YOUR SCHOLARSHIP IN EUROPE

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Your Scholarship in Europe 2008-2009
Cyprus
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT CYPRUS
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean (9,251 sq. km) after Sicily and
Sardinia. It is situated in its eastern part. It is at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and
Africa, and one of its roles is to build bridges between these continents.
The island's main economic activities are banking, tourism, craft exports and merchant
shipping. Over the years, the economy has gradually developed into a modern one with
dynamic services, industrial and agricultural sectors, and an advanced physical and social
infrastructure.
The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia (Lefkosia), is the last divided capital city in Europe with
a population of around 273,000. Other major towns are Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca,
Limassol, Morphou and Paphos. The offi cial languages of the Republic of Cyprus are
Greek and Turkish. English is widely spoken.
According to the Cypriot government, the total population living in territories under its
control is 705,500 (2002). The population in the north is estimated at around 200,000,
87,000 of whom are Turkish Cypriots and the remaining are Turks originating from mainland
Turkey (the 45,000 Turkish military personnel stationed on the island are not included
in this number).
THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM
The University of Cyprus opened in September 1992. It is an autonomous educational
institution and, at present, it is the only university in operation. The University of Cyprus
currently offers programmes through the following faculties: the Faculty of Humanities, the
Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Education, the
Faculty of Economics and Management, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Letters.
The University participates in a number of international university organisations and
networks. Besides the University of Cyprus, there are other educational institutions such
as Open University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology.
University level fi rst stage:
The fi rst stage of higher education at the University of Cyprus lasts four years, leading
to a Certifi cate or Diploma (Ptychio at the University, also called a Bachelors degree). At
the University of Cyprus, the education system is based on credit units. 240 credit units
are required to receive a Bachelors degree.