International Students Requirements

All international, non-European Union students need to obtain a visa to study in Cyprus. Student visas are issued in Cyprus, a copy of which is sent to successful applicants. After receiving a letter of acceptance from the Office of Admissions, students must apply for a visa by submitting the documents listed below to the College in English, at least three months prior to the beginning of the semester:

1. Certified copy of relevant academic records in English
• Undergraduate students: certified copy of High School Leaving Certificate and grade marksheet.
• Master students: certified copy of bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, or certified copies of professional qualifications.
2. Certified copy of a valid passport, valid for a minimum of two (2) years.
3. Certified English language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
4. Certified original letter attesting to good conduct, issued by the police authorities in the student’s country of citizenship, confirming a clear criminal record. The letter of good conduct should be issued no more than 6 months before the date of submission of documents for visa approval.
5. Certified original health certificates for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis and a chest X-ray report (for tuberculosis). Health certificates should be issued no more than 4 months before the date of submission of documents for visa approval and must be issued only by public hospitals.
6. Certified original bank letter and recent bank statement confirming that the student or sponsor (parent(s)/guardian(s)) has sufficient funds to finance the student’s fees and living expenses in Cyprus. The amount indicated on the bank letter and bank statement must be equivalent to at least €7,000. The bank letter should be issued no more than 6 months before the date of submission of documents for visa approval whilst the bank statement must show the transactions of the last two months.

*Candidates holding British nationality are exempt from English language requirements.

Visa Requirements vary according to the country of citizenship.

Student visa

• Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a student visa / entry-permit before arrival. Migration and Home Affairs+2Educatly+2
• After arrival in Cyprus, students must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit within 10 days for most cases. Migration and Home Affairs+1
• Permits are issued only to full-time students (normally enrolment of at least 30 ECTS per semester) for study purposes. Migration and Home Affairs+1

Your application for admission to Global College is subject to approval by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth and the Cyprus Migration Office. Student visas are issued in Cyprus. Upon approval, a copy of the original Entry Permit (Blue Slip), will be sent to successful applicants by the International Office.

A Temporary Residence Permit (student visa card) will be issued after students arrive at Global College and complete all necessary admission, registration and payment requirements. International students holding a student visa must be enrolled for full-time study.

Work During Studies

• Non-EU international students may work up to 20 hours/week during semesters, under specified conditions (and different rules during holidays). Migration and Home Affairs+1
• Work must be legally authorised (contract reviewed/approved by labour authorities). Migration and Home Affairs

Renewal & Compliance

• The residence permit is normally issued for one year, and needs renewal annually until studies conclude. Migration and Home Affairs+1
• Students must maintain full-time status, attend classes, and meet institutional requirements; non-compliance can affect permit validity.

Work While You Study

• Eligibility: Must hold a valid student visa or residence permit.
• Term-time: Up to 20 hrs/week in permitted sectors; contract must be approved. Migration and Home Affairs+1
• During holidays or when classes are not in session: Higher hours might apply (commonly up to 38 hrs/week) subject to rules and institutional confirmation.
• Students must ensure:
• They remain enrolled full-time.
• They obtain proper authorisation before starting work.
• Their working hours do not interfere with academic progress.
• Employers may require evidence of student’s permit and student status.

Checklist

• Pre-Departure Checklist: Admission letter, visa application, document translation/legalisation, bank statement, insurance.
• On Arrival checklist:

When entering Cyprus (Larnaca or Paphos International Airport) all international students should also have the following with them, to ensure entry to the country:

1. The original (or copy) Entry Permit – Blue Slip, issued by the Migration Authorities of Cyprus.
2. The receipts (or copies) indicating total payments of visa and registration/tuition fees to European University Cyprus.
3. Official bank receipts from the bank in your country to prove the transfer of payment to the university.
4. Cash in hand of at least Euro €2,000 to cover personal expenses (meals, books, accommodation, etc.).
5. Acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions.
6. A valid passport.

• Work While Studying Checklist: Permit valid, part-time contract, employer authorisation, hours logged, maintain full-time study.
• Renewal & Post-Graduation Notes: Annual renewal deadline, change of status, job-search authorisation (if applicable), postgraduate considerations.