University of Cyprus

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University of Cyprus
Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου


Established:	1989
Type:	public
Undergraduates:	3,500
Location:	Nicosia, Cyprus
Website:	http://www.ucy.ac.cy

View of the University of Cyprus in Nicosia

The University of Cyprus (UCY) (in Greek: Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου) is a young university established in 1989. It admitted its first students in 1992 and has currently approximately 3,500 students (2004/2005).

Based at the Capital of Cyprus, Nicosia. Teaching is mainly in Greek. The official languages are Greek and Turkish, but only a few Turkish speakers are registered. Since September 2005, the University's credit point system is based on ECTS. Turkish Cypriots who hold a six-year high-school diploma are eligible for admission upon passing special examinations set by the University.

Those eligible to participate in the entrance examination for the University of Cyprus are Cypriot citizens or those with at least one parent of Cypriot origin. Prospective students must have graduated from a six-year high school, and have completed the necessary application forms within the time limits set by the Ministry of Education and Culture. A limited number of positions is granted to the handicapped or those with special needs.

Greeks of the Diaspora and Cypriots who belong to specific religious groups as determined by the constitution of Cyprus, repatriated Cypriots and Cypriots who are permanent residents in the other countries, can claim a limited number of posts (3% of the admitted Cypriot students) based on G.C.S.E./G.C.E or other equivalent exams

View of the new Campus of the University of Cyprus, Nicosia

The programmes of studies at the University of Cyprus are based on credit hours. One credit hour is normally equivalent to one weekly 50-minute «class» per semester. To graduate from the University, a student must successfully complete 120 credit hours as described in the programme of the Department, which must include 12-15 credit hours of free elective courses outside the major area of studies and from at least two faculties of the University. In addition to the 120 credit hours, the student must complete the University's foreign language requirement of 6 to 9 credits.