University of Nicosia

• Location: Nicosia, Cyprus,
• Year of foundation: 1980,
• Number of students: about 12,500,
• Language of instruction: English, Greek,
• Type of education: mixed.

The University of Nicosia (UNIC) is one of the leading research universities in the Mediterranean, offering more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs.  The institution is the only one in Cyprus that is a member of the European University Association and is accredited for Erasmus exchange programs.

The institution was opened in 1980, all the following years and to date has chosen the path of continuous development and improvement. The university's teaching and research staff excel in many academic disciplines and have been recognized for their contribution and advancement of knowledge and technology to society. Educators teach more than 12,000 students from 100 countries at UNIC's main campus in Nicosia and remotely.

Partnerships with higher education institutions in Spain, Sweden, Austria, Croatia, Croatia and other countries provide students with international learning experiences.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What additional activities and clubs are there for students?

Almost anything! Social, sports clubs and events, excellent studying conditions, hundreds of equally passionate peers who are ready to share your interests and hobbies. Universities on their online portals always post comprehensive information about such communities, at the beginning of the academic year they organize introductory events: come and get to know each group and club personally!

The methodology of the educational process at UNIC differs from other universities and has several pillars:

• "Brain" learning – teaching and learning methods, lesson design, and programs based on the latest scientific research on how the brain learns, including factors such as cognitive characteristics, emotions, and motivation.
• Multimodality – Some studies show that memory improves when more than one sense is stimulated at the same time. When we learn by seeing and listening, we remember 50% of the information after two weeks – but a person remembers 90% of events if he experiences them with the sensations of several senses.  This means that simulations and role-playing games are very effective and help students in mastering the learning material.
• Interactive learning is a more practical, real-world process of communicating information in classrooms. Passive learning is based on listening to a teacher's lectures or rote memorization of information, numbers, or equations. Interactive learning, on the other hand, involves the interaction of students not only with the teacher, but also with each other.  
• Metacognition is another component of the teaching and learning model. Effective learning involves planning and setting goals, monitoring progress, and adapting as needed. All of these activities are metacognitive in nature. 
• Linking relevance to real life – In the UNIC pedagogical model, the term "relevance" refers to a learning experience that is either directly applicable to students' personal aspirations, interests, or cultural experiences (personal significance) or is related in some way to real-world issues, concerns, and contexts. (vital relevance).
• Authentic assessment is an approach to measuring student performance in a direct and relevant way to see if learning goals have been met. Academic and faculty can use tools such as reports, journals, speeches, videos, and interviews with students to assess their understanding of subject material. 

The University of Nicosia has several specialized schools:

• Business,
• Education,
• Humanities and Social Sciences,
• Law,
• Life and Health Sciences,
• Medicine,
• Science and Engineering,
• Veterinary Medicine.

In addition to its main campus in Nicosia, Cyprus, University of Nicosia operates the UNIC Athens branch campus in Athens, Greece.

UNIC Health is based at the Nicosia campus and covers medicine, veterinary medicine, and life and health sciences. It comprises the Medical School, School of Veterinary Medicine, and School of Life and Health Sciences. Its supporting facilities include UNIC Hospitals, partner hospitals, the UNIC Medical Centre, a mobile clinic, and partner veterinary clinics. Its research areas are One Health Research, Schools Research, and Research Projects. (Nicosia campus)

• In 2025, University of Nicosia was ranked among the world’s top 401–500 universities for Clinical Medicine in the ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS). It was the only university in Cyprus included in this global subject ranking,
• The UNIC Evolve initiative applies artificial intelligence to human health, with a focus on healthy lifespan, longevity, and biodefense. Its research activities span the Nicosia and Athens campuses,
• The University of Nicosia Research Foundation (UNRF) is an autonomous nonprofit research organization based in Cyprus. It provides an independent platform for researchers from Cyprus, the region, and the European Union across a wide range of fields. Its work includes developing the Cyprus Research Area (CyRA), helping members prepare grant applications and administer funded research, managing research ethics and governance, building links with private and public organizations, and bringing research results to market through activities that include creating spin-off companies. (Nicosia campus)

