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About North Cyprus · Education

Education and universities in North Cyprus

As of 24 October 2026, the TRNC Ministry of National Education describes formal schooling as pre-school, a five-year primary school, a three-year middle school and a lycée, alongside special education, and the TRNC Public Information Office states that formal education is compulsory until the age of 15. YÖDAK, the TRNC higher education council, lists 23 universities that take part in its inter-university coordination board. This page summarises those official descriptions, how recognition is stated by Turkey's YÖK and by the Republic of Cyprus, and where international students find official information.

Checked 24 October 2026 against the sources named in the text and listed below. Positions of parties are attributed to them.

How schooling is structured. AI visual concept
AI visual concept

How schooling is structured

According to the TRNC Ministry of National Education, the system has two parts: formal education (örgün eğitim) and non-formal education (yaygın eğitim). Formal education runs from pre-school through primary, secondary and higher education, with special education alongside.

The Ministry states that primary education (ilköğretim) covers a one- or two-year pre-school class and a five-year ilkokul, and that secondary education lasts at least six years: a three-year ortaokul followed by a lise. According to the TRNC Public Information Office, formal education is compulsory until the age of 15, and families may choose public or private schools, both supervised by the Ministry.

  • School stage

    Pre-school (okul öncesi)

    The Ministry says pre-school lasts one or two years, is provided by the state and admits children who turn 4 or 5 by 31 December. Classes may be attached to a primary school or run as separate kindergartens.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • School stage

    Primary school (ilkokul)

    According to the Ministry, primary education covers children from the year they turn 6 until age 11, ending with a primary diploma after the fifth grade.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • School stage

    Middle school (ortaokul)

    The Ministry describes a three-year ortaokul as the first part of secondary education. It may stand alone or be attached to a lise, and guidance towards a track begins here.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • School stage

    Lycée (lise)

    The Ministry lists general, vocational, technical and other lise types, each named after its main programme, and says diplomas are awarded according to the type of lise.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • School stage

    Higher education (yüksek öğretim)

    The Ministry says higher education lasts at least two years after secondary school, that admission depends on each institution, and that the state supports eligible students through scholarships, loans and dormitories.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • School stage

    Special education (özel eğitim)

    According to the Ministry, special education serves children from pre-school age up to 18 and is free for pupils of compulsory school age. The Public Information Office names state and private providers.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • Rule

    Compulsory attendance

    The Ministry states that every citizen of compulsory school age must attend school, that it assigns each child a school, and that it arranges transport where the school is outside the village and more than two miles away.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • Rule

    Compulsory until 15; public or private schools

    The TRNC Public Information Office states that formal education is compulsory until the age of 15 and that families can choose public or private schools under Ministry supervision.

    Source: pio.mfa.gov.ct.tr

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The Ministry of National Education and its school lists. AI visual concept
AI visual concept

The Ministry of National Education and its school lists

According to the Ministry's education system page, schools are grouped under three directorates: Primary Education (İlköğretim Dairesi), General Secondary Education (Genel Ortaöğretim Dairesi) and Vocational and Technical Education (Mesleki Teknik Öğretim Dairesi). Each publishes lists of its state schools, and the Ministry publishes separate lists of private schools.

The same page names further units: the Board of Education (Talim ve Terbiye Dairesi), the Department of Higher Education and External Relations (Yüksek Öğrenim ve Dışilişkiler Dairesi), an inspection and guidance board, and a common services directorate. The first page of the Ministry's general secondary list includes schools called lise and ortaokul, and one called kolej.

  • Directorate

    Primary Education Directorate (İlköğretim Dairesi)

    The Ministry groups primary schools under this directorate and publishes separate lists of its state and private schools.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • Directorate

    General Secondary Education Directorate (Genel Ortaöğretim Dairesi)

    The Ministry groups general secondary schools, both state and private, under this directorate.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • School list

    State general secondary schools

    The Ministry list includes, for example, 19 Mayıs Türk Maarif Koleji, 20 Temmuz Fen Lisesi, Anadolu Güzel Sanatlar Lisesi and Bülent Ecevit Anadolu Lisesi, as well as several ortaokul schools.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • Directorate

    Vocational and Technical Education Directorate (Mesleki Teknik Öğretim Dairesi)

    The Ministry list for this directorate includes vocational, industrial vocational, trade and tourism lycées.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • School list

    Vocational and technical lycées

    The Ministry list shows 12 schools, including Gazimağusa Meslek Lisesi, Girne Turizm Meslek Lisesi, Güzelyurt Meslek Lisesi, İskele Ticaret Lisesi and Karpaz Meslek Lisesi.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • Department

    Board of Education (Talim ve Terbiye Dairesi)

    The Ministry lists this department among its units on the education system page.

