Where to Study to Become a Teacher in Northern Cyprus

It is possible to obtain a teaching degree at several universities in Northern Cyprus. They train teachers of English, primary school, preschool and special education, mathematics, music and other subjects. Most bachelor's programmes last four years, while tuition fees vary considerably depending on the university, the applicant's citizenship and the scholarship received.

• How teacher education is structured
• Near East University
• Eastern Mediterranean University
• Cyprus International University
• European University of Lefke
• Girne American University
• Is it possible to study for free
• What language is the instruction in
• What is required for admission
• Frequently asked questions

How teacher education is structured in Northern Cyprus

For those who want to become teachers, the main route is to enrol in a four-year bachelor's programme at the Faculty of Education, the university's teacher-training faculty.

Depending on the university, students can choose training to become teachers of English, primary school, preschool education, mathematics, science, special education and other subjects.

Education is not limited to lectures. Teacher-training programmes include teaching methodology, psychology and child development, lesson planning, modern educational technologies and practical training in schools or preschools.

There is also a second option: a teaching qualification for someone who already has a higher education degree in another field. Some universities offer Pedagogical Formation programmes, allowing students to receive additional teacher training without completing another full four-year bachelor's degree.

Near East University — Nicosia

Near East University (Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi) offers one of the widest selections of teacher-training specialisations in Northern Cyprus. Future teachers are trained by the Atatürk Faculty of Education.

The university is located in Nicosia and offers both Turkish-language and some English-language teacher-training programmes.

What types of teachers can you train to become

The faculty's programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year include:

• English Language Teaching — English teacher;
• Pre-School Teaching — preschool education;
• Classroom Teaching — primary school teacher;
• Elementary Mathematics Teaching — mathematics teaching in primary/middle school;
• Mathematics Teaching — mathematics teacher;
• Science Teaching — science teacher;
• Geography Teaching — geography teacher;
• Social Sciences Teaching — social sciences teaching;
• Music Teaching — music teacher;
• Special Education — special education;
• Computer Education and Instructional Technology — computer and instructional technologies;
• Guidance and Psychological Counseling — psychological counselling in education;
• and other teacher-training fields.

It is particularly noteworthy that Pre-School Teaching at NEU is available in both Turkish and English. English Language Teaching is also taught in English.

How much does it cost to study at Near East University

For the 2026/2027 academic year, the basic tuition fee for programmes at the Atatürk Faculty of Education is €5 600 per year.

For international students, the university provides a discount/scholarship of up to 50% for most programmes. With a 50% scholarship, tuition itself amounts to €2 800, while the final annual amount published by the university, including VAT and the administrative fee, is — €3 225.

Therefore, an international student with the standard 50% scholarship should budget approximately €3 225 per year, excluding accommodation, meals and personal expenses.

Duration: 4 years
Languages: English or Turkish, depending on the programme
2026/2027 tuition: €5 600 without a scholarship; approximately €3 225 in total annual fees with the standard 50% scholarship for an international student
Website: neu.edu.tr

Eastern Mediterranean University — Famagusta

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU, Doğu Akdeniz Üniversitesi) in Famagusta is a public university in Northern Cyprus. The Faculty of Education has been operating here since 1999.

The faculty trains teachers in several fields and combines theoretical teacher education with practical training.

Teacher-training fields at EMU

The university offers teacher-training programmes related to English, primary and preschool education, mathematics, Turkish, special education and other educational fields.

English Language Teaching is particularly interesting for international students because instruction is in English.

EMU tuition fees and scholarships

EMU has already published tuition fees for new international students for the 2026/2027 academic year. The university also provides international students with a 50% scholarship for most bachelor's programmes.

In addition, EMU offers 100% scholarships. However, this does not mean that teacher education at the university is free for everyone: a full scholarship is awarded to a limited number of students and depends on the conditions of the specific scholarship programme.

Tuition is calculated by the university based on the chosen programme, scholarship and mandatory fees, so before submitting documents it is best to use the official EMU Tuition Fee Calculator.

