About University of Nicosia Medical School

The University of Nicosia, located in the vibrant city of Nicosia, Cyprus, stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of higher education. With a history dating back to its establishment in 1980, this esteemed institution has evolved to become a global hub for learning and research, attracting over 12,000 students from more than 70 countries.

At its core, the University of Nicosia is deeply committed to providing innovative, student-centered education that upholds the highest standards of quality. This commitment is exemplified by the diverse array of programs and degrees offered, including a pioneering Medical School that has made significant strides in the field of medical education.

The Medical School at the University of Nicosia, which inaugurated the first medical program in Cyprus in 2011, boasts an impressive international community of over 1,000 students hailing from 90 countries across the globe. These students embark on a journey of medical education that is guided by world-class faculty members, a dedicated and supportive staff, and a curriculum designed to cultivate not only medical expertise but also essential skills in clinical practice, critical thinking, and collaborative learning.

The vision of the Medical School aligns with the holistic concept of One Health, emphasizing the intricate relationship between the well-being of humans and animals within a sustainable environment. The mission is grounded in the delivery of innovative, evidence-based education and the advancement of original research in various medical disciplines, encompassing the basic, clinical, social, and behavioral sciences. Moreover, the commitment extends to serving the community and enhancing the health of the population through outreach, service, and patient care.

The Medical School offers a spectrum of medical programs, including the Doctor of Medicine (MD) – a comprehensive six-year undergraduate-entry degree, the Graduate Entry – Doctor of Medicine Degree (GEMD) tailored for individuals with university degrees in diverse fields, and the esteemed St George’s, University of London Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), a four-year graduate-entry program of the highest quality.

The University of Nicosia, with its ethos rooted in student-centered education, a dedication to excellence in teaching and research, and a profound commitment to patient care, stands as an exemplar of professionalism and social responsibility. The institution places great value on diversity and equality and fosters international partnerships to enrich the academic experience.

The address of this prestigious university is 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, CY-2417, Nicosia, Cyprus, and it remains dedicated to the unwavering pursuit of the highest standards in teaching, research, community service, and patient care.

Courses Offered at The University of Nicosia

The University of Nicosia Medical School provides a specialized 6-Year MD degree program tailored to accommodate high school graduates. However, it’s important to note that the university does not offer a graduate entry pathway into its medical program.

Accreditation and Recognitions

Here are the key points regarding the accreditation and recognition of the University of Nicosia Medical School’s MD program:

• The MD program is accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA).
• CYQAA holds Recognition Status by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME), and the MD program is assessed against WFME’s rigorous standards for Basic Medical Education, developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization.
• This global recognition allows graduates to pursue medical careers worldwide. Starting in 2024, ECFMG certification for international medical graduates in the United States will require programs that meet WFME standards.
• The MD program exceeds the requirements of the EU Directive on mutual recognition of professional qualifications (2005/36/EC), making graduates eligible to practice in EU and EEA member states.
• The Careers & Alumni Office offers individualized student career support, starting in Year 1.
• The program is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).

This recognition ensures that graduates can pursue medical careers globally and meet international standards for medical education. However, students are advised to verify specific requirements with their national authorities if they intend to practice medicine in their home countries.

Scholarships Offered to Study MBBS in The University of Nicosia

The University of Nicosia offers scholarships to eligible students to help them partially fund their studies. These scholarships are based on demonstrated financial need and can provide support of up to 20% of the tuition fees. Additionally, students from specific countries may also be entitled to financial support from their home governments. For further information and guidance on scholarships and financial support opportunities, students can reach out to the admissions team for assistance and details regarding the application process.

Admission Process to Study MBBS in The University of Nicosia Medical School

To initiate the application and admission process, individuals are advised to follow these steps:

• Begin by clicking on the “Apply Now” button to access the online application.
• Complete all the essential details in the online application form and proceed with the submission.
• Subsequently, an admissions advisor from the University of Nicosia will get in touch with the applicant to provide guidance on the submission of all the necessary documents and fees.
• If the applicant meets the admission criteria, they will receive an invitation for an online video conference interview.
• Upon successful admission, the applicant will receive an official admission offer letter.

