EU Student Guide - University of Nicosia

Welcome tothe Universityof NicosiaWelcome to the University of Nicosia, where students are inspired and challenged to achieve their full potential!The University of Nicosia is an independent, co-educational, equal opportunity institution of higher education,combining the best elements in western education, quality standards and an international philosophy.Located in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, the University is becoming a global education centre. Internationalin philosophy, the University hosts students from all over the world, in a multicultural learning environment,promoting friendship, cooperation and understanding.The University of Nicosia offers a diverse range of academic programmes of study at both the undergraduateand postgraduate level through its four Schools - School of Business, School of Education, School ofHumanities, Social Sciences and Law and the School of Sciences.The main language of instruction of the University is English. The University provides a dynamic learningenvironment in a modern European country and a multicultural student body of over 5,000. The Universitypursues excellence in education through high teaching standards, in a continually improving academicenvironment. With emphasis on critical thinking and lifelong learning skills, the University’s programmesprepare students for service in the public and the private sectors.In addition to classroom instruction, the University offers students the opportunities to become involvedin a whole range of activities including student clubs, sports, public lectures and seminars. Moreover,the University maintains close links with a number of European, American and CIS universities, giving ourstudents the opportunity to participate in exchange or study-abroad programmes. Additionally, the Universityreceived approval for an Erasmus University Charter and is an official participant in the European CreditTransfer System (ECTS).The University is actively involved in local, European and International research projects as a lead partnerand as a coordinating institution. The University is also actively involved in the community with campaignsfor various causes, including environmental protection. In recognition of this work the University receivedthe prestigious “Global 500” award from the United Nations.We are delighted that you are considering spending some of the most crucial years of your life at theUniversity of Nicosia, an institution that is committed to “Excellence in Education”, and in making a significantdifference in your future.1

Study in CyprusA member of the European Union since 2004, Cyprus is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is a majorbusiness and financial centre for Southeast Europe and the Middle East. Cyprus is an island rich with historyand tradition and exploring Cyprus is itself a rewarding experience waiting to be discovered.Cyprus is in many ways an ideal centre in which to study and in fact, Cyprus and the University of Nicosiahave become a major international education destination. Over 20% of the 5,000 students at the Universityof Nicosia come from abroad, from over 65 different countries.With over three million visitors coming to Cyprus each year, the island offers excellent facilities for sport,recreation, leisure and an exciting and varied night-life. Blessed with natural beauty and a wonderfulMediterranean climate, Cyprus gives visitors and residents alike the opportunity to enjoy golden beaches,rugged coastlines, and forest-clad mountains dotted with picturesque villages.Cyprus is a safe place to live, with a very low crime rate and welcoming people. The country also enjoys avigorous economy with a high standard of living, and is a member of the eurozone.The cost of living is still lower than in most European countries and the general pace of life is more relaxed.2

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCYEnglish is the main language of instruction at the University. Students are required to take the EnglishPlacement Test (EPT) before registering for classes so that the level of their English proficiency can bedetermined. The EPT may show that a student may undertake additional English classes in addition tosome of their normal academic classes.Students whose first degree has been completed in the English language or have acquired the followingEnglish qualifications will register directly for their academic programme of study:BachelorMastersTOEFL 513 and above 550 and aboveComputer based TOEFL 183 and above 213 and aboveiBT TOEFL 65 and above 79 and aboveIELTS 5.5 and above 6.5 and aboveCambridge First Certificate B and above B and aboveCambridge Proficiency C and above C and aboveGCSE English C and above C and aboveMichigan Proficiency Pass PassMichigan Competency Pass Pass7

Student Visa RequirementsEU StudentsEU citizens may travel freely to Cyprus but are required to submit an Application for Issue of RegistrationCertificate to the Migration Department within 4 months of their date of entry into the Republic of Cyprus.The Office of Admissions will guide students through this procedure.Accommodation OptionsThere is a large range of housing options available on or very near the University campus which are withinwalking distance to local shops and entertainment areas. The University hostels offer both single and doublerooms, with shared kitchens and bathrooms. Hostel places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis,so students who are interested should contact the Housing Office as early as possible.Many students prefer to live in privately rented houses or flats near the University. The Office of StudentAffairs will be able to help you arrange accommodation either on or off campus according to your needsand budget.For more information please contact the Housing Office at housing@unic.ac.cy. or visitour official housing website at www.housing.unic.ac.cy8

ErasmusThe ERASMUS programme is without a doubt the world’s most successful mobility programme. It allowsstudents within Europe to spend time in another EU institution.The ERASMUS programme was established in 1987 and since its inception approximately 2.5 millionstudents were funded to study abroad. It is estimated that, on average, a student embarks on ERASMUSExchange every three minutes!Under the ERASMUS programme the University of Nicosia has student exchange agreements with nearly120 partner universities in almost all European Countries.By taking part in the ERASMUS programme, students get the following benefits:- Financial grant of between €400 - €900 per month towards their living expenses(accommodation, food, pocket money)- An important experience to add in their CV that will give student’s a competitive advantagewhen applying for a job- Lots of new friends, exciting experiences and endless possibilities- A boost to a students’ interpersonal and language skillsIn order to qualify, you need to fulfill the following criteria:- Minimum 30 credits/60 ECTS completed- Minimum CPA of 2.5- An EU or candidate country nationalityIf you wish to know more about where you can go and what are your possibilities, feel free to contact theUniversity’s ERASMUS office at:University of NicosiaThe ERASMUS OfficeEuropa building, 1st floorUniversity of NicosiaTel:+357-22841727 or +357-22841726Fax:+357-22352360e-mail: kalogerou.v@unic.ac.cy or dorofeeva.n@unic.ac.cy9

EUROPEAN STUDENTS: SCHOLARSHIPSBased on Previous Academic PerformanceEuropean students, in their first year at the University, are eligible for a scholarship on the basis of thegrades of their High School Leaving Certificate, based on the country in which this qualification wasissued. Students who wish to transfer credits on the basis of their Bachelor Degree or Diploma, willhave the scholarship considered in accordance with this qualification. Awards are given as a percentagereduction on the tuition.In order to be eligible for this type of scholarship, students must:a) submit their High School Leaving Certificate and/or Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma uponapplication,b) pre-pay the whole semester’s tuition and fees at the time of registration andc) have full-time status (minimum 12 credits/hours per semester).More information about this type of scholarship can be obtained from the Office of Admissions.Based on Academic Performance at the UniversityTwo regular semesters after the student first registers and every semester thereafter, scholarships willbe awarded according to the student’s academic performance at the Universityof Nicosia, as follows:Cumulative GPATuition Reduction4.00 50%3.75 - 3.99 20%3.50 - 3.74 10%In order to be eligible for this type of scholarship, students must have:a) full-time status,b) completed a minimum of 24 credits at the University andc) been registered in the previous semester.ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPSStudents who are actively involved in the University sports teams may be eligible to receive athleticscholarships of up to 50% of their tuition fees.The exact amount of scholarships will be determined after the relevant application and selection ismade. The sport category as well as the student’s contribution and performance to the various sportsand other University activities will determine the scholarship amount.11

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