How many universities are in Northern Cyprus?

Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has 19 active universities spread across 5 cities — Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, Lefke, İskele, and Güzelyurt. All operate under YÖDAK higher-education coordination.

What are typical rental prices near TRNC universities?

Rent for a 1+1 (one-bedroom) apartment near a campus varies by university, walking distance, and furnishing status. Walking-distance neighborhoods carry a premium over areas 5-10 minutes away by car, and furnished + bills-included options sit at the upper end. Check each university's rental page on Evlek for the current price range.

Which TRNC universities are internationally accredited?

8 universities hold international accreditations from bodies including ABET, FIBAA, MÜDEK, AHPGS, ACPE, IACBE, and ASIIN. Eastern Mediterranean University holds ABET accreditation in 8 engineering programs; Near East University holds ACPE (USA) accreditation in Pharmacy; Cyprus International University holds FIBAA accreditation in Business Administration. Per-university accreditation lists are on each detail page.

What is the language of instruction at TRNC universities?

English is the primary language of instruction at most TRNC universities, with Turkish-track options in some departments. Medicine, engineering, and business programs are predominantly in English. TOEFL/IELTS or a university preparatory year satisfies English proficiency.

How do international students obtain a residence permit in TRNC?

Apply to the Immigration Office with university enrollment certificate, passport, health report, and proof of address. The first year grants an annual permit; renewals are 2-year. Processing takes 2-4 weeks on average. Each university's international office handles documentation.

TRNC University Guide

Universities of Northern Cyprus

Near East, Eastern Mediterranean, Girne American and more — live rental ranges around each campus, neighborhood guides, and market data cross-referenced with KTEB-member agent reports.

KTEB Cross-ReferencedLast updated: 5 August 2026

19Universities

5Cities

129K+Students

71Neighborhood Guides

Featured Universities

Accredited, large student body, comprehensive campus

Detailed Guide

Near East University

NicosiaFounded 198825.000+

Near East University, founded in 1988, is the largest university in the TRNC. The campus includes a hospital, research centers, and dormitories with 5,500 bed capacity. It offers programs in medicine, engineering, law, and arts.

Monthly range£250–£700

8 faculties7 neighborhood guides

Detailed Guide

Eastern Mediterranean University

FamagustaFounded 197920.000+

**The only state university in the TRNC** since 1979, Eastern Mediterranean University is a long-established higher education institution in Famagusta. With dual YÖK + YÖDAK accreditation, ABET-accredited engineering programmes across 8 disciplines (Electrical-Electronics, Civil, Mechanical, Computer, Industrial, Business Administration, Mechatronics, Software Engineering), and students from 100+ countries, it anchors Famagusta's academic life. Strong programmes in engineering, architecture, business, communication, and tourism.

Monthly range£250–£550

8 faculties7 neighborhood guides

Detailed Guide

Girne American University

KyreniaFounded 198518.000+

Girne American University, founded in 1985, is **the TRNC's first private university (1985)** and remains a long-established institution offering a US-aligned credit system. Its Karaoğlanoğlu seafront campus, combined with Kyrenia's tourism dynamic, delivers an American-style campus experience. Strong programmes in business, law, engineering, communication, and architecture; modular credits support mid-term transfers and exchange programmes. The seafront location pairs the parent-investor 4-year buy-in strategy with long-term rental or summer Airbnb conversion angles.

Monthly range£350–£800

7 faculties5 neighborhood guides

Major Universities

Broad program range, growing campus

Cyprus International University

NicosiaFounded 199715.000+

Cyprus International University, founded in 1997, stands out with its modern Haspolat campus and broad academic spectrum. With 100+ programmes spanning medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and engineering, it hosts international students from 110+ countries. MÜDEK accreditation in engineering (the Turkish Engineering Accreditation Board — full Washington Accord signatory, EUR-ACE authorised) signals professional rigour for the parent-investor and foreign-student segment. The 14 km distance to Ercan Airport is a key advantage for frequently travelling students and faculty.

Monthly range£300–£700

10 faculties4 neighborhood guides

European University of Lefke

LefkeFounded 199010.000+

European University of Lefke, founded in 1990, sits in a peaceful town surrounded by citrus orchards. With KYK dormitories (Bülent Ecevit + Şehit İlhanlar) and a private rental market, it offers a serene academic environment. With 32 internationally accredited programmes (ASIIN, FIBAA, AHPGS, MÜDEK) spanning medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and engineering, it maintains strong European structural alignment. EUL hosts TRNC's most affordable rental market among university towns — for students seeking a quiet setting and long-term investors, the combination of Lefke's town fabric and the Gemikonağı coast creates a distinctive niche.

Monthly range£200–£400

9 faculties3 neighborhood guides

Final International University

KyreniaFounded 20155.000+

Final International University (FIU), founded in 2015 by the Final education group, is a private university in Çatalköy, Kyrenia (Beşparmaklar Avenue). It offers nine faculties — led by Dentistry, Pharmacy and Health Sciences — on a calm Çatalköy campus about ten minutes from the coast and Kyrenia centre. Turkish- and English-medium programmes pair with a student-friendly setting where pool-equipped residences are common.

Monthly range—

9 faculties3 neighborhood guides

METU Northern Cyprus Campus

GüzelyurtFounded 20053.000+

Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus (METU NCC) is METU Ankara's first overseas campus, founded through the 2000 tripartite protocol and 2003 establishment law. On a 3,385-acre campus allocated by the TRNC government in Kalkanlı — 6 km north of Güzelyurt — it offers 15 undergraduate and 5 graduate programmes to thousands of students. With engineering-led strength (Aerospace, Petroleum & Natural Gas, Computer, Electrical-Electronics, Civil, Chemical, Mechanical), English-medium instruction and a METU degree, it ranks among the TRNC's most prestigious state-linked campuses, guaranteeing on-campus dormitory accommodation to every international student for at least two years.

Monthly range—

6 faculties3 neighborhood guides

Other Universities

Niche programs, small & mid-size campus

View Listings

Universities of Northern Cyprus

Near East University

Eastern Mediterranean University

Girne American University

Cyprus International University

European University of Lefke

Final International University

METU Northern Cyprus Campus

BAU Cyprus University

Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University

University of Mediterranean Karpasia

ARUCAD University

Cyprus West University

University of Kyrenia

Rauf Denktaş University

American University of Cyprus

Altınbaş Cyprus University

City Island University

ITU Northern Cyprus Campus

Cyprus Aydın University

Universities of Northern Cyprus

Near East University

Eastern Mediterranean University

Girne American University

Cyprus International University

European University of Lefke

Final International University

METU Northern Cyprus Campus

BAU Cyprus University

Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University

University of Mediterranean Karpasia

ARUCAD University

Cyprus West University

University of Kyrenia

Rauf Denktaş University

American University of Cyprus

Altınbaş Cyprus University

City Island University

ITU Northern Cyprus Campus

Cyprus Aydın University