Girne American University
About
Girne American University, the first private university in Northern Cyprus, was founded in 1985 by Serhat Akpınar as University College of Northern Cyprus with just seven students. It gained accreditation from YÖK and YODAK and expanded significantly through the 1990s—developing global partnerships and international campuses. Today, it enrolls over 20,000 students from more than 135 countries across 11 faculties, graduate schools, and vocational institutes, offering American-style, internationally accredited programs, while investing heavily in digital learning, research labs, and student services.
Features
- Girne American University is known for its American-style education, multicultural environment with students from over 135 countries, and diverse English-taught programs across 11 faculties and 8 schools, including aviation, medicine, law, and architecture. It offers state-of-the-art labs, on-campus dormitories, internship opportunities, and international partnerships, supported by a strong emphasis on innovation, research, and global mobility programs.
Quick Facts
Rich History of Cyprus and Heritage
The island of Cyprus has a long and complex history due to its strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its history has seen periods of rule by various powers, including the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Lusignans, Venetians, Ottomans, and British. The Ottoman period, from 1571 to 1878, saw the establishment of a significant Turkish Cypriot community alongside the Greek Cypriot population. While the two communities coexisted under the Ottoman millet system, distinct identities and aspirations developed over time. In 1878, administration of the island was ceded to Britain, which formally annexed it in 1914 and declared it a Crown Colony in 1925. During British rule, Greek Cypriot calls for "enosis" (union with Greece) grew stronger, leading to increased intercommunal tensions.
Following Cyprus gaining independence from Britain in 1960 with a constitution aimed at power-sharing between the two communities, disputes and violence erupted in the early 1960s, leading to the withdrawal of Turkish Cypriots from the government and their displacement into enclaves. In 1974, a Greek-backed coup aiming for enosis prompted Turkey to intervene militarily, resulting in the de facto division of the island. The northern part came under Turkish Cypriot control, leading to a population exchange where most Greek Cypriots in the north moved south, and most Turkish Cypriots in the south moved north. In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) declared independence, though it is only officially recognized by Turkey. The division persists today, despite numerous efforts to achieve a unified solution.
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Available Programs
Mathematics and Computer Science
Actuarial Science
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Law
MSc in Environmental Health
Law
Nursing
Language
Psychology
Literature
History
Dentistry
Anthropology
Archaeology
Oceanography
Animation & Game Development
Animation & Game Development
Public Relations & Advertising
Public Relations & Advertising
Radio, Television & Film
Visual Arts & Visual Communication Design
Visual Arts & Visual Communication Design
Psychological Counselling & Guidance
Special Education
English Language Teaching
English Language Teaching
ICT Education
Programs include Business Administration
Software Engineer
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