UNIC student residences are three separate residential complexes: SIX, U and TRIANGLE. They offer students a variety of room options, meal plans, recreational opportunities and activities:

• SIX is a 307-room facility housed in six twelve-story towers,
• U is a state-of-the-art seven-story apartment complex with 399 studios and two-bedroom apartments,
• TRIANGLE - a student building offering 147 rooms, a gym and other amenities.

Most of the rooms provide:

• Fully equipped apartments with private bathroom and kitchenette,
• Air conditioning and heating with individual control,
• Broadband Internet access,
• Double bed,
• Closet with drawer, armchair and side table, desk and chair,
• Kitchenette: Fridge, Cooker, Microwave.

All residences are under 24-hour security, reception is available at any time of the day. On the territory of the residential buildings there is parking for cars and bicycle parking, near the buildings students can find restaurants and cafes, gyms, stores and entertainment centers.

UNIC residences have special apartments designed for students with disabilities; such students are entitled to a discount of up to 5% on the accommodation fee.  

If a student would like to stay off campus, the university staff can help find suitable rental housing: private apartments and houses, hotels and suites are located near the campus.

Cafeterias open during university hours offer a healthy and affordable selection of snacks, salads, sandwiches, coffee and soft drinks, and food for vegetarians. For example, Coffeology is a student lounge with an outdoor bar featuring coffee, snacks and sweets, while in the university's restaurant, The Block, students will discover local and international dishes, sandwiches, rolls, salads and desserts prepared by talented chefs. The lunch menu changes from day to day, offering a wide variety and products to suit all tastes.

Nicosia was ranked first by the Financial Times among European cities of a similar size for living standards, ahead of Cambridge, Geneva, and Oxford. The city has an active research, technology, and startup community, with entrepreneurial events held throughout the year. It also hosts theater, art, music, and film festivals featuring local and international artists.

Student life at UNIC includes social events and academic, ethnic, recreational, and sports clubs. The university's ethnic clubs bring together students from different backgrounds to share their cultures, traditions, histories, music, and food.

Academic clubs build a sense of community among students and organize discussions on course-related topics. They also provide information about courses and support students through educational events, community service, social activities, and committee work.

UNIC is an active member of the Cyprus University Sports Federation (CUSF), with men's and women's teams in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and table tennis. Students may also qualify for the European University Championships organized by the European University Sports Association. Sports coached at UNIC include:

• Handball,
• Swimming,
• Table tennis,
• Cross-country running,
• Beach volleyball,
• Wrestling, including judo and taekwondo,
• Athletics,
• Soccer,
• Basketball,
• Badminton.

Top student-athletes are selected for each team at the beginning of every semester. Selected players automatically become eligible for athletic scholarships.

UNIC also organizes recreational activities during the academic year, including beach games, hiking, diving, and day trips. These activities give students opportunities to meet people with similar interests and explore the attractions and culture of Cyprus.

The Department of Education Sciences took part for a second time in an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme on international approaches to inclusive education and teaching materials, together with the University of Bielefeld in Germany. Eight early childhood and primary education students attended the in-person part of the program in Bielefeld under faculty supervision. They studied inclusive education practices and materials from Cyprus, Germany, India, Sweden, and Ecuador across six areas: learning environment, learner needs, pedagogical philosophy, feedback, learner reflection, and individualization. Faculty members from the University of Bielefeld, Örebro University, and University of Nicosia taught the program together with doctoral students from the University of Bielefeld.