    Source: mebnet.net

  • Department

    Higher Education and External Relations (Yüksek Öğrenim ve Dışilişkiler Dairesi)

    The Ministry lists this department among its units. The Public Information Office points to its site, yobis.mebnet.net, and to yodak.gov.ct.tr for scholarship and university information.

    Source: pio.mfa.gov.ct.tr

  • Board

    Inspection, Evaluation and Guidance Board

    The Ministry lists the Milli Eğitim Denetleme, Değerlendirme ve Yönlendirme Kurulu among its units.

    Source: mebnet.net

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YÖDAK and the higher education law. AI visual concept
AI visual concept

YÖDAK and the higher education law

According to YÖDAK's history page, the first university in the TRNC began as a Higher Technology Institute, and the Assembly adopted Law No. 2/1993 on 15 January 1993 to set up the original supervisory body. The Higher Education Law took effect on 13 December 2005 and created the current Higher Education Planning, Inspection, Accreditation and Coordination Board (YÖDAK); the page says the law was amended in April 2017.

YÖDAK describes its duties as planning, coordination, regular inspection of institutions and programmes, and institutional accreditation. YÖDAK reported that the ENQA General Assembly of 22 to 24 October 2025 confirmed it as an affiliate member; the ENQA database lists YÖDAK as an affiliate and its EQAR status as not registered.

  • Public body

    YÖDAK

    YÖDAK describes itself as a public legal entity that plans, inspects, accredits and coordinates higher education in the TRNC, including inspection at institution and programme level.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

  • Legislation

    Law No. 2/1993

    YÖDAK states that the Assembly adopted this law on 15 January 1993 and that it created the original body for the establishment, inspection and accreditation of higher education institutions.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

  • Legislation

    Higher Education Law (65/2005)

    According to YÖDAK, the law took effect on 13 December 2005 and created the present board with a president and four members; an April 2017 amendment added two members.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

  • Coordination

    Inter-university Academic Coordination Board (ÜAKK)

    The YÖDAK homepage shows the universities that take part in the Üniversitelerarası Akademik Koordinasyon Kurulu, and its universities page lists 23 of them.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

  • Membership

    ENQA affiliate status

    YÖDAK reported on 24 October 2025 that the ENQA General Assembly confirmed its affiliate membership. The ENQA database lists YÖDAK as an affiliate and as not registered on EQAR.

    Source: enqa.eu

  • Membership

    Other memberships named by YÖDAK

    A YÖDAK presentation lists CEENQA, INQAAHE and UK ENIC among its memberships. The presentation is undated on the page reviewed.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

  • Service

    Recognition of foreign diplomas (denklik)

    YÖDAK says it reviews associate, bachelor's and master's degrees from foreign institutions, that reviews can take 3 to 6 months, and that Turkish citizens with foreign medicine, pharmacy or dentistry degrees need YÖK recognition first.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

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Universities on the YÖDAK list (Ada Kent to Kıbrıs Amerikan). AI visual concept
AI visual concept

Universities on the YÖDAK list (Ada Kent to Kıbrıs Amerikan)

The YÖDAK universities page is headed "Universities taking part in ÜAKK (23 universities)" and lists them alphabetically by Turkish name, each linked to its own website. The page itself gives no founding years or locations, so the founding years below come from a YÖDAK presentation on higher education in the TRNC, and towns come from each university's own site where it states one.

The presentation also lists each institution's ownership type, which the cards repeat. How each side describes degree recognition is set out in the recognition section below. For town locations in context, see districts, towns and map.

  • University (foundation)

    Ada Kent University (Ada Kent Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2016 and describes it as a foundation university.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Akdeniz Karpaz University (Akdeniz Karpaz Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2012 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's own site says it is in Lefkoşa.

    Source: akun.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Altınbaş Cyprus University (Altınbaş Kıbrıs Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2017 and describes it as a foundation university. YÖDAK links it to wpu.edu.tr, whose footer gives an address in Yenişehir, Nicosia.

    Source: wpu.edu.tr

  • Campus of a university in Türkiye

    Ankara University of Social Sciences, North Cyprus Campus (Ankara Sosyal Bilimler Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation lists it as a North Cyprus campus of a state university in Türkiye. Its site gives an address at Haspolat junction.

    Source: kktc.asbu.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Arkın University of Creative Arts and Design (Arkın Yaratıcı Sanatlar ve Tasarım Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2017 and describes it as a foundation university.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

  • University (foundation)

    European Leadership University (Avrupa Liderlik Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2017 and describes it as a foundation university.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Bahçeşehir Cyprus University (Bahçeşehir Kıbrıs Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2017 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's site gives an address in Alayköy, Nicosia.

    Source: baucyprus.edu.tr

  • University (state)

    Eastern Mediterranean University (Doğu Akdeniz Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 1979 and describes it as a state university. The presentation also notes EUA membership. The university's history page says the Institute of Higher Technology was set up in 1979 and became a state university in 1986, in Famagusta.

    Source: emu.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Girne American University (Girne Amerikan Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 1985 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's own homepage also gives 1985 as its founding year.

    Source: gau.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    University of Kyrenia (Girne Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2013 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's site gives an address in Karakum, Girne.

    Source: kyrenia.edu.tr

  • Campus of a university in Türkiye

    Istanbul Technical University, North Cyprus (İTÜ-KKTC Eğitim Araştırma Yerleşkeleri)

    A YÖDAK presentation lists it as a North Cyprus campus of a state university in Türkiye. Its site gives an address in Gazimağusa.

    Source: kktc.itu.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Cyprus American University (Kıbrıs Amerikan Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2014 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's site gives an address on the Lefkoşa to Güzelyurt main road at Alayköy.

    Source: auc.edu.tr

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Universities on the YÖDAK list (Kıbrıs Aydın to Yakın Doğu). AI visual concept
AI visual concept

Universities on the YÖDAK list (Kıbrıs Aydın to Yakın Doğu)

The second half of the YÖDAK list includes, among others, European University of Lefke, Cyprus International University and Near East University, as well as one of the three institutions that a YÖDAK presentation describes as North Cyprus campuses of state universities in Türkiye (ODTÜ here; İTÜ and Ankara Sosyal Bilimler Üniversitesi appear in the first half).

Where a university's own site and the YÖDAK presentation give different years, both are stated. This page does not rank or compare the institutions; their own sites are the place to check programmes, admissions and current details.

  • University (foundation)

    Cyprus Aydın University (Kıbrıs Aydın Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2013 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's contact page gives an address in Ozanköy, Girne.

    Source: cau.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Cyprus West University (Kıbrıs Batı Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2015 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's contact page gives a postal address in Famagusta.

    Source: cwu.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University (Kıbrıs Sağlık ve Toplum Bilimleri Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2016 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's contact page gives its location as Güzelyurt.

    Source: aday.kstu.edu.tr

  • University (state foundation)

    European University of Lefke (Lefke Avrupa Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 1989 and describes it as a state foundation university. The university's own history page says it began academic activities in 1990 as a state foundation university, founded by the Cyprus Science Foundation.

    Source: eul.edu.tr

  • Campus of a university in Türkiye

    Middle East Technical University, Northern Cyprus Campus (ODTÜ Kuzey Kıbrıs Kampüsü)

    A YÖDAK presentation lists it as a North Cyprus campus of a state university in Türkiye. Its site gives the address as Kalkanlı, Güzelyurt, and says it receives academic and administrative support from METU in Ankara.

    Source: apply.ncc.metu.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Onbeş Kasım Cyprus University (Onbeş Kasım Kıbrıs Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2017 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's site names campuses in Lefkoşa and Dereboyu.

    Source: onbeskku.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Rauf Denktaş University (Rauf Denktaş Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2015 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's site gives an address in Surlariçi, Nicosia.

    Source: rdu.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    International University of Alasia (Uluslararası Alasya Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2019 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's site gives an address in Aşağı Dikmen, Lefkoşa.

    Source: alasia.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Final International University (Uluslararası Final Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 2015 and describes it as a foundation university.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Cyprus International University (Uluslararası Kıbrıs Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 1997 and describes it as a foundation university. The university's site gives its address as Lefkoşa.

    Source: ciu.edu.tr

  • University (foundation)

    Near East University (Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi)

    A YÖDAK presentation gives its founding year as 1988 and describes it as a foundation university. The presentation also notes EUA membership. The university's own page says it was founded in 1988 and is located in Nicosia.

    Source: aday.neu.edu.tr

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Recognition as stated by each side, and international students. AI visual concept
AI visual concept

Recognition as stated by each side, and international students

According to a YÖK statement reported by NTV on 10 June 2019, there was no new regulation on diploma equivalence for students at TRNC universities, and diplomas of students placed through ÖSYM are recognised directly under a Turkey and TRNC agreement; Gazete Vatan reported that agreement as in force since 2011. Memurlar.net reported on 29 May 2019 that, according to a YÖK letter, students enrolled outside ÖSYM placement are subject to the equivalence process.

YÖDAK reports affiliate membership of ENQA. This page does not assess the accreditation position of any body.

For international students, the TRNC Public Information Office, citing the Statistical Institute's 2022 Statistical Yearbook, gives 23 universities and 114,000 students from 199 countries. Student residence rules are covered on the TRNC residence permits: official sources page and are not repeated here.

  • Statement (Turkey)

    YÖK on TRNC diplomas, June 2019

    NTV reported YÖK as saying there was no new equivalence regulation for students at TRNC universities and that diplomas of students placed through ÖSYM are recognised directly under the Turkey and TRNC agreement.

    Source: ntv.com.tr

  • Statement (Turkey)

    Agreement in force since 2011

    Gazete Vatan reported the same YÖK statement and stated that the Turkey and TRNC agreement entered into force in 2011, noting that the equivalence rules quoted did not cover students placed through ÖSYM.

    Source: gazetevatan.com

  • Report (Turkey)

    Students outside ÖSYM placement

    Memurlar.net reported a YÖK letter saying that students enrolled at TRNC universities outside the ÖSYM guide, or through transfers outside the rules, are subject to equivalence procedures.

    Source: memurlar.net

  • Official figure

    Students and countries (2022 yearbook)

    The TRNC Public Information Office, citing the Statistical Institute's 2022 Statistical Yearbook, gives 23 universities and 114,000 students from 199 countries.

    Source: pio.mfa.gov.ct.tr

  • Official page

    University immigration tracking links

    YÖDAK's Muhaceret Takip İşlemleri page links each university to its own immigration or student tracking system; it does not set out the rules themselves.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

  • Official page

    Documents for non-citizens seeking diploma recognition

    YÖDAK says non-citizens applying for diploma recognition may be asked for a work permit, residence permit, student certificate and entry and exit records.

    Source: yodak.gov.ct.tr

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Practical notes

  • The YÖDAK universities page is headed as a list of universities taking part in ÜAKK; it is the official list used here, but it does not state whether other bodies operate outside that board.
  • Founding years come from an undated YÖDAK presentation. European University of Lefke's own site gives 1990 for the start of academic activities, while the presentation gives 1989; both are shown.
  • Where no town is given on a card, neither YÖDAK nor the university page reviewed stated one. Check the university's own site for its current address.
  • Recognition of a degree for work, further study or professional registration in a particular country is decided by that country's authorities; this page gives no assurance either way.
  • Universities in the Republic of Cyprus are outside the scope of this page.
  • Tuition fees, scholarships and admission requirements are not covered; the Ministry's higher education department and each university publish these.

Frequently asked questions

How many universities are there in North Cyprus?

The YÖDAK universities page lists 23 universities taking part in its inter-university academic coordination board (ÜAKK). The TRNC Public Information Office, citing the 2022 Statistical Yearbook, also gives 23 universities.

What is YÖDAK?

YÖDAK is the TRNC Higher Education Planning, Inspection, Accreditation and Coordination Board. According to YÖDAK, it was created under the Higher Education Law that took effect on 13 December 2005, and it inspects and accredits higher education institutions and programmes.

Until what age is school compulsory in the TRNC?

The TRNC Public Information Office states that formal education is compulsory until the age of 15. The Ministry of National Education says primary education covers children from the year they turn 6 until age 11.

How is the school system in North Cyprus structured?

According to the TRNC Ministry of National Education, children attend one or two years of pre-school, a five-year ilkokul, a three-year ortaokul and then a lise, which may be general, vocational, technical or another type.

Are North Cyprus university degrees recognised in Turkey?

NTV reported YÖK as stating in June 2019 that diplomas of students placed at TRNC universities through ÖSYM are recognised directly under a Turkey and TRNC agreement. Memurlar.net reported that students enrolled outside ÖSYM placement go through the equivalence process.

Is YÖDAK a member of ENQA?

YÖDAK reported that the ENQA General Assembly of October 2025 confirmed it as an affiliate member. The ENQA membership database lists YÖDAK as an affiliate and as not registered on EQAR.

Where can international students find residence rules for studying in North Cyprus?

Student residence rules are summarised with official links on the [TRNC residence permits: official sources](/about-north-cyprus/trnc-residence-permits-official-sources) page. YÖDAK also links each university to its own immigration tracking system on its Muhaceret Takip İşlemleri page.

Sources

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