How to Apply for a Student Visa in Northern Cyprus — Step-by-Step Guide

This page provides a comprehensive and up-to-date guide for obtaining a student visa (Student Permit) in Northern Cyprus: for both standard university admission and enrollment in university language courses. Choose the section you need from the list below and follow the steps — we have compiled requirements, procedures, common questions, and payment details.

• What is a student visa in Northern Cyprus
• Step-by-step guide for university program admission
• Documents required for university registration
• Registration on the immigration portal (personal account)
• Medical examination and health insurance
• Government fee, processing times, and e-visa issuance
• Step-by-step guide for language course admission with Student Permit eligibility
• Documents for language courses
• Cost of language courses
• Benefits of a student visa
• Visa renewal and important deadlines
• Useful tips and common mistakes
• Support and consultations

What is a student visa in Northern Cyprus

The student visa (Student Permit) is issued upon arrival in Northern Cyprus and confirms your right to reside for the duration of your studies. The visa is renewed annually, usually in the fall (typically October), so documents must be resubmitted in August–September each year. The visa itself is issued electronically, based on information from your personal account on the student immigration portal and confirmations from the university. There are no age restrictions for master's program admission, while the maximum age for bachelor's programs is 25.

Step-by-step guide for university program admission

Step 1. Upon arrival at the university, complete initial registration: visit the student registration office, obtain your list of courses from your academic advisor, and confirm your residential address.

Step 2. Fill out the student application form at the registration office and provide your residential address. The university will inform you if additional address verification is required.

Step 3. Create a personal account on the immigration portal, complete the online application, and follow the instructions in your account: directions for medical tests and payment steps will appear there.

Step 4. Pay for medical tests and health insurance through your personal account. The cost of tests can be viewed here.

Step 5. Wait for test results (usually 7 days) and pay the visa fee in your personal account.

Step 6. After processing, the application concludes with the issuance of the electronic student visa (Student Permit). The document will appear in your account.

Documents required for university registration

• Passport (original).
• Passport copies (photo page + all completed pages).
• Certificate from the local mukhtar (residential address verification).
• Diploma or high school certificate (original) + notarized translation.
• Photo 3×4 (2 pieces; digital version allowed).
• For master's admission, a transcript in addition to the diploma is required. The document must be notarized and translated into English.

Registration on the immigration portal (personal account)

To create an account: register. If you already have an account, simply log in to your personal account.

In your personal account, complete the application form. After submission, step-by-step instructions for paying for tests and insurance, taking tests, paying the government fee, and downloading the approved permit will appear in your account if your application is approved.

Medical Examination and Health Insurance

Tests are mandatory for all types of legalization. The referral is issued through the personal account. Payment for tests and health insurance is also made through the account. Test results are usually ready in about 7 days, after which you can proceed to pay the state fee.

State Fee, Timelines, and Obtaining the Student Permit

The state fee is paid through the personal account. After payment, the student visa is issued electronically and available for download in the personal account — expect approximately 2 weeks after paying the state fee.

Step-by-Step Guide for Enrolling in Language Courses with Student Permit Eligibility

University language courses also allow you to obtain a student visa and are available to people of any age and nationality if requirements are met and full registration is completed. You can choose offline or online/offline format depending on the university.

How it works in practice: you enroll in the language program of the selected university, take an entry test, submit your documents, and then the university creates your account on the immigration portal (or provides instructions for self-registration). Afterwards, the steps are identical to the university program procedure: medical examination and insurance → payment of state fee → receiving the Student Permit. In this case, the Student Permit is issued and available for download within 10 minutes after paying the state fee.

Documents for Language Courses

• University registration form (application form).
• Entry test to determine the language proficiency level.
• Passport (original).
• Information about last entry into TRNC (entry stamp).
• Diploma or secondary education certificate (original) + notarized translation.
• Photo 3×4 (2 pcs; digital version allowed).
• Certificate from Mukhtar (place of residence).
• Tuition payment receipt (for the chosen period — 1 year or 1.5 years).

Important: after submitting documents, the university creates your account on the immigration portal or provides instructions for self-registration.

Language Course Costs

Price guidelines: €1200 for 1 year or €1500 for 1.5 years. These are maximum-discount prices for international students (average market level). Be cautious of offers below these amounts, as they are often fraudulent.

Benefits of a Student Visa

• No property ownership is required for the application.
• No bank statement showing funds in a local account is needed.
• Phone customs clearance at a standard fee, regardless of the model.
• Bringing a car with foreign plates for the duration of studies, upon payment of the relevant vehicle tax.
• The main thing — you gain knowledge and international educational experience.

Visa Renewal and Important Deadlines

The student visa is usually renewed annually in September–October. Prepare the document package and updates in your personal account in advance — in August–September. Monitor notifications in your account and from the university, and pay fees for tests, insurance, and the state fee on time.

Useful Tips and Common Mistakes

• Create and store scans of all documents (passport, translations, receipts) — this speeds up submission and verification.
• Check the accuracy of personal data in the account before payment.
• Follow the sequence and deadlines: tests, insurance, and state fee must be paid in order.
• Do not ignore messages from your account or emails/SMS from the university.
• Plan time for test results (average about 7 days).

Assistance and Consultation

Want to simplify the process and avoid mistakes? You can contact a specialist who assists with Student Permit processing and knows local nuances.

Contact us on Telegram.