• University of Nicosia is one of the top three universities in Cyprus,
• Nine out of ten UNIC faculty members hold PhDs. Most also have experience in business or teaching at higher education institutions in England and the United States,
• The University of Nicosia has received recognition from the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, the European Business Ethics Association, UN Global 500 for its contribution to environmental protection, and the European Foundation for Quality Control,
• Faculty members include professors from English-speaking universities, and most courses are taught in English, which supports graduates seeking careers in England, the United States, Canada, and the wider European labor market,
• Teaching follows the American system: students choose the number and composition of their courses and the level of their workload. This system allows them to complete practical and theoretical study hours in later years,
• Students can study at European universities that participate in the partner exchange program,
• UNIC welcomes new students whose English is sufficient for academic study,
• The Career Office helps graduates find employment. Annual job fairs bring together companies from the United States, Europe, and Cyprus,
• Scholarships can cover up to 50% of program costs, including for international students, based on high grades and recommendations from a previous institution,
• Since 2013, UNIC has accepted Bitcoin for tuition and has offered a dedicated online course on cryptocurrency,
• The BSc Accounting program holds Strategic Degree status from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Students can take four ICAEW Professional Level exams during their undergraduate studies, with all four exams assessed and reported by ICAEW, providing an accelerated path to the ACA qualification,
• University of Nicosia has submitted a program planned for the UNIC Athens campus to HAHE, the Greek higher education accreditation authority, for accreditation before it can be offered.

UNIC's modern campus consists of 20 buildings in the lively Nicosia suburb of Engomi. Over the past few years, the university has invested more than €100 million in the infrastructure and equipment of its study facilities.

In addition to classrooms, the campus offers a full range of amenities and support services. Students can walk to almost any campus building within 15 minutes, and a large free parking lot is available in the center of the campus for students who live off campus.

Other facilities on campus include:

• Amphitheaters and classrooms, many of which are also used for local and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and events,
• The renovated Library and Information Center, with a collection of printed books and thousands of electronic resources,
• A multifaith room for meditation and prayer.

More than 70 restaurants, cafes, and bars are located near the University of Nicosia campus, including McDonald's, KFC, and Starbucks. Nightclubs, parties, movie theaters, excursions, societies, and community initiatives give students opportunities to meet people, develop new interests, and gain experience. Public transportation connects the campus with other parts of Nicosia, which can generally be reached within 10–20 minutes.

University of Nicosia offers guided UNIC City campus tours for prospective students. Each tour lasts about one hour, groups are limited to nine people, and tours run daily except on weekends and public holidays. Tours depart from the reception area of the Europa Building. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18. (Nicosia campus)

Both the Nicosia and Athens campuses have digitally enabled classrooms, specialized laboratories, collaborative spaces, libraries, and clinical and research facilities that support active learning and research across a wide range of disciplines.

The UNIC Athens campus is located in Elliniko near the Athens seafront and The Ellinikon urban regeneration project, with modern infrastructure, cultural venues, and sports facilities nearby. The wider Glyfada area offers cultural, dining, and entertainment options. The campus is about 20 minutes from central Athens and is accessible by metro, bus, car, and tram. It is five minutes from the Ellinikon and Argyroupoli railway stations and less than 40 minutes from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina and the international airport. (Athens campus)

There are two semesters and two summer sessions in the academic year:

• Fall: September-January,
• Spring: February-June,
• Summer sessions: June-August.

During the academic year there are winter, spring and summer vacations, as well as vacations on national and international vacations. The academic week consists of five days - classes are held from Monday to Friday.

Additional costs:

• Entrance fee,
• Visa fee,
• Registration fee,
• Health Insurance,
• Technology Fee,
• Student Activity Fees,
• International Student Guarantee,
• Transcript fees,
• Room and board,
• Public transportation,
• Leisure and Personal Expenses.

The admission procedure consists of the following stages:

• Filling out the registration application and providing documents,
• Payment of entrance and registration fees,
• Arrival at the campus for an interview and entrance examinations. This stage is available in an online format,
• Payment of tuition fees,
• Booking accommodation and additional services,
• The beginning of education.

