Schools and universities in North Cyprus
Moving with children, or buying near a campus? Here is the 2026 guide to schools and universities, and what they mean for property.
Short answer
Families can choose free state schools (taught in Turkish) or private British and international schools teaching IGCSE, A-levels and, at one school, the IB. Leading British schools charge about £8,000–£12,300 a year. North Cyprus also has over 20 universities and about 100,000 students, around 40% from outside Türkiye and Cyprus, which keeps homes near campuses rented all year.
Schools and universities at a glance
Most English-speaking families choose a British school in the Kyrenia or Nicosia area. Here are the main options.
British and international schools
| School | Where | Curriculum | Ages | Fees a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The English School of Kyrenia | Bellapais, Kyrenia | UK and Cambridge: IGCSE, A-level and IB Diploma | 2–18 | About £8,100–£10,950 |
| Necat British College | Alsancak (Kyrenia) and Nicosia | British curriculum: IGCSE, A-level, BTEC | Nursery to Year 13 | About £8,050–£12,300 (2026/27) + £400 registration |
| Near East Colleges, English Programme | Nicosia, Kyrenia and Yeni Boğaziçi (near Iskele) | Cambridge Primary; GCSE and A-level later | From 3 | Ask the school |
| State schools | Every town | TRNC national curriculum, taught in Turkish | 6+ | Free |
Uniforms, books, exam fees and school buses are usually extra. Fees change every year: always ask the school for its current list.
Main universities and where they are
| University | Town | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Near East University | Nicosia | One of the largest; has its own university hospital |
| Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) | Famagusta | State university; drives student renting in Famagusta |
| Middle East Technical University, Northern Cyprus Campus | Güzelyurt | State campus of Türkiye's METU |
| Cyprus International University | Nicosia | Large international student body |
| European University of Lefke | Lefke | Most new student placements in 2025 |
| University of Kyrenia, Girne American University, Final International University | Kyrenia | Student demand in the Kyrenia area |
| Bahçeşehir Cyprus University | Nicosia | Campus of the Istanbul university |
| ITU, TRNC campus | Famagusta | Campus of Istanbul Technical University |
For investors: North Cyprus has over 20 universities and about 100,000 students, around 40% of them from outside Türkiye and Cyprus. Homes near campuses in Nicosia, Famagusta and Kyrenia rent all year. See Area guides.
Schools and campuses near you
Pick an area and how many children you have. See nearby schools, universities and a yearly fee estimate.
The fee estimate uses the 2026 ranges of the leading British schools (about £8,050–£12,300 a year per child, before extras).
How to choose a school in 6 steps
Start early: the best British schools fill up, especially in the Kyrenia area.
Pick a curriculum
British (IGCSE and A-level), IB, or the Turkish state curriculum. Think about where your child will go to university.
Before you buyShortlist by area
Choose 2–3 schools, then look for homes on easy school routes.
Week 1Visit the schools
Ask about class sizes, exam results, teachers and English support.
1–2 weeksCheck the full cost
Fees, registration, uniform, books, exams and the school bus.
Ask for the fee listApply early
Many schools have entry tests and waiting lists.
3–6 months aheadAdd your children to your residency
Children under 18 usually join your residence permit. See Residency permits.
When you move
Find the home that fits your family, or your investment
We know the school runs and the student streets. Tell us your plans and we will match homes to them.
- 24+years selling homes across North Cyprus
- ≈1,000homes: the biggest portfolio in North Cyprus
- 3area teams: Kyrenia, Iskele and Lefkoşa
- 1rule: integrity first, your protection always
Homes near the right school
We shortlist homes on easy school routes in Kyrenia, Nicosia and Iskele.
Student rental know-how
We know which streets near campuses rent best, and which do not.
Family residency handled
Children under 18 join your permit. Our conveyancing team prepares the file.
Rental and after-sales help
Buying to let to students? We help with tenants and resale later.
Our in-house conveyancing department
Our own conveyancing team handles the paperwork for every buyer, whether you are Turkish Cypriot, Turkish or foreign: contract registration, the PTP application, tax payments, the title deed transfer, utilities and residence permits. They work hand in hand with your independent lawyer, so nothing is missed.
Questions buyers ask us
Yes. The best known are The English School of Kyrenia in Bellapais and Necat British College in Alsancak and Nicosia. They teach the British curriculum, including IGCSE and A-levels.
At the leading British schools, fees are about £8,000 to £12,300 a year in 2026/27, depending on the year group. Uniform, books, exams and transport are usually extra.
Yes. The English School of Kyrenia offers the IB Diploma alongside IGCSE and A-levels.
Yes. State schools are free and teach the TRNC national curriculum in Turkish. Primary school is for ages 6 to 11.
Over 20 universities, with about 100,000 students. Around 40% come from outside Türkiye and Cyprus.
It depends on the country and the degree. Check with the recognition body in the country where you want to work or study next.
Student demand keeps many homes near campuses rented all year, especially in Nicosia and Famagusta. Location and management matter: ask us which streets rent best.
More guides
All guidesBuying
Legal, tax and title deeds
Living here
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. North Cyprus rules change often. Figures are correct to the best of our knowledge on 10 October 2026. Always check with an independent lawyer before you sign or pay.
Moving with children?
Tell us your children's ages and your budget. We will match homes to the best school routes, or to the best student rental streets.