Despite hard work and strenuous days, I really enjoy my medical studies at the University of Nicosia: great weather, wonderful trips to the sea and mountains, and a truly beautiful, safe city. I feel extremely comfortable here.
University of Nicosia Medical School and School of Veterinary Medicine
About
University of Nicosia (UNIC) is a leading comprehensive and research-oriented institution in the Mediterranean, committed to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, sustainability, societal engagement, and cultural contributions. Embracing the holistic One Health concept, UNIC focuses on the interconnectedness of human and animal health within a sustainable environment.
University of Nicosia (UNIC) is a leading comprehensive and research-oriented institution in the Mediterranean, committed to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, sustainability, societal engagement, and cultural contributions. Embracing the holistic One Health concept, UNIC focuses on the interconnectedness of human and