Keystone logo
Cyprus

Study Law in Cyprus 2024

Study in Cyprus

Legal Education in Cyprus

The most popular law program in Cyprus is offered by the University of Nicosia, where students can earn an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) in four years. According to the University of Nicosia's website, the LLB program was officially recognized by the Cyprus Legal Council in 2009 and enables graduates to continue with their education so they can qualify to sit at the bar exam. The Cyprus Bar Association regulates licenses and establishes disciplinary measures as needed. Lawyers in Cyprus do not need to specialize in any field of law because they are considered "registered" practicing lawyers who can take on any legal case they wish.

The European University Cyprus has master's degree law programs that require students complete Bachelor of Laws courses before enrolling in graduate level law classes.

Tuition Costs for Earning a LLB or LLM in Cyprus

Approximate cost of one year of law school in Cyprus is 9000 to 12000 euros ($12,000 to $16,000 USD). The European University Cyprus offers financial aid for students in need as well as various scholarships and grants for international students. All students must pay tuition fees, regardless of country of residency.

Opportunities for Lawyers in Cyprus

Although the unemployment rate in Cyprus is currently 17 percent, licensed lawyers experience less difficulty finding positions with law firms, banks, police enforcement agencies and other industries requiring knowledge of international and business law.

Change currency

Basic monthly living cost

  • Rent in a shared flat

    567
  • Share of utilities

    60
  • Internet subscription

    34
  • Local transportation

    40

Sample lifestyle cost

  • Fast food combo

    7
  • Cinema ticket

    10
  • Pint of local beer

    3

About Cyprus

Surrounded by Greece, Egypt, Turkey and Israel, The Republic of Cyprus is an island country located about 2000 miles northeast of Africa in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Although northern Cyprus is under Turkish control and calls itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Turkey is the only country that recognizes this entity. The international populace considers northern Cyprus an area that is simply occupied by forces working for the Turkish government and is actually a part of the Republic of Cyprus.

In 2004, Cyprus joined the European Union and later joined the Eurozone in 2008. It is one of the most popular destination spots in the Mediterranean due to its mild winters and subtropical climate and enjoys a high-income economy that consistently scores in the top 20 on the Human Development Index.

Useful Information about Cyprus

• The CIA World Factbook states that 77 percent of Cyprus residents are Greek Cypriots, with 18 percent of them designated at Turkish Cypriots. Over 10,000 Russians currently live in Cyprus as well.

• Greek Cypriots belong to the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus while Turkish Cypriots adhere to the Sunni Islam religion.

• Turkish and Greek are Cyprus' two official languages. Cypriot Maronite Arabic and Armenian are considered minority languages. However, English is spoken by many Cypriots and most public notices, road signs and advertisements are in English.

• Approximately 7% of the GDP is used to fund educational ventures, making Cyprus one of the EU's top spenders on primary and higher education (along with Sweden and Denmark).

• A member of the EU, Cyprus uses the euro as currency. However, the Turkish lira is used in the northern part of Cyprus, along with the euro.

• The capital and largest city in Cyprus is Nicosia. It is also considered the 5th richest city in the world. in terms of per capita income.

Legal System in Cyprus

Under British rule until 1960, Cyprus employs a legal system similar to the English system of law. Cyprus currently has a Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, Principles of Common Law and Equity and Laws enacted by members of their House of Representatives. After Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, its Constitution was amended to allow European legislature to supercede their national legislation.

The three branches of Cyprus law are the Common Law, Principles of Equity and Statute Law, which comprises the bulk of Cyprus legal system. District courts are divided into Civil, Family, Labor Law, Criminal and Military courts. All lawyers qualified to work in Cyprus have the right to appear in any District Court. However, a Cyprus lawyer must have five or more years experience practicing as a district court lawyer before they can be heard by the Supreme Court.

Visa Requirements

What type of Visa do you need?

Visa name

Student Visa

Price and currency

EUR 40

The student visa fees vary and can be around 40 EUR. The fees may be subject to change.

Who can apply for the visa?

Candidates who are EU-nationals can enter Cyprus as visitors. On arrival at the educational institution, they must submit a number of documents to the admission office of the educational institution - see under "How to make the application?".

International students from non-EU countries need a student visa before entering Cyprus. Student visas are issued only to full-time international students. A full-time student is one who takes a minimum of 12 credits in a semester.

Where can you make the application?

Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus

You should apply in person at the Embassy / High Commission / Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus in your country of residence.

Website:

How to make the application?

Non-EU students:

You will need to provide the following documents when applying for your student visa:

  • A fully completed application form.
  • An application fee of 15-30 Cyprus Pounds (non-refundable).
  • Four (4) passport-size photographs.
  • Attested (certified true) copies of the student's academic qualifications.
  • Evidence of proficiency in English (if possible)
  • A photocopy of their passport. The passport should be valid for at least one (1) year from the date of the student's arrival.

The Admission Office will communicate details about the interview dates and required documents to candidates in time for the interview.

During the visa interview at the Embassy/ High Commission/ Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus, the candidate must present:

  • Original academic qualifications and their attested copies in English or in English translation. \
  • Their passport, valid for at least one (1) year from the date of their arrival to Cyprus
  • A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the country of origin or residence.
  • A recent financial guarantee issued by the student sponsor's

Students must report to the educational institution on the first working day after their arrival in order to register and proceed with the remaining formalities needed for the issue of a temporary residence permit.
International students should register with the District Police Alien Branch within seven days as from the day of arrival in Cyprus.

EU students: On arrival at the educational institution, they must submit to the admission office of the educational institution the following:

  • A fully completed application form.
  • An application fee of 15-30 Cyprus Pounds (non-refundable).
  • Four (4) passport-size photographs.
  • Attested (certified true) copies of the student's academic qualifications.
  • Evidence of proficiency in English (if possible)
  • A photocopy of their passport. The passport should be valid for at least one (1) year from the date of the student's arrival.
  • A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the country of origin or residence.

In addition to the above, candidates must pay the registration fee, the semester tuition fees, and register for subjects. Next, they must apply to the Migration Department for a temporary residence permit.

When should you apply?

You should apply for your student visa at least 2-3 months before your planned arrival to Cyprus.

The length of the student visa depends on the length of your study program.

Processing time

3 Months

Work opportunities

Normally, foreign students from non-EU countries are not allowed to work throughout their study in Cyprus. Exceptions can be created by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus for courses, where working permits may be issued to allow practical training throughout summer vacations.

Hours per week

0

Why do you need this type of visa?

Your visa application may be rejected if you are not able to show proof of the required funds, or if you provide incorrect or incomplete documents.

Please note: The student visa is issued for a specific educational institution. In case of the foreign student deciding to change an educational institution, one must then obtain a new residence permit.