These steps will help applicants navigate the application and admission process smoothly.

The University of Nicosia Medical School Ranking

In the latest edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, released on October 12, 2022, the University of Nicosia (UNIC) has once again affirmed its global standing by securing a position among the Top 501-600 universities worldwide. Furthermore, UNIC holds the 157th spot within the European Union, stands as the 2nd highest-ranking university in Cyprus, and holds the 4th position among Cypriot and Greek Universities.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings (WUR) is a renowned and highly influential university ranking system, evaluating institutions based on their fundamental missions, which encompass Teaching, Research, Knowledge Transfer, and International Outlook. The 2023 edition of THE WUR includes assessments of 1,799 research-intensive universities worldwide, selected from a pool of over 25,000 universities that met THE eligibility criteria and applied for evaluation.

A noteworthy area where the University of Nicosia continues to excel in the THE WUR is its International Outlook, securing a remarkable 47th position on the global scale.

This year’s results in the World University Rankings are a testament to the series of accolades UNIC has received from Times Higher Education. In addition to its placement among the Top 501-600 universities globally in the THE WUR table, UNIC has achieved the following rankings:

• 179th among universities globally that are 50 years old or younger, as per the 2022 THE Young University Rankings.
• 122nd among universities from countries or regions classified as “Emerging” by the London Stock Exchange’s FTSE Group, according to the 2022 THE Emerging Economies Rankings.
• Among the Top 151-175 universities in the world in the fields of Business and Economics, as well as among the Top 176-200 universities globally in the field of Education.
• Among the Top 251-300 universities in the world for Psychology.
• Among the Top 501-600 universities worldwide for Clinical and Health.
• Among the Top 501-600 universities globally for Social Sciences.
• Ranking 36th globally in the core area of Quality Education, as per the 2022 THE Impact Rankings.

These achievements underscore UNIC’s consistent commitment to academic excellence and its growing international prominence.

Here are the key admission requirements for the 6-Year Undergraduate Entry – Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the University of Nicosia Medical School:

Academic Requirements:

• High School Leaving Certificate with an overall score of 90% (Ί8/20 overall in the Greek/Cypriot High School Leaving Certificate).
• A similar level of achievement in Biology and one of either Chemistry, Physics, or Maths.
• Alternative qualifications are accepted, such as GCE A’ Levels with grades ABB, including Biology and one of Chemistry, Physics, or Maths.
• International Baccalaureate with an overall score of 32 and a combined score of 16 at Higher Level, including Biology and at least one of Chemistry, Physics, or Maths.
• Holistic review of grades, including those in Chemistry, Physics, and Maths.
• Applicants with a relevant Bachelor’s Degree can be considered for admission to the first year of the course.

English Language Requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other elements.
• TOEFL iBT score of 79.
• GCSE score of 5 (or B with the old grading system) in English.
• International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL) score of 5 in English.
• European Baccalaureate score of 8 in English.

Exemptions from English language requirements are granted to students from the UK, USA, Canada (from English-speaking provinces), Australia, and New Zealand if they graduated from an English-speaking high school.

Admission Interview:

• An online interview is conducted to assess the skills and attributes necessary for course completion and professional medical practice.
• Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of medicine through volunteer experience.

Additional Information:

• Meeting academic and non-academic conditions or requirements is necessary before enrolment, and a conditional offer may not become unconditional solely based on minimum grade requirements.
• Applicants from accredited Medical Schools in good academic standing may be considered for transfer into the second or third year of the Doctor of Medicine program, subject to a thorough review by an Academic Panel.

The University of Nicosia Medical School considers a holistic approach to the admission process, taking into account academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and the results of the admission interview.

