Every student should be in possession of the relevant permit issued by the Civil Archive and Migration Department. 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.
School attendance is compulsory and concerns the programmes and disciplines of study approved by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Admission process

Applicants Nationals of the EU Member States

Candidates who are nationals of the EU Member States can enter Cyprus as visitors. 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. The good conduct certificate should be original and be issued less than six (6) months prior to the beginning of the semester for which the student is applying. The names and titles of the persons issuing and certifying the document should be clearly stated therein. If not in English, official translation must also be presented.

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. The application to the Migration Department must be supported by evidence that they have paid their tuition fees for the semester, have enough funds for their initial living expenses, and have obtained local health insurance coverage.

Applicants Nationals of other countries

International students from non EU countries need a student visa for entry to 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.
Student visas can be issued either by an Embassy/ High Commission/ Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus in the candidate’s home country or by the Migration Department in Cyprus.

Note:
Normally, foreign students from non EU countries are NOT allowed to work during their study in Cyprus but there are exceptions for certain courses for which working permits may be issued to enable practical training during the summer vacations.

Employment of Students from Third Countries

Students who are nationals of third countries can apply and get permission to work in Cyprus for up to 20 hours per week, in paid economic activity, under certain conditions and for certain kinds of work.
Students should first get a student permit from the Immigration Authorities. They should then sign a contract of employment, with an employer, and submit it to a District Employment Office for approval. The Employment Office will check the main conditions and if satisfied will approve the contract.
The student permit may be gained once the applicant:

• prove of his registration to an internationally recognized University or University Programs
• prove to be a full-time student of a recognized universities or college and must have spent at least six months of full-time study in Cyprus

The main documents necessary for those wishing to work – and for their employers – are:

• a valid residence permit (with a date of at least six months)

• an approved employment contract
• a time-table of studies – which should not coincide with the working hours