Near East Schools in Northern Cyprus: School Overview

Near East Schools are part of one of the largest educational systems in Northern Cyprus, created by the Günsel family and bringing together kindergartens, schools, colleges and Near East University. Thanks to this, a child can study within one educational environment at different stages — from kindergarten to university admission.

The school combines the requirements of the Northern Cyprus education system with an international approach to learning and enhanced English language instruction. At the senior stages, different academic pathways are available, including programmes focused on the British examination system.

Campuses operate in Lefkoşa, Yeniboğaziçi and Kyrenia, and education is available for children from preschool age until graduation. For the 2026–2027 academic year, tuition ranges from TL 464,864 to TL 744,408 depending on the programme and the student’s age.

What Near East Schools are

Near East Schools is an educational network, not a single school. It includes preschools, primary school, secondary school and upper grades. For parents, this is convenient because a child can complete the entire educational path within one system without changing schools.

The network is represented by three main campuses:

• Near East College in Lefkoşa
  Location
• Near East Yeniboğaziçi Preschool/Primary School/College in Yeniboğaziçi
  Location
• Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia College in Kyrenia
  Location

Official Near East Preschool website
Official Near East Primary School website
Official Near East College website

The Yeniboğaziçi campus is most often chosen by families from İskele, Long Beach, Boğaz and Famagusta. The campus in Kyrenia suits residents of Kyrenia and the surrounding area, while the school in Lefkoşa is geared toward families from the capital.

What system children study under

Near East Schools combines the national education programme of Northern Cyprus with enhanced English language instruction and international academic pathways.

At the lower levels, children study the core school subjects, English, mathematics, natural sciences, sports and creative subjects.

At more senior stages of education, parents can choose one of the academic pathways.

BIP

The British International Programme (BIP) is based on the British approach to learning and is designed for families who want a more international educational environment with an emphasis on English.

GCE

The GCE programme is linked to the British examination system and is suitable for students considering admission to English-language universities.

YKS

The YKS track is focused on the Turkish entrance examination system and is more often chosen by students planning to continue their education along a Turkish academic pathway.

How to apply to the school

Admission begins with submitting an online application through the official website of the chosen campus. After that, the school contacts the family, clarifies the child’s age, previous school and the availability of places.

Documents required for admission

• the child’s passport;
• parents’ passport or ID card;
• birth certificate;
• photos of the child;
• report card or transcript from the previous school;
• school documents confirming the completed grade;
• medical information if needed.

For foreign students, the school may additionally request information about the level of English or conduct an interview.

What subjects children study

The curriculum includes both compulsory academic subjects and additional areas.

Main subjects

• mathematics;
• natural sciences;
• social studies;
• Turkish language and literature;
• English.

Foreign languages

• English;
• French;
• German.

Additional areas

• robotics;
• programming;
• computer technologies;
• music;
• art;
• sports.

What the school day looks like

For many parents, it is important to understand not only the curriculum, but also what a child’s normal day looks like.

On the preschool campus pages, the schedule is listed from 08:00 to 16:00. For other educational levels, it is recommended to check the exact start and end times at the chosen campus.

Meals, transport and insurance

For preschoolers, tuition includes breakfast, snacks, lunch and an afternoon snack. For Junior College and College students, lunch is included in the tuition fee.

Tuition also includes textbooks, Near East Youth Health Insurance and one set of school uniform.

School transport is paid separately. The cost depends on the area of residence and the chosen route.

Internal exams and assessment

The school uses a system of regular academic assessment.

For primary classes, interim assessments are held during the semester, and parents receive report cards and progress reports about the child.

For senior classes, the amount of tests and exams depends on the chosen programme. Students in the GCE and YKS tracks are prepared for the relevant examination systems.

Before admission, it is recommended to clarify:

• how often tests are conducted;
• whether there is an electronic diary;
• how parents receive information about academic performance;
• how the school helps children who experience learning difficulties.

Tuition fees

Programme	2026–2027 fee
Nursery & Preschool	TL 464,864
Junior College	TL 518,822
College	TL 582,554
High School YKS	TL 697,537
High School GCE 9–10	TL 708,961
High School GCE 11–12	TL 744,408

What is included in the tuition fee

• textbooks;
• lunch for schoolchildren;
• meals during the day for preschoolers;
• Near East Youth Health Insurance;
• one set of school uniform.

Before signing the contract, it is recommended to clarify which clubs, events and additional classes are included in the fee specifically at the chosen campus.

School uniform

School uniform is mandatory. One set of uniform is included in the tuition fee.

Additional sets are purchased separately. Before admission, it is worth clarifying:

• where the uniform is purchased;
• whether sportswear is included in the set;
• whether there are separate summer and winter uniforms;
• the cost of additional sets.

Additional expenses

• registration fee — TL 7,500;
• deposit — TL 45,000;
• school transport;
• international exams;
• additional uniform sets;
• trips and extracurricular activities.

What parents should clarify before admission

• whether there are places in the required grade;
• whether there is adaptation for children without knowledge of Turkish;
• what level of English is required;
• which subjects are available in GCE and YKS;
• how much transport from your area costs;
• how assessment and exams are conducted;
• what additional expenses may arise during the year;
• how meals are organised;
• what the refund conditions are.

Frequently asked questions

Is Near East College only in Yeniboğaziçi?

No. This is a network of schools. Campuses are in Lefkoşa, Yeniboğaziçi and Kyrenia. In Yeniboğaziçi there is a campus convenient for families from Famagusta, İskele, Long Beach and Boğaz.

From what age are children accepted?

The network covers preschool age, primary, middle and high school. On the official Yeniboğaziçi page, the preschool track is extended to the 0–2 age group. The exact age for a specific class must be confirmed at the chosen campus.

How much does tuition cost in the 2026–2027 academic year?

The official prices for the period 15 June — 31 July 2026 range from TL 464,864 for Nursery & Preschool to TL 744,408 for High School GCE Grade 11–12.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes. A one-time registration fee of TL 7,500 is listed for new students.

Is a deposit required?

Yes. The tuition deposit is TL 45,000. It is deducted from the total tuition cost, but is not refunded if registration is cancelled.

What is included in the tuition fee?

For Preschool, breakfast, snacks, lunch, books, Near East Youth Health Insurance and one set of uniform are included. For Junior College and College, lunch, books, Near East Youth Health Insurance and one set of uniform are included.

Is transport included in the fee?

No. Transport is paid separately. The cost depends on the area of residence and the school bus route.

What language is instruction in?

The school uses Turkish and English. At the junior college level, English Mathematics and English Science are also listed, and French is included in the programme.

What should I choose: YKS or GCE?

YKS is more suitable for families considering the Turkish examination system. GCE is closer to the British academic pathway. It is better to make the choice with regard to the country and type of university a child may enter after school.

Are there discounts for siblings?

Yes. A 10% discount is listed for the second child, and 20% for the third and subsequent children.

Can I apply online?

Yes. The campus websites have a Prospective Student Application form. After the application is submitted, the school clarifies the grade, availability of places, documents and admission conditions.

What should be clarified before payment?

Before payment, it is worth clarifying the final cost with transport, refund conditions, availability of places, adaptation language, list of documents, admission exams and external exam expenses