For the 6-Year Undergraduate Entry – Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the University of Nicosia, the tuition and living costs are as follows:

Tuition Fees:

• Annual tuition is €18,000 for the first 3 years of the program.
• Tuition increases to €22,000 per year for the final 3 years.

Additional Costs:

• Students who do their clinical training in the UK are required to pay a supplement of €6,000 per year for the last 2 years of the program.

Living Costs:

• Living costs vary depending on your lifestyle, but on average, staying in Nicosia for the entire year is estimated to cost a minimum of €10,000.

In addition to tuition fees, students should budget for their living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses while studying in Nicosia.

Nicosia, famously known as the “Walled City,” is characterized by its medieval Venetian fortifications, which encircle the city center. However, these ancient walls are not the only divisions within this intriguing city. Rather unique to Nicosia is the presence of makeshift fences and stacks of barrels, which serve as a tangible border separating Cyprus from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This particular demarcation has endured for over five decades, rendering Nicosia as the last divided capital in the world.

The division of Nicosia came about in response to the complex dynamics of Cyprus’ history. After years of inter-ethnic conflict and violence, the city’s Turkish and Greek populations were directed to relocate to their respective zones, with the intention of reducing ethnic tensions and fostering lasting peace on the island.

While this division was a significant and emotionally charged matter four decades ago, it has largely evolved into a formality in contemporary times. European Union (EU) citizens can easily traverse the border with a simple ID check, while individuals from other countries typically present their passports for entry.

Many students find themselves drawn to explore Northern Nicosia, offering a somewhat familiar yet distinct facet of the city. Visitors describe it as a “touristy” part of town, characterized by captivating Turkish markets and spirited haggling over purchases. It notably lacks the ubiquitous presence of global chains like Starbucks and McDonald’s.

Despite the physical division of the city, Nicosia stands as a safe place. The border and additional security measures contribute to maintaining low crime rates in the city, offering international students a reassuring sense of security throughout their stay.

Extracurricular and leisure activities are an integral part of student life at the University of Nicosia Medical School. The school actively encourages students to engage in various scientific activities, extending opportunities to participate in vital research areas such as brain health, cancer biology, regenerative medicines, and infectious diseases.

Moreover, the University of Nicosia provides a vibrant campus environment with numerous clubs and student organizations for students to become involved in. These groups span a wide array of interests, accommodating both athletic and academic inclinations. Whether one’s passion lies in sports, academics, or social causes, there are over 20 organizations to choose from, ensuring that students find a community aligned with their individual preferences and pursuits. The university fosters a dynamic and enriching campus life that goes beyond the classroom, fostering personal growth, collaboration, and the exploration of diverse interests.

The University takes immense pride in its three contemporary dormitories, recognized as some of the finest in Europe. These dormitories collectively offer a total capacity of 853 studio apartments, providing students with an unparalleled living experience that can be equated to residing in a prestigious 5-star hotel.

The dormitories are thoughtfully designed and come fully equipped with luxurious furnishings, ensuring a comfortable and stylish living environment. Notable amenities include air conditioning, high-speed internet access, and much more. Students have access to a plethora of dining and entertainment options within the dormitory premises, which encompass an array of restaurants, cafes, well-equipped gyms, convenient mini-markets, engaging games areas, and a variety of other services to meet their daily needs.

For students who prefer private accommodation in the vibrant city of Nicosia, the cost will typically amount to approximately €10,000 per year, which can be adjusted according to individual preferences and needs. Renting a one-bedroom apartment, depending on its proximity to the city center, generally averages around €500 per month.

In addition to rent, students should budget for additional monthly expenses, such as entertainment, food, and utilities, which typically amount to around €700. This estimate is designed to provide students with a clear understanding of living expenses and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the beautiful city of Nicosia.

1.Is Cyprus good for MBBS?

Yes, it is good for MBBS because it has low and affordable MBBS with a good environment and it has some universities approved by the NMC and WHO.