The University of Kyrenia (UK) Faculty of Medicine is a relatively newer private institution located in Kyrenia (Girne) in Northern Cyprus. It is part of the Near East Organization and shares many resources with the Near East University (NEU) in Nicosia. It is crucial to note that Northern Cyprus operates under the de facto administration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognized only by Turkey.
International students, especially those intending to practice outside of Turkey or the TRNC, must exercise extreme caution regarding the recognition of degrees from North Cyprus.
EU Recognition: Degrees from universities in Northern Cyprus are generally not recognized by the European Union (EU) or by the Republic of Cyprus (South Cyprus) itself.
WHO WDOMS: The University of Kyrenia's medical program is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), but this listing does not guarantee licensure or recognition by foreign medical councils (like the NMC in India, which often has specific requirements concerning the country of origin).
| Feature | Detail |
| Official Name | University of Kyrenia (UK) Faculty of Medicine |
| Founding Year | 2013 (The university itself was established in 2013). |
| Institutional Status | Private University. It is governed by the regulations of the TRNC and the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK). |
| Degree Awarded | Doctor of Medicine (MD) (equivalent to MBBS). |
| Program Duration | 6 Years (Standard entry for high school graduates). |
| Instruction Language | Predominantly English Medium (some clinical interaction may require Turkish). |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the TRNC Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK) and by YÖK (Turkey). |
| Entry Requirements | Based on high school performance (Science background) and often a direct acceptance process or an entrance test in science subjects. |
| Academic Focus | Leverages the infrastructure and clinical affiliations of the sister institution, Near East University. |
Qualification: Requires excellent high school grades (Science stream: Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
NEET Qualification: Indian students must meet the NEET UG qualification cutoff for enrollment.
Language: English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS equivalent) is required.
The curriculum is structured similarly to Turkish medical schools:
Years 1–3: Theoretical and preclinical sciences.
Years 4–5: Clinical clerkships and rotations.
Year 6: Compulsory internship/housemanship.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical training is primarily conducted in the largest and most established hospital in North Cyprus.
Primary Teaching Hospital: Clinical rotations are often carried out at the Near East University Hospital in Nicosia (Lefkoşa), which is one of the largest private medical centres in the region, offering advanced care.
Location: The main teaching hospital is located in Nicosia (Lefkoşa), requiring travel for clinical years, though the campus is in Kyrenia.
Language: While academic lectures are in English, patient interaction may be primarily in Turkish, requiring students to acquire basic fluency.
State University Affordability
As a private institution in the region, the tuition fees are competitive compared to mainland Europe.
Annual Tuition Fee (MD Program): Approx. €10,000 – €14,000 EUR (approx. $10,800 – $15,200 USD) per year.
Total 6-Year Tuition: Approx. €60,000 – €84,000 EUR (total academic fee).
Other Fees: Includes registration, laboratory, and student fees.
Kyrenia is a beautiful coastal city known for its historic harbour and castle.
Vibe: Picturesque, popular tourist and expat destination, offering a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
Climate: Mediterranean, with long, hot summers and mild, wet winters.
Safety: Considered a very safe town.
Student Focus: The city caters well to the university population, offering a balance of beach life and student amenities.
Kyrenia is a popular tourist town, offering a pleasant living environment with moderate costs.
| Feature | Detail |
| University Housing | Available. The University of Kyrenia offers modern, on-campus dormitory facilities. |
| Annual Dormitory Cost | Moderate. Prices typically range from €300 – €500 EUR per month (approx. $3,900 – $6,500 USD per year), depending on room type. |
| Private Rental | Available. Private rental is an option, especially for shared apartments. |
| Feature | Detail |
| Mess System | No Formal Mess System. The campus has cafeterias and dining halls. |
| Cost of Meals | Moderate. Eating at the campus or local eateries is affordable. A meal costs approx. €5 – €8 EUR. |
| Monthly Food Cost | Estimated monthly expenditure for food and groceries: €250 – €400 EUR (approx. $3,200 – $5,200 USD per year). |
| Feature | Detail |
| Visa/Residency | Student Visa. Non-TRNC/Non-Turkish students require a Student Visa, which is typically obtained upon arrival and then converted into a Residence Permit. |
| Total Annual Cost (Excluding Tuition) | Estimated total annual cost of living (accommodation, food, transport, utilities): €7,000 – €10,000 EUR (approx. $7,600 – $10,800 USD). |
| Local Currency | The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY), although the Euro (€) is widely accepted in tourist areas and for tuition fees. |
| Political Status | Limited International Recognition. Students must be aware of potential travel and political restrictions associated with the TRNC. |
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus