University of Nicosia
Πανεπιστήμιο Λευκωσίας
Cyprus's largest university, a private English-taught campus in Nicosia known for medicine, law, business and blockchain.
- Students
- 11,500
- International
- 65%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 17.2:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- €10,320
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 1980
About UNIC
The University of Nicosia (UNIC) grew out of Intercollege, founded in 1980, and became a university in September 2007. It is a private university and says it is the largest in Cyprus, with over 11,000 students from more than 70 countries; its Nicosia campus page puts the figure at over 11,500 from more than 100 countries. It also runs a campus in Athens, UNIC Athens, and a large online and distance-learning arm.
UNIC describes itself as the largest university in southern Europe that teaches primarily in English. Its eight schools cover business, education, humanities and social sciences, law, life and health sciences, sciences and engineering, medicine and veterinary medicine, and it offers more than 100 on-campus and online programmes. The Medical School, set up in collaboration with St George's, University of London, runs the first and largest medical programme in Cyprus and has over 500 students. UNIC is also known for its early work in digital currency and blockchain, with a master's in Blockchain and Digital Currency.
Admission to most bachelor's programmes is based on your school-leaving certificate and English level rather than an entrance exam, so UNIC is open to a wide range of applicants; Medicine and Veterinary Medicine are far more selective. It suits students who want an English-taught degree inside the EU, a big international campus and a professional route such as medicine, law, pharmacy or architecture.
Think Big
University motto
Why students choose UNIC
Almost all bachelor's degrees are taught in English, from Accounting and Law to Computer Science and Architecture, with a few Greek-taught programmes.
The 6-year MD, Cyprus's first and largest medical programme, was built with St George's, University of London, and is accredited by CYQAA, which holds WFME recognition.
Three purpose-built residences next to campus, SIX, U and TRIANGLE, offer 853 en-suite rooms between them.
Scholarships are awarded on school grades in the first year and then each semester on university GPA, up to 50% of tuition for a 4.00 GPA.
Admissions
Fall 2027 entry (September 2027)
Selectivity
UNIC publishes no acceptance rate. Most bachelor's programmes admit on a recognised school-leaving certificate plus English proficiency; students below a set grade threshold (e.g. under 7.5/10 or 15/20) receive extra academic guidance in their first year. Medicine and Veterinary Medicine have separate, competitive admissions with interviews.
Typical entry requirements
| GCE A-levels | Standard entry CCD or above; higher-entry programmes BBC or above. 6-year MD: ABB including Biology and one of Chemistry, Physics or Maths |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma | Standard entry 30 points or above; higher-entry programmes 32 or above. 6-year MD: 32 points with 16 at Higher Level, including Biology and one of Chemistry, Physics or Maths |
| Cypriot / Greek Apolytirion | Standard entry 15/20 or above; higher-entry programmes 17/20. 6-year MD: 18/20 overall |
| German Abitur | Standard entry 2.0-1.0; higher-entry programmes 1.7-1.0 |
| English language | IELTS 6 · TOEFL iBT 72 Bachelor's minimums: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72, Cambridge First 160, or GCE A-level English at C. Applicants with IELTS 4.5 or equivalent can be admitted with an English Placement Test and support classes. The 6-year MD needs IELTS 6.5 (6.5 in writing, 6.0 in other parts) or TOEFL iBT 79. Greek-taught programmes do not require English. |
Deadlines
- Spring 2027 intake (February 2027) Non-bindingLate October 2026
Indicative deadline for international (non-EU) applications with all documents.
- Fall 2027 intake (September 2027) Non-bindingLate June 2027
Indicative deadline for international (non-EU) applications with all documents; apply earlier to leave time for a student visa.
UNIC publishes indicative deadlines only (late June for September entry, late October for February entry, late February for the summer session). European and local students are asked to contact the Admissions Department for their deadlines. Medicine and Veterinary Medicine set their own timelines.
How to apply
Apply directly to UNIC with the online application form (or by post or email), a passport copy, and a certified copy of your high school leaving certificate and mark sheet; some programmes ask for a portfolio. An admissions counsellor then contacts you and, for non-EU students, guides the student visa process. The application fee is 60 euros. Medicine and Veterinary Medicine apply through their own schools.
What admissions looks for
- A recognised high school leaving certificate, with grades at or above the standard entry level for your qualification.
- English proficiency for English-taught programmes (for example IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72).
- For some programmes, a portfolio or higher grades in specific subjects.
- For Medicine, strong science grades, relevant volunteering and a successful online interview that shows you understand the demands of practising medicine.
Tips for applying to UNIC
- 1 Check whether your programme is taught in English, Greek or both: Pre-Primary and Primary Education, Social Work, Nutrition and Dietetics, Physiotherapy and Sports Science are Greek-taught.
- 2 Send your school-leaving certificate with the application: it is also used to award first-year academic merit scholarships.
- 3 Non-EU students should apply well before the late-June deadline, as the visa process and a 400-euro refundable international student guarantee come after the offer.
