Cyprus has been attracting a lot of interest from students recently, and one of the major reasons has to do with its affordable tuition fee. To study there, a student visa is needed.
As a student, you will be able to experience a captivating study destination that boasts of abundant natural beauty, vegetation, crystal-clear waters, and a Mediterranean climate. Cyprus is just fine for that!
And no easier way to go than taking advantage of the study route. Besides the experiences, the cost of living is also low which even makes it an ideal place for most students.
If you have already decided on the country and you do not know how to proceed, this post will guide you on the requirements and the necessary steps to take to get a student visa.
About the Cyprus Student Visa
There are other visa types depending on your mission in Cyprus but the one usually given to International students is the Student Visa. The Visa is provided on the condition that you will be studying in the country for more than 90 days. If you’re from the EU or EFTA, you don’t need a visa to visit, study, or work in Cyprus, because Cyprus is part of the EU.
Students from Non-European Countries will need a student visa to study in the country. Student visas are only given to international students who are enrolled as full-time students. These student visas can be obtained through two places, Embassy/Consulate or directly from the Migration Department in Cyprus.
What is the cost of the Cyprus Student Visa?
Students who want to apply for the Cyprus visa fee will need to make a payment of 15 to 30 Cyprus Pounds to the embassy or consulate depending on your home country.
The fees are non-refundable. What this means is that even if your application is rejected, your visa application fee won’t be returned. However, it is worth knowing that a Cyprus visa is one of the easiest to get as of now and you have a better chance than most European countries
How to obtain a Student Visa for Cyprus
1. Enroll in a University
To be eligible for a student visa, you will need to be accepted by a University in Cyprus. To get started, do your research on the university you will want to study and its location. We have the University of Cyprus, the University of Nicosia, and the Cyprus University of Technology which are among the best ones in the country.
Look up their official website online and apply for admission. If successful, you will be provided a letter of admission or letter of acceptance which is one of the important documents needed to get the visa.
2, Get ready the necessary documents
To get the student visa from the Cyprus embassy or Migration Dept, the applicants must provide the following documents:
- Letter of acceptance from your educational institution
- 4 photographs of passport size.
- A completed application form
- A non-refundable application fee.
- True copies of the student’s academic qualifications.
- A photocopy of your passport is required.
- English proficiency test (Not compulsory in most cases).
- Health insurance.
- A proof that you have sufficient money to take care of the cost of your education and upkeep. If there is a sponsor, this must be proven as well.
3. Apply for the Cyprus Student Visa
There are two ways to get a student visa, one is to apply yourself through the embassy or consulate in your home country or through the migration department in Cyprus.
To apply at the embassy or consulate, the school will set up an interview for you at the Cyprus embassy in your country. You are to go with all the documents listed in this publication.
For the application through the migration department, you will need to make use of the school you want to study. You will send the documents to the institution usually by email and the school will sort things out for you at the migration department in the country.
Understand that the visa process usually takes around one month, so it’s important to apply as early as possible, at least 2-3 months before your enrollment date.
4. Obtain a residence permit
A student residence permit is a permit that gives you the right to live and study in Cyprus for over 3 months. Upon your arrival in Cyprus, you are to go to the migration department/District Police Alien Branch within 7 days to apply for a residence permit.
A temporary residence permit, valid for a duration of one year, will be issued to you. This permit is subject to renewal on an annual basis.
In case you are wondering why the need for a residence permit while you already have a student visa. The answer is the student visa serves as an entry visa while the residence can be equated to a stay permit.
You are also required to undergo medical examinations on the first working day following your arrival and submit the medical certificates to the District Police Alien Branch within one week from the date of arrival.
Can I work as an International Student in Cyprus?
Usually, students from other countries who are not part of the European Union (EU) cannot work while studying in Cyprus. But the Cyprus Government can make special rules for some classes where students can get permission to work.
If you are able to get a stamped contract or authorization from the Ministry of Labour, you will be able to work 20 hours per week in some industries. You will be advised by the Ministry of Labour. Alternatively, you can also contact your school for an updated list of the positions you are allowed to take.