Cyprus is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, located south of Turkey. The Department of Higher Tertiary Education (DAAE) has diligently worked to support funding, research initiatives, and overall interest in higher education. With a commitment to global academic and scientific standards, Cyprus attracts a substantial influx of international students every year, offering them a chance to immerse themselves in a rich educational environment.

In this guide we’ll help you obtain a Cyprus student visa so you can unlock the gateway to a world-class education and cultural exploration on this enchanting island.

If you are eager to gain international experience, explore the following universities:

Cyprus student visa is required if you:

Note:

Non-EU/EFTA students are exempted from needing a Cyprus visa if their stay is up to 90 days. 

The supporting documents required for applying Cyprus student visa are as follows:

Note:

Any additional documents your educational institution might ask you to submit.

To apply for a Cyprus student visa, you must first get accepted into an educational institution in Cyprus. Once you are accepted, the institution will arrange for you to apply for the visa in one of two ways:

A Cyprus student visa takes approximately a month to process. One should also consider the time it would take for the documents to be sent by post and whether any corrections are needed. Apply 2-3 months before your intended travel date. 

To legally reside and study in Cyprus for more than 90 days, you must apply for a Temporary Cyprus Residence Permit at the Cyprus Migration Department upon your arrival in the country, using the student visa you obtained before your trip as an entry visa only. Additionally, you will be required to undergo medical examinations for hepatitis B and C, HIV, and Syphilis, and obtain a chest X-ray.

To apply for your Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit, you should submit the following documents to the Migration Department in Cyprus: the Temporary Residence Permit Application Form, your Cyprus student visa, the Letter of Acceptance from your school, your medical examination results, proof of accommodation in Cyprus, proof of health insurance, and a copy of your passport.

Finally, the Migration Department will register your biometrics and take your signature before issuing your student residence permit.

The Cyprus student residence permit that you are given is temporary and has a validity of 1 year. Nevertheless, it can be renewed every year for the entire period of your studies. It is mandatory to apply for the renewal of your Cyprus student residence permit at least one month before your current permit expires.

International students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week in specific industries such as manufacturing, health and social care, food delivery, agriculture, restaurants, and gas stations. However, a student must submit a work contract to a District Employment Office for approval. 

Note:

It is important to remember that Cyprus is not a member of the Schengen Agreement. As a result, it is not possible to travel to any other country within the Schengen Zone using your Cyprus student visa.