It is better to apply on the following dates:

• Autumn: until the end of June,
• Spring: until the end of October,
• Summer: until the end of February.

The UNIC alumni community has more than 100,000 professionals who have created careers around the world. Alumni represent the university in many private and public institutions, contributing to shaping the future in business, humanities, medicine, engineering, and the arts.

General requirements

Applicants may be asked to take an English language test comparable to TOEFL. The general threshold is IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 500. Students whose English is below the required level take additional English classes alongside their main studies.

The university assesses previous academic performance, including high school grades. Admission categories depend on the applicant's qualifications and educational goals. The Medical School follows separate admission policies and procedures. The university applies a non-discrimination policy regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, or national origin. (Nicosia campus)

Undergraduate admission

• A secondary education certificate,
• Additional certificates that provide bonus points or credits,
• An interview, audition, or portfolio for relevant creative programs.

The minimum requirement at the Nicosia campus is a recognized High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC). Applicants with an HSLC grade below 7.5/10 or 15/20, or the equivalent under the issuing country's grading system, receive additional academic guidance and monitoring during their first year. Some programs have higher requirements.

Minimum English language requirements for undergraduate programs taught in English include:

• IELTS: 6 or above,
• Anglia Examinations: Advanced or above,
• Cambridge GCE AS Level English Language: C or above,
• Cambridge GCE English A Levels: C or above,
• Cambridge IGCSE/GCSE English as a First Language: C or above, or English as a Second Language: B or above,
• IB English A: Literature SL or HL: 4 or above,
• IB English SL: 5 or above, or IB English HL: 4 or above,
• Michigan Language Assessment: 650 or above,
• Password Test: 6 or above,
• TOEFL iBT: 72 or above,
• Cambridge First Certificate: 160 or above or Pass, or Cambridge Proficiency Certificate: 180 or above or Pass.

Applicants without these qualifications who have an IELTS score of 4.5 or above take an English Placement Test and receive English language support where needed. Some undergraduate programs focused exclusively on Cyprus and Greece are taught in Greek, and students on these programs do not need to meet the English language requirements.

Postgraduate admission

• A bachelor's or master's degree,
• Two letters of recommendation from employers or teachers,
• An academic transcript showing grades and credits for completed courses when transferring from another university.

The minimum requirement for a master's program is a bachelor's degree from a recognized or accredited college or university. Individual departments may set additional requirements, and applicants from some countries may need additional qualifications.

Minimum English language requirements for postgraduate programs taught in English include:

• IELTS: 6.5 or above,
• Anglia Examinations: Proficiency or Mastery,
• Cambridge GCE AS or A Level English Language: C or above,
• Cambridge IGCSE/GCSE English as a First Language: C or above, or English as a Second Language: B or above,
• IB English A: Literature SL or HL: 4 or above,
• IB English SL: 5 or above, or IB English HL: 4 or above,
• Michigan Language Assessment: 750 or above,
• Password Test: 6.5 or above,
• TOEFL iBT: 79 or above,
• Cambridge First Certificate: 176 or above or Pass, or Cambridge Proficiency Certificate: 180 or above or Pass.

Students whose first degree was taught in English are considered to have met the English language requirement. Some master's programs focused on Cyprus and Greece are taught in Greek and do not have an English language requirement.

The university accepts transfer students from accredited colleges and universities when their coursework is of equivalent quality. Transferred credits do not count toward the cumulative grade point average (CPA). Regardless of the number of credits transferred, students must complete at UNIC at least half of the ECTS credits required for a bachelor's degree, including 120 ECTS for a 240-ECTS degree or 150 ECTS for a 300-ECTS degree, and at least two-thirds of the ECTS credits required for a master's degree. Transfer credit may also be awarded for A-Level, selected GCSE, LCCI, and similar qualifications from national examination centers.

International students from outside the European Union must meet the English language requirements set by the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth for a residence permit.

