Scholarships in Cyprus for Pakistani Students

When Pakistani students think of studying abroad, destinations like the UK, Canada, or Australia often come to mind. But in recent years, Cyprus has quietly become a hidden gem in Europe for affordable, high-quality education.

Imagine living in a safe, sunny island country where universities welcome students from across the world, tuition fees are lower than most European countries, and scholarships make education even more accessible. That’s the reality for hundreds of Pakistani students choosing Cyprus each year.

A Snapshot: Scholarships in Cyprus 2025

Here’s a quick breakdown of what Pakistani students can expect:

• Scholarship Types: Fully funded, partial tuition waivers, government grants, Erasmus+ exchange
• Coverage: Tuition discounts (10%–100%), housing allowance, health insurance, monthly stipends (for some programs)
• Top Universities: University of Nicosia, Near East University, European University Cyprus, Frederick University
• Eligibility: Academic performance, English proficiency, and recommendation letters

How Scholarships in Cyprus Work

Unlike some countries where scholarships are strictly government-issued, Cyprus takes a more university-centered approach. That means:

• Most students get scholarships directly from universities based on grades, talent, or need.
• Government scholarships exist but are limited and competitive.
• Erasmus+ programs allow Pakistani students to study in Cyprus for a semester or degree under exchange.

What Makes Cyprus Attractive for Pakistani Students?

• Safe and Student-Friendly – Cyprus is ranked as one of the safest countries in Europe.
• English-Medium Education – Most programs are taught in English, removing language barriers.
• Affordable Education – Tuition is €5,000–€8,000 per year without a scholarship; much cheaper with aid.
• Global Recognition – Degrees are EU-recognized, opening doors across Europe.
• Growing Pakistani Community – Every year, more Pakistani students join Cypriot universities, making the transition easier.

Quick Comparison: Tuition With & Without Scholarship

Scholarships can reduce tuition fees by 50–100%, depending on the program and university.

Real Opportunities for Pakistani Students

• University of Nicosia Scholarships
• Merit-based tuition waivers up to 50%
• Covers both bachelor’s and master’s levels
• Near East University International Scholarships - Up to 100% tuition fee coverage for high-performing students
• Cyprus International University (CIU) Excellence Awards - Covers partial tuition fees, with extra discounts for sports and cultural achievements
• Government of Cyprus Scholarships - Limited fully funded opportunities for students from developing countries, including Pakistan
• Erasmus+ Mobility Grants - Enables Pakistani students to study in Cyprus and other EU states for a semester or year

Eligibility Criteria in Simple Terms

• Academic Performance: Good grades in Matric/FSc or Bachelor’s
• English Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL may be required (but not always)
• Supporting Documents: Passport, transcripts, recommendation letters, motivation letter
• Age Limits: Usually below 25 (Bachelor’s) and 35 (Master’s/PhD)

Application Timeline for 2025

• January – March: Research programs and scholarships
• April – May: Prepare documents (IELTS, transcripts, SOPs)
• June – July: Apply to universities and scholarship programs
• August – September: Receive admission offers
• October: Apply for student visa through the Cyprus Embassy in Islamabad

Living Costs in Cyprus (Per Month)

• Accommodation: €200 – €400
• Food & Meals: €150 – €250
• Transport: €40 – €70
• Books & Supplies: €30 – €50
• Leisure: €50 – €100

With scholarships that cover accommodation or stipends, living in Cyprus becomes budget-friendly for Pakistani students.

FAQs – Scholarships in Cyprus for Pakistani Students

Q1: Do Pakistani students get fully funded scholarships in Cyprus?
Yes, especially at Near East University and through government grants, full tuition waivers are possible.

Q2: Is IELTS required for all scholarships in Cyprus?
Not always. Many universities accept proof of English-medium schooling instead.

Q3: What is the visa process for Pakistani students after getting a scholarship?
Once admitted, apply for a Cyprus student visa at the Cypriot Embassy in Islamabad with proof of admission, financial documents, and medical test results.

Q4: Can I work in Cyprus while studying on scholarship?
Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during studies.

Q5: Which courses are most popular for Pakistanis in Cyprus?
Medicine, Business, Engineering, and Information Technology.

Q6: How competitive are Cyprus scholarships?
University scholarships are less competitive than government ones, making them more accessible to Pakistani students with good grades.

Q7: Can I move to another EU country after studying in Cyprus?
Yes, Cyprus degrees are EU-recognized, which makes it easier to pursue further studies or jobs across Europe.

Final Thoughts

For Pakistani students looking for a safe, affordable, and high-quality education in Europe, Cyprus is an excellent choice. With a range of merit-based and fully funded scholarships, English-medium education, and a welcoming environment, Cyprus is quickly becoming a study abroad hotspot in 2025.

Instead of only considering the UK or Canada, Pakistani students can now see Cyprus as a gateway to Europe with affordable education and generous scholarships