Duration: 4 years
Languages: English and Turkish, depending on the programme
Scholarships: 50% and, in some cases, 100%
Website: emu.edu.tr

Cyprus International University — Haspolat, Nicosia

Cyprus International University (CIU, Uluslararası Kıbrıs Üniversitesi) has its own Faculty of Education, which has been operating since the 2006/2007 academic year. The campus is located in Haspolat near Nicosia.

CIU is notable for its large Faculty of Education and the opportunity to obtain not only a traditional teaching degree but also a qualification in special education.

What teacher-training programmes are available at CIU

The Faculty of Education offers:

• English Language Teaching — English language teaching;
• Classroom Teaching — primary school teacher;
• Pre-School Teaching — preschool education;
• Special Education Teaching — special education;
• Turkish Language Teaching — Turkish language teaching;
• Physical Education and Sports Teaching — physical education teacher;
• Guidance and Psychological Counseling;
• Pedagogical Formation.

Bachelor's programmes last 4 years.

There is an important consideration for international students. According to the current CIU catalogue, the English Language Teaching programme is available to international students and is taught in English. Many other teacher-training programmes at the faculty are taught in Turkish and are listed in the published catalogue under the eligibility categories Cypriot/Turkish. Therefore, international applicants need to check whether admission is possible for the specific specialisation they have chosen.

Special education

CIU gives particular attention to the training of Special Education Teachers. The university states that it was the first university in Northern Cyprus to begin training in the field of special education.

The four-year programme includes more than theoretical subjects. In their final year, future specialists complete practical training in mainstream and special education institutions.

How much does it cost to study at CIU

CIU has an important rule for international students: all international bachelor's students receive a 50% tuition scholarship.

In addition, the university offers academic scholarships that may cover between 50% and 100% of tuition fees.

For this reason, the price for an individual student may differ considerably from the programme's basic tuition fee. The university recommends confirming the final amount, including the scholarship, during the admission process.

Duration: 4 years
English Language Teaching: in English
Most other teacher-training programmes: in Turkish
For international students: standard 50% scholarship; an academic scholarship of up to 100% may be available
Website: ciu.edu.tr

If you already have a higher education degree: Pedagogical Formation at CIU

Pedagogical Formation deserves separate attention. It is an option for those who have already obtained a higher education degree outside a Faculty of Education but want to receive teacher training.

The CIU programme lasts 1 year and includes educational psychology, teaching methods, special education and other teacher-training subjects.

At the time of the article's update, the official CIU website lists the programme cost as 58 000 TL + VAT. When paying in instalments, two payments of 29 000 TL + VAT are required.

However, the programme has separate admission requirements, so international graduates should clarify directly with the university whether they are eligible to take it.

European University of Lefke — Lefke

European University of Lefke (EUL, Lefke Avrupa Üniversitesi) has the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Faculty of Education.

One of the fields of particular interest to international students is — English Language Teaching.

This is a four-year bachelor's programme designed to train English teachers for schools, university preparatory departments and private language schools.

EUL tuition fees

Tuition fees for international students depend on the programme and the scholarship awarded. The official EUL website has a separate Tuition Fee Calculator for calculating the current tuition amount.

Therefore, it would be incorrect to state a fixed tuition fee for a teacher-training programme for 2026/2027 without a calculation by the university.

Duration: 4 years
English Language Teaching: available to international students
Website: eul.edu.tr

Girne American University — Kyrenia

Girne American University (GAU, Girne Amerikan Üniversitesi) also has a Faculty of Education. The university campus is located in Karaoğlanoğlu, west of central Kyrenia.

The faculty offers teacher-training programmes leading to a bachelor's degree and allowing students to continue their education in the field of education.

Tuition fees at GAU

At GAU, the basic Faculty of Education tuition fee is from €7 700 per year. An additional annual registration and activity fee of €500 is charged.