Application documents

• A completed application form,
• A copy of the passport page containing personal details and a photograph,
• Certified academic records: a High School Leaving Certificate and mark sheet for bachelor's applicants, a bachelor's degree and transcript for master's applicants, or bachelor's and master's degrees with transcripts for doctoral applicants,
• Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers for master's and doctoral applicants,
• A CV for master's and doctoral applicants,
• A personal statement for master's and doctoral applicants,
• A research proposal for doctoral applicants,
• Evidence of work experience where applicable,
• A portfolio for selected programs.

English Language Foundation Programme entry

Applicants need the same recognized HSLC required for undergraduate admission and an English certificate meeting at least one of the following thresholds:

• Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET),
• IELTS: 4.0,
• TOEFL iBT: 42,
• IB English B SL: 4, or IB English B HL: 3,
• Cambridge IGCSE/GCSE English as a Second Language: E, or English as a First Language: F,
• Password Skills Plus Test: 4.0,
• Michigan Language Assessment ECCE: 40,
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 450,
• PEARSON PTE Academic: 43,
• CEFR: B1.

Medical School admission

• A level 2 bachelor's degree in a field related to medicine, such as chemistry or biology,
• Volunteer experience in a related field and a GAMSAT score of 55 or an MCAT score of 498,
• An IELTS score of 7.0 or a score of 6.5 in another accepted English test,
• A 40-minute video interview with representatives of St George's University of London. The applicant answers eight questions assessing communication skills, empathy with patients, and commitment to medicine.

The Medical School follows admission policies and procedures separate from the university's general requirements. (Nicosia campus)

Doctoral admission tests

• A Master of Medicine degree with a grade of 90%,
• An IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 550,
• A motivation letter,
• A video interview with representatives of St George's University of London.

UNIC Athens admission requirements

Admission to UNIC Athens is merit-based and comparative. The university assesses academic strength and readiness for university-level study. Meeting the legal minimum makes an applicant eligible but does not guarantee admission. Competitiveness varies by program, and admission thresholds are set for each cycle according to the level of the strongest applicants.

Under the Greek legal minimum for undergraduate eligibility, applicants need a recognized General or Vocational Lyceum leaving certificate, or an equivalent certificate from a recognized foreign school in Greece, at National Qualifications Framework level 4. Other eligible routes include Panhellenic examination results that meet the minimum admission basis set annually by the Greek Ministry of Education, or an international or foreign secondary school credential that provides access to higher education in its country of issue and meets Greek recognition rules. Applicants who completed high school before the 2021/22 academic year and applicants who already hold a bachelor's degree are assessed under University of Nicosia's own selection terms rather than the Greek legal minimum.

Selection considers Panhellenic results, national examination results from other countries, international qualifications such as the IB Diploma or A-Level, the applicant's academic record, the rigor of subjects studied, and program-specific requirements such as interviews. Some programs are more competitive because they have limited capacity. The Medical School at UNIC Athens follows separate admission policies and procedures. Minimum English language requirements for programs taught in English are set with reference to recommendations from the Greek and Cypriot education ministries and the relevant quality-assurance and accreditation bodies.

UNIC offers merit- and need-based funding. Students with strong academic performance may receive a scholarship that covers part of the program cost for one year. Family scholarships are also available to graduates applying for a second degree. Applicants whose brother or sister is already studying at UNIC receive a 10% discount.

Sports scholarships support students who represent the university in interuniversity competitions.

Financial assistance may be available in the following cases:

• The student comes from a disadvantaged family,
• The student's family has more than four children,
• The student comes from a country considered economically unstable.

The campus work-study program allows students to combine classes with an internship. Part-time work in university buildings reduces their education costs.

UNIC also offers a 4% discount when tuition and fees are paid in full in advance.

UNIC has a refund policy for tuition and fees when a student withdraws from the university. (Nicosia campus)

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision