Cyprus Universities IGCSE Admission Guide

Comprehensive Guide for International Students 2024-2025

Complete admission requirements and study programs for students with IGCSE qualifications

About This Guide

This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about admission requirements for international students holding IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) qualifications who wish to study at universities in Cyprus. Cyprus has become an increasingly popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, English-taught programs, and EU membership.

What You'll Find Here

  • • Specific IGCSE grade requirements
  • • English language proficiency standards
  • • Available undergraduate programs
  • • Official university contact information
  • • Application procedures and deadlines

Universities Covered

  • • University of Cyprus (UCY)
  • • European University Cyprus (EUC)
  • • Cyprus International University (CIU)
  • • Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)
  • • University of Nicosia (UNIC)
  • • UCLan Cyprus
  • • Cyprus West University (CWU)
  • • Near East University (NEU)

IGCSE Recognition in Cyprus

General Equivalency Standards

  • 2 A-Level = 4 AS Level = 8 IGCSE
  • Minimum IGCSE Grade: Usually C or above
  • English Language: Minimum C grade in IGCSE English
  • Subject Requirements: Vary by program

Common English Language Requirements

  • IGCSE English (First Language): Grade C or above
  • IGCSE English (Second Language): Grade B or above
  • Alternative: IELTS 5.5-6.5 or equivalent
  • Foundation Programs: Available for lower grades

University Admission Requirements

University of Cyprus (UCY)

Cyprus's leading public university, established in 1989

IGCSE Requirements

  • General Programs: 5 IGCSE subjects minimum grade C
  • Medical Programs: 3 A-Level equivalent (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics)
  • Engineering: Mathematics and Physics required
  • Modern Languages: IGCSE in relevant language with grade B

English Language Requirements

  • IGCSE English: Grade C or above
  • IELTS: 6.0 overall
  • TOEFL iBT: 79 or above
  • Alternative: University placement test

Popular Programs Accepting IGCSE

Program Specific IGCSE Requirements Duration
Business Administration 5 IGCSE subjects, grade C minimum 4 years
Computer Science Mathematics grade B, 5 subjects total 4 years
Psychology 5 IGCSE subjects, grade C minimum 4 years
Medicine Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (A-Level equivalent) 6 years

Important: UCY has specific entrance examinations for international students. IGCSE holders must meet minimum grade requirements and may need additional qualifications.

European University Cyprus (EUC)

Private university with strong European connections

IGCSE Requirements

  • General Admission: High School completion certificate
  • IGCSE Accepted: As equivalent to secondary education
  • Minimum Grade: Not specified, but competitive grades recommended
  • Subject Requirements: Vary by program

English Language Requirements

  • IGCSE English: Grade C or above
  • TOEFL iBT: 79 minimum
  • IELTS: 6.5 minimum
  • Alternative: English Placement Test (EPT)

Popular Programs

Business & Economics
  • • Business Administration
  • • Marketing
  • • International Business
  • • Economics
Engineering & Technology
  • • Computer Engineering
  • • Electrical Engineering
  • • Civil Engineering
  • • Software Engineering

Flexible Admission: EUC offers English language support and foundation programs for students who need to improve their English proficiency.

Cyprus International University (CIU)

International university with diverse student body

IGCSE Requirements

  • General Requirements: Higher/Secondary Certificate or equivalents
  • IGCSE Accepted: O/A Level equivalents
  • Application: Online application system
  • Documents: Diploma, transcript, passport copy

English Language Requirements

  • TOEFL iBT: 65 minimum
  • IELTS: 5.5 minimum
  • IGCSE English: Accepted as proof
  • Alternative: University English test

Major Schools and Programs

Business
  • • Business Administration
  • • International Trade
  • • Tourism Management
Engineering
  • • Computer Engineering
  • • Civil Engineering
  • • Mechanical Engineering
Arts & Sciences
  • • Psychology
  • • English Language
  • • Graphic Design

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)

Leading university in Northern Cyprus with international recognition

IGCSE Requirements

  • General Programs: 5 IGCSE subjects minimum
  • Equivalency: 2 A-Level = 4 AS = 8 IGCSE
  • Medical Programs: 3 A-Level (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics)
  • Engineering: Mathematics and Physics required

English Language Requirements

  • IGCSE English: Grade C or above
  • IELTS: 6.0 overall
  • TOEFL iBT: 79 or above
  • English Prep: Available for lower scores

Specific Program Requirements

Program Category IGCSE Requirements Minimum Grade
Medicine Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics 3 A-Level equivalent
Engineering Mathematics, Physics 2 A-Level equivalent
Business 5 IGCSE subjects Grade C minimum
Arts & Sciences 5 IGCSE subjects Grade C minimum

High Standards: EMU maintains high academic standards and is ranked among the top universities in the region. Medical and Engineering programs are particularly competitive.

University of Nicosia (UNIC)

Cyprus's largest private university with 95% acceptance rate

IGCSE Requirements

  • Minimum Requirement: High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC)
  • IGCSE Accepted: As equivalent to HSLC
  • Grade Requirement: 7.5/10 or 15/20 equivalent
  • Support Available: Academic guidance for lower grades

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 minimum for undergraduate
  • IGCSE English (First Language): Grade C or above
  • IGCSE English (Second Language): Grade B or above
  • TOEFL iBT: 60 minimum

Schools and Popular Programs

Business
  • • Business Administration
  • • Accounting
  • • Marketing
Sciences
  • • Computer Science
  • • Engineering
  • • Life Sciences
Medical
  • • Medicine
  • • Veterinary Medicine
  • • Pharmacy
Humanities
  • • Law
  • • Education
  • • Psychology

Student-Friendly: UNIC has a 95% acceptance rate and offers extensive support for international students, including those with IGCSE qualifications.

UCLan Cyprus

Branch campus of University of Central Lancashire (UK)

IGCSE Requirements

  • Minimum: High School Leaving Certificate
  • A-Level Points: 96 points (new tariff system)
  • IGCSE English: Grade C (First Language) or C (Second Language)
  • Subject Requirements: Relevant to chosen program

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS: 5.5 minimum (some programs require 6.0)
  • IGCSE English: Grade C or above
  • TOEFL iBT: 40 minimum
  • Password Test: University's own English test

UK-Quality Programs

Popular Undergraduate Programs
  • • Business Administration
  • • Computer Science
  • • Psychology
  • • International Business
  • • Graphic Design
  • • Tourism & Hospitality
UK Connection Benefits
  • • UK degree awarded
  • • Same standards as UK campus
  • • Student exchange opportunities
  • • Lower tuition than UK
  • • EU membership benefits

UK Standards: As a branch campus of University of Central Lancashire, UCLan Cyprus maintains the same academic standards and awards UK degrees.

Cyprus West University (CWU)

Private university with flexible admission policies

IGCSE Requirements

  • General Requirement: Higher Secondary School Certificate
  • A-Level Alternative: At least two A Levels
  • IGCSE Equivalent: 5 IGCSE or equivalent qualifications
  • GCE Standard: 2 A Level = 4 AS = 8 IGCSE

English Language Requirements

  • TOEFL CBT: 183 minimum
  • GCE/IGCSE: Minimum grade specified
  • English Support: Available for lower scores
  • Assessment: University placement test

Admission Criteria Summary

Qualification Type Minimum Requirement Equivalent
American College Testing (ACT) Minimum 21 points -
GCE (General Certificate of Education) 2 A Level or equivalent 4 AS = 8 IGCSE
International Baccalaureate Qualify for IB diploma -
SAT Minimum 900/1600 -

Near East University (NEU)

Comprehensive university with medical programs

IGCSE Requirements

  • General Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent
  • IGCSE Accepted: International General Certificate of Secondary Education
  • Application: Online application system
  • No Entrance Exam: For most programs

English Language Requirements

  • English Entry Exam: Required for international students
  • IGCSE English: May exempt from entry exam
  • Preparatory Classes: Available if needed
  • Flexible Approach: Support for various English levels

Special Programs

Medical Programs
  • • Medicine (6 years)
  • • Dentistry
  • • Pharmacy
  • • Nursing
  • • Veterinary Medicine
Other Popular Programs
  • • Engineering
  • • Business Administration
  • • Computer Science
  • • Architecture
  • • Psychology

Medical Excellence: NEU is particularly known for its medical programs and has modern facilities including a teaching hospital.

General Application Process for IGCSE Students

Required Documents

IGCSE Certificates

Official certificates with grades for all subjects

Passport Copy

Valid passport with at least 2 years remaining

Passport Photos

Recent passport-sized photographs

Application Form

Completed university application form

Application Timeline

1
Research Programs

Choose university and program

2
Prepare Documents

Gather all required certificates

3
Submit Application

Complete online application

4
Wait for Response

Receive admission decision

Important Tips for IGCSE Students

Grade Requirements

Most universities require minimum grade C in IGCSE subjects. Medical and engineering programs may require higher grades.

Early Application

Apply early to secure your place and have better chances for scholarships. Deadlines are typically in June for fall semester.

English Proficiency

IGCSE English with grade C or above usually satisfies language requirements. Some programs may require higher grades.

Financial Planning

Consider tuition fees, living costs, and available scholarships. Cyprus is generally more affordable than other EU countries.

Visa Requirements

Non-EU students need student visas. Start the visa application process early after receiving admission letter.

Support Services

Most universities offer extensive support for international students including orientation, academic support, and career services.

Contact Information and Resources

General Resources

Study in Cyprus Portal

Official government portal for international students

studyincyprus.io
Cyprus Higher Education

Ministry of Education information

highereducation.ac.cy

Important Notes

  • • Always verify current requirements directly with universities
  • • Requirements may change annually
  • • Contact admission offices for specific questions
  • • Consider applying to multiple universities
  • • Keep original documents safe and get certified copies