Study abroad at Kyrenia

Kyrenia (Girne) is the sparkling, picturesque coastal jewel and premier maritime education hub of northern Cyprus, nestled between the dramatic Kyrenia Mountains (Five Finger Mountains / Beşparmak) and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Celebrated worldwide for its horseshoe-shaped historic Venetian Old Harbour, the 16th-century Kyrenia Castle (housing the 4th-century BC ancient shipwreck), Bellapais Abbey, luxury resort marinas, and over 300 days of glorious sunshine every year. Kyrenia is a major international student destination, home to Girne American University (GAU - founded in 1985 as the first private university in North Cyprus, with over 18,000 students from 135+ countries). GAU is internationally recognized for its Faculty of Aviation (pilot training academy), Faculty of Marine and Maritime Transportation (IMO-compliant navigation and marine engineering), Faculty of Business and Economics (accredited by ECBE and IACBE), Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Architecture, Design & Fine Arts. Kyrenia is also home to the University of Kyrenia (specialized in Maritime Studies, Aviation, and Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry) and Cyprus Science University (CSU). Degrees are taught 100% in English with international accreditations recognized by YÖK/YÖDAK and worldwide educational bodies. International students benefit from affordable tuition fees with guaranteed 50% international scholarships, low living costs, safe Mediterranean resort lifestyle, and direct student visa facilitation upon arrival.

Tuition fees in Kyrenia for international undergraduate students at Girne American University (GAU) and University of Kyrenia are exceptionally affordable, ranging between €2,800 and €4,500 per academic year for Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, and Business Administration after applying the standard 50% international tuition scholarship. Flight training fees for Pilotage majors and marine maritime simulator training are billed with specialized packages. 6-Year Medicine (MD in English) and 5-Year Dentistry range from €7,500 to €11,500 per year. Postgraduate Master's programs range from €3,000 to €4,800 for the full degree. Modern on-campus university residences (GAU Gordon Bennett, Knowledge Hall, and Uni-Dorm) cost between €150 and €320 per month (inclusive of electricity, water, and Wi-Fi), while private modern student apartments in Kyrenia, Karaoğlanoğlu, and Alsancak range from €300 to €550 per month. General monthly living expenses range between €450 and €750.

International students enter Northern Cyprus on a Student Entry Visa issued at Ercan International Airport (ECN) upon presenting their official University Acceptance Letter (Acceptance / Offer Letter), receipt of initial tuition deposit, and valid passport. After arrival on campus and completing university registration, the university's International Student Office assists students in obtaining their Student Residence Permit (İkamet) issued by the Ministry of Interior via the online portal, requiring a standard health screening (blood tests) at local state hospitals.