At the same time, a substantial benefit applies to international students: GAU states that international students admitted to bachelor's programmes receive an unconditional 50% tuition scholarship for the duration of their studies. Thus, the actual tuition fee with the standard 50% scholarship is considerably lower than the basic price.

Duration: usually 4 years
Scholarship for international students: 50% of tuition fees
Website: gau.edu.tr

Is it possible to study to become a teacher for free in Northern Cyprus

There is no automatically free teacher education available to all students. The fact that a university is public does not mean that an international student can study for free.

However, a scholarship system operates at practically all major universities.

The most common option for an international student is a 50% tuition fee discount. For example, this system is officially used by Near East University, CIU, EMU and GAU.

At some universities, students can receive a 75% or 100% scholarship. A full scholarship may effectively exempt a student from tuition fees, but its conditions must be read carefully: registration, administrative and other mandatory fees may still apply.

In addition, a 100% scholarship is not automatically awarded to every international student. It may depend on academic results, entrance scores, sporting achievements or other university criteria.

Can you study to become a teacher in English

Yes, but the choice of specialisations is considerably smaller than in Turkish.

The most obvious option for an international student is English Language Teaching (ELT). Such programmes are available at several universities in Northern Cyprus, including Near East University, Cyprus International University, Eastern Mediterranean University and European University of Lefke.

At Near East University, the Pre-School Teaching programme is also available in English, which may be particularly interesting for international students who want to work in international kindergartens and schools.

Most programmes for training primary school teachers, Turkish language teachers, special education teachers and teachers of certain subjects are conducted in Turkish.

What is required for admission

Requirements depend on the university, citizenship and chosen programme. To apply for a bachelor's programme, an international applicant usually needs a full secondary education certificate, passport, photograph and application form.

What documents are required for admission

International applicants applying to teacher-training programmes usually do not need a separate set of documents specifically for future teachers; the general bachelor's admission rules of the chosen university apply.

Most universities in Northern Cyprus require the following documents for an application:

• completed online application;
• full secondary education certificate or equivalent;
• transcript of grades (transcript);
• copy of passport;
• photograph;
• translation of documents into English or Turkish if the originals are issued in another language;
• certificate confirming English-language proficiency, if available.

The absence of an IELTS or TOEFL certificate is not always an obstacle to admission. For example, Cyprus International University accepts TOEFL iBT scores from 65 or IELTS scores from 5.5, but applicants without such a certificate can take an internal English test after arrival. A similar option is available at the European University of Lefke, while Eastern Mediterranean University conducts its own English Proficiency Exam.

After reviewing the documents, the university sends the applicant an admission letter, either an Acceptance Letter or a Conditional Acceptance Letter. The applicant must then fulfil the university's requirements, including an initial payment if applicable, and complete registration.

It is important to keep the original documents. For example, Eastern Mediterranean University requires applicants to present the originals during final registration after arriving in Northern Cyprus. The requirements of the specific university should be checked again directly before submitting an application, as the list of documents and certification rules may change.

Do you need to know English or Turkish

This depends on the language of the chosen teacher-training programme. Northern Cyprus offers programmes in both English and Turkish. If instruction is in English, the university checks the applicant's language proficiency during admission.

An applicant may provide a recognised international language certificate or, if permitted by the chosen university, take an internal examination. If the applicant's English level is insufficient, they may need to attend a preparatory language programme before beginning the main course of study.

Language is especially important for teaching specialisations: a future teacher must not only understand lectures but also complete practical training, prepare lessons, work with educational materials and communicate with students. Therefore, when choosing a programme, it is worth considering not only the cost but also the language of instruction for the specific specialisation in advance.

What international students should take into account

A degree from a Faculty of Education does not in itself automatically grant the right to work as a teacher in any country. Requirements for the teaching profession are established by national legislation, so a graduate planning to work outside Northern Cyprus may need to have their degree recognised, provide proof of qualification, know the country's official language or fulfil additional requirements.

Therefore, even before applying, it is worth checking whether the chosen programme is recognised in the country where the student plans to work in the future. This is especially important for regulated teaching professions and employment in public schools.