known as Lycee, before starting University life.
Northern Cyprus Education is particularly focused on higher education. Institutions which provide Higher Education are - Teachers Training College, The Eastern Mediterranean University, Open Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Girne American University, Near East University, European University of Lefke, Middle East Technical University and International Cyprus University.
Universities in North Cyprus
Eastern Mediterranean University
Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) of Northern Cyprus is an international university located in Famagusta. There are 13,500 students from 67 different countries, with more than 1,000 academic staff from around the world. The University has international standards of excellence in teaching and research at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Near East University (NEU) is a private international institution of higher education founded in Nicosia in 1988. The main objective of this institution is to give students a sound education and bring them up as confident and responsible individuals with creative and inquisitive minds. Today Near East University consists of selected students from eighteen different countries.
European University of Lefke
The European University of Lefke was founded by the Cyprus Sciences Foundation to be a culturally pluralistic institution of higher education which would provide relevant and attractive educational programs to meet the needs of the diverse students. The town of Lefke is located inland just to the south of Güzelyurt. The University is situated in a campus with full supporting facilities, and is becoming a centre for the cultural and economic development in this area of North Cyprus.
International Cyprus University
Cyprus International University (CIU) in North Cyprus was established in 1996 in Nicosia. With all academic and social activities the University's prime commitment is to provide educational facilities to satisfy a modern technological society. With internationally accredited programs and modern campus, CIU attracts students from all over the world and is important in North Cyprus education system.
Girne American University
Girne American University was founded in 1985 as an independent, non-profit institution of higher education in Kyrenia. The University has focused on providing access to an American-based higher education to the widest possible group of young learners in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. GAU will continue to be guided by this special mission in North Cyprus education system also in the future.
Middle East Technical University
Middle East Technical University (METU) was invited by the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot states to establish an International campus on Northern Cyprus to serve not only the Turkish students but also the international community. It has excellent facilities, qualified faculty, and the highest international standards in teaching, research and community service. The language of instruction on the Campus is English. The campus is located outside the village of Kalkanli, in Güzelyurt district.