- 4 If your English is below IELTS 6.0, you can still be admitted with a placement test and support classes, but those courses carry fewer credits.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in EUR
UNIC offers first-year academic merit scholarships based on school-leaving grades, then GPA-based scholarships each semester (50% for a 4.00, 20% for 3.75-3.99, 10% for 3.50-3.74). There are athletic scholarships of up to 40% of tuition, need-based tuition reductions, a 15% large-family scholarship and 10% sibling and alumni discounts. Cypriot students can also draw on government subsidies.
- 50% of tuition
- GPA scholarship (4.00 cumulative GPA)
- Up to 40% of tuition
- Athletic scholarships
- 515 euros (application, visa, registration, insurance, activity and technology fees) plus a 400-euro refundable guarantee
- Non-EU extra fees in year one (Accounting example)
- 11,235 euros including fees and guarantee
- Example total first-year bill, non-EU Accounting student
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (Fall, Spring) plus a summer session
Medicine (6-year MD)
Cyprus's first and largest medical programme, built with St George's, University of London; ABB at A-level or IB 32 plus an interview.
Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
A five-year, 300-ECTS English-taught veterinary degree at 21,000 euros a year.
Law (LLB)
Taught in English or Greek; UNIC names law among its best-regarded programmes.
Architecture (BAArch/MArch)
A four-year bachelor's or five-year integrated master's based in the campus Architecture Research Centre.
Blockchain and Digital Currency (MSc)
UNIC's pioneering online master's in digital currency, a field it says it leads globally.
Computer Science and Data Science (BSc)
English-taught four-year degrees in the School of Sciences and Engineering.
Research
- UNIC ranks 1st among Greek and Cypriot universities for research quality in THE World University Rankings 2026, by its own account.
- UNIC Health links the Medical School, School of Veterinary Medicine and School of Life and Health Sciences under a One Health research strategy on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and environmental health.
- In September 2026 UNIC researchers took part in an international study on the evolution of bats published in Nature.
Schools & faculties
- School of Business
- School of Education
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Law
- School of Life and Health Sciences
- Medical School
- School of Sciences and Engineering
- School of Veterinary Medicine
Student life
UNIC's Nicosia campus sits in Engomi, a student district where some 20 university buildings are mixed in with more than 70 restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars within walking distance. The university runs three residence blocks next to campus: SIX, a set of six 12-storey towers with 307 rooms; U, with 399 single studios; and TRIANGLE, with 147 rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, kitchens and balconies. Students come from dozens of countries, and UNIC runs sports teams with open trials each autumn and a sports office.
- SIX, U and TRIANGLE residences: 853 en-suite rooms next to campus.
- University football and volleyball teams hold open trials each fall.
- UNIC Athens campus and many joint master's degrees with Greek universities.
- Accommodation Office helps with hotel stays and private flats for off-campus students.
Housing. First-years can book rooms in the SIX, U or TRIANGLE residences in Engomi; UNIC estimates shared accommodation at 4,000-6,000 euros a year.
Location
Nicosia is the inland capital of Cyprus, and UNIC's campus lies in Engomi, a residential and student neighbourhood of the city. Cyprus is an EU member, so EU students need no visa, while non-EU students need a student visa arranged with the university's help. UNIC estimates yearly living costs of roughly 7,750 to 11,500 euros.
Nearest airport: Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Notable alumni
- AE Azarel ErnestaSpeaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles since 2025, the first woman in the role; Bachelor of Laws
- IC Irene CharalambidouCypriot journalist and member of parliament; studied psychology
- MK Maureen KimenyeKenyan physician who heads Kenya's National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease programme; MBA
- SN Susan NsibirwaManaging Director of Nation Media Group; master's degree
- SS Sean SempleAnglican Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf; postgraduate study in clinical psychology
- JW Jilan Wahba AbdalmajidPalestinian ambassador to Ireland; PhD
- SC Savvas ConstantinouCypriot filmmaker; BA in Mass Media and Digital Communication (2021)
Frequently asked questions
Is the University of Nicosia taught in English?
Mostly. UNIC says it is the largest university in southern Europe that teaches primarily in English; a few programmes such as Primary Education, Social Work and Physiotherapy are taught in Greek.
How much does the University of Nicosia cost for international students?
For 2026-27, non-EU bachelor's tuition is 10,320 euros a year for most programmes, 10,800 for engineering and computer science, and 24,000 for the 6-year MD. Other first-year fees add about 515 euros, plus a refundable 400-euro guarantee.
What are the entry requirements for UNIC?
Standard entry is a recognised school-leaving certificate, e.g. CCD at A-level, IB 30 or a US GPA of 3.0, plus English at IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72. Medicine needs ABB at A-level or IB 32 and an interview.
When is the application deadline for UNIC?
Indicative deadlines for international students are late June for September entry and late October for February entry. EU and local students should contact the Admissions Department.
Is the University of Nicosia public or private?
Private. It began as Intercollege in 1980 and became the University of Nicosia in 2007.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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