Studying medicine in Cyprus 2025 - universities, cities, application

Studying medicine in Cyprus: 5 advantages of studying medicine abroad

Here you can find out why Cyprus 2025 should be one of your favourites.

NC-free study programme in English

A clear advantage: there is no numerus clausus in Cyprus (NC) for medical studies. Although an average grade of better than 2.5 is recommended, your chances increase significantly if you can prove that you have completed a nursing internship, a voluntary service year or community service.

Linguistic advantages:

• Language of instruction: English

• No language barrier on campus - many international students

• No language certificate required (in many cases school English is sufficient)

Plus point: you study medicine and improve your English skills at the same time - a double career advantage.

Modern universities & practical learning from year 1

Universities such as the European University Cyprus or the University of Nicosia impress medical students with modern buildings, technical equipment and a strongly practice-orientated curriculum.

Teaching highlights:

• Practical exercises from the 1st year of study

• Top-equipped skills labs and simulation centres

• Own student residences with gym & study rooms

• International lecturers & close supervision

The degree programme is geared towards students - learning here really makes sense and is fun.

International recognition - EU, Germany and even the USA

After graduating from a Cypriot university, you can easily work as a doctor in the EU - including Germany. A licence to practise medicine is possible within the EU without additional examinations.

Particularly exciting:

• The University of Nicosia integrates the USMLE Step 1 exam directly into the degree programme

• You will be optimally prepared if you want to start your medical career in the USA or Canada want to start

Cyprus opens not only European but also international doors for you.

Study where others go on holiday

Cyprus not only offers a state-of-the-art education, but also an unrivalled quality of life. The island is one of the sunniest regions in Europe - with an average of over 300 days of sunshine a year.

What you can expect:

• 600 km of coastline with sandy beaches, bays & turquoise waters

• Mild climate all year round - rarely below 20°C even in winter

• Numerous outdoor activities: Hiking, surfing, climbing, diving

• National parks, historical sites & Mediterranean cuisine

Your place of study becomes your second home - and feels like a holiday.

Student life in a colourful capital city

Your study location is Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus. The universities are centrally located and optimally integrated into city life.

What Nicosia offers you:

• Historic old town (Laiki Geitonia) with cultural flair

• Modern cafés, bars, galleries and live music

• Vibrant community of students worldwide

• Diverse nightlife - from techno to jazz

Here you will not only learn medicine, but also how to enjoy life in a cosmopolitan capital city.

The best universities for studying medicine in Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the most modern study locations in Europe - especially in the field of human medicine and dentistry. The island state's medical faculties not only offer an outstanding academic education, but also excellent facilities, an international focus and a high quality of life. Here you will find an overview of the leading medical universities in Cyprus - including their special features.

1st University of Nicosia - Innovative, international & recognised

The University of Nicosia is the largest private university in Cyprus and enjoys an excellent international reputation. It impresses with a modern, practice-orientated teaching concept, a cutting-edge infrastructure and a clear focus on international careers.

Highlights:

• 120 places per year on the English-language human medicine degree programme

• Studies also in dentistry and Tiermedizin possible

• No numerus clausus (NC)

• Participation in the USMLE Step 1 programme - ideal for a career in the USA

• Modern campus infrastructure with libraries, research centres, luxury halls of residence with gym & study areas.

The Medizinstudium in Nikosia is the first choice for anyone aspiring to a global medical career.

2. European University Cyprus (EUC) - practical focus & international networks

The European University of Cyprus (EUC) stands for practice-orientated teaching at the highest level. The curriculum is competency-based and integrates innovative methods such as simulation training, team-based learning and clinical scenarios from the first year of study.

Special features:

• Teaching in English in human medicine

• Close partnerships with public & private clinics in Cyprus

• International co-operation with over 10 countries, including the UK, USA, Israel, Norway, Germany and many more.

• Opportunities for summer internships abroad

The EUC not only offers you first-class training, but also the chance to gain medical experience worldwide.

3rd Near East University - Modern & diverse in the north of Cyprus

Near East University is a young, up-and-coming university in the Turkish part of Cyprus. It was founded in 2008 and offers a modern curriculum with excellent facilities - particularly in medical specialisms.

Study programmes:

• Human medicine (English-speaking)

• Dentistry

• Pharmacy

Special features:

• Strong focus on digital medicine & simulation technology

• International lecturers

• Favourable tuition fees compared to Western European universities

Anyone looking for a modern university with a high degree of practical relevance will find an excellent study environment at Near East University.

Requirements for studying medicine in Cyprus

Studying medicine in Cyprus is an attractive alternative to the German university system - especially because there is no NC. Nevertheless, you should fulfil certain requirements in order to realistically assess your chances of gaining a place. Here you will find an overview of all the requirements for students and how you can best prepare yourself.

General higher education entrance qualification - NC-free, but performance-orientated

Although the degree programme is officially NC-free, the universities still require a solid academic background.

Requirements:

• A-levels or equivalent university entrance qualification

• Grade point average of better than 2.5 recommended

• Alternative: Medizinstudium mit Fachabitur (partially recognised - depending on the university)

Your chances increase if you have already completed internships in the medical field, an FSJ or community service.

Language skills - English certificate required

As the entire medical degree programme in Cyprus is taught in English, you will need to prove your language skills.

Common certificates:

• IELTS (from 6.0) or

• TOEFL iBT (from 79 points) or

• Equivalent language certificate (e.g. Cambridge English)

Tip: Some universities also accept proof of English lessons in upper secondary school or a successfully completed job interview in English.

Written application & further documents

You will need the following documents for the application process:

• Completed application form

• Cover letter (letter of motivation) - Why do you want to Study medicine?

• Letter of recommendation - usually from teacher or internship supervisor

• Copy of the school leaving certificate (notarised & translated if necessary)

• Passport copy & passport photo

Make sure your application is structured and personal - it often determines whether you are invited to the next step.

Admission procedure: Test & Interview

The selection process consists of several stages:

• Written entrance test with a focus on science subjects:

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Physics and maths, if applicable

• Personal interview (especially at the University of Nicosia)

  • Online or on site in Nicosia possible

  • Focus: motivation, communication skills, interest in medicine

Good preparation for the test & the interview is crucial - at futuredoctor you will be specifically prepared for this.

Structure and duration of the medical degree programme in Cyprus

In addition to modern curricula and an international orientation, Cyprus offers a clearly structured study programme - comparable to the model in Germany, but with a stronger focus on practice and patient proximity from the outset.

Duration of study: 6 years until graduation

The medical degree programme in Cyprus lasts six years (12 semesters) and is therefore based on the European Bologna model. The programme is divided into semesters and progress is documented using a credit point system (ECTS).

Key data:

• 6 years of study up to the degree "Doctor of Medicine (MD)"

• Subdivision into Preclinical Phase (year 1-3) & Clinical Phase (year 4-6)

• Language of instruction: English

• Studies usually start in the winter semester (September)

Practice-orientated study structure - PBL instead of bulimic learning

A central feature of the medical degree programme in Cyprus is the application of the "Problem-Based Learning" (PBL) approach. The focus is on practical case studies and active engagement with clinical problems - not just memorising theoretical content.

What you can expect:

• Practical exercises from the 1st semester (e.g. on training dummies, simulation devices)

• Interactive lectures, small group work & case studies

• Early patient contact in cooperating clinics

• Regular examinations & proof of competence via ECTS points

Aim: You will not only learn to understand medical facts - you will be prepared for everyday clinical practice right from the start.

International internships - Erasmus, clinical traineeships & more

Cyprus universities promote international mobility. You can complete parts of your degree programme abroad, e.g:

• Famulaturen in Germany or other countries of the European Union

• Erasmus exchange semester with partner universities

• DAAD programmes for funding internships abroad

This allows you to combine a medical degree in Cyprus with practical experience in Germany - ideal for your future career start.

Costs of studying medicine in Cyprus

To give you your Medizinstudium im Ausland finanzieren you need to think carefully about the costs involved. So that you can plan your studies well, you should also realistically calculate the cost of living in addition to the tuition fees. While tuition fees are comparatively high, the running costs for housing and living in Cyprus are significantly cheaper than in many other EU countries.

Tuition fees in Cyprus - an overview

Tuition fees vary depending on the university, but are generally in line with the upper European average. The medical faculties in particular invest heavily in equipment, practical relevance and international teaching - this is also reflected in the prices.

Average tuition fees:

• Ø approx. € 9,500 per semester

• So approx. 19,000 € per year

Example: University of Nicosia

• Year 1-3: € 18,000 per year

• Year 4-6: € 22,000 per year

• Includes high-quality teaching, laboratory access, clinical training & supervision

Tip: Some universities offer discounts for advance payment or scholarships for high-achieving applicants. You can find more detailed information on the respective university website.

Cost of living - significantly cheaper than in Germany

A real plus point: the cost of living in Cyprus is low, especially compared to large German cities. Many students manage well with a monthly budget of €700 to €800 - including rent, food, local transport and leisure time.

Monthly costs at a glance

University halls of residence offer particularly affordable accommodation close to the campus.

Financing options: How you can finance your studies

Despite high tuition fees, there are various ways to finance your studies in Cyprus.

Possible options

• University scholarship programmes: merit scholarships or social support

• Gifted scholarship organisations & private foundations: e.g. DAAD, Erasmus for partial internships or clinical traineeships

• Student loans: KfW student loan, DKB student financing

• Parental support & part-time jobs: holiday jobs in Germany or part-time jobs in Cyprus possible

Important: Apply for scholarships early - the deadline is often several months before the start of your studies.