University of Kyrenia
About
The University of KYRENIA was established in 2013 in Northern Cyprus as a maritime-focused institution, becoming the first university in the country dedicated to maritime studies. It was founded by the Girne American University (GAU) Group, building on their legacy in higher education. Since then, it has expanded into a comprehensive university offering programs across aviation, engineering, health sciences, education, law, economics, and social sciences. Despite its young age, it has rapidly developed into a modern institution known for its specialized faculties, simulation laboratories, and strategic coastal location that supports hands-on learning in fields like maritime and aviation.
Features
- University of Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus’s first maritime-focused university (founded in 2013), hosts 15 faculties, 3 graduate schools, and 7 vocational institutes, offering over 58 programs in English and Turkish—including unique strengths in maritime sciences, aviation/space engineering, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and cybersecurity. Located in the scenic coastal city of Girne/Kyrenia, the university features state-of-the-art simulation labs, a maritime research vessel, a supercomputer ranked among the world's top, modern student housing, and robust international accreditation (IMO, DGCA, ABET, YÖK, and more), all supported by a multicultural community, active student clubs, and generous scholarships of up to 50–100% per program.
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
Financial Economics
Actuarial Science
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Translation Business
Law
Nursing
Language
Law
Psychology
Literature
History
Anthropology
Archaeology
Oceanography
Public Relations & Advertising
Public Relations & Advertising
Radio, Television & Film
Psychological Counselling & Guidance
Special Education
English Language Teaching
Early Childhood Education
ICT Education
Programs include Business Administration
Banking & Finance
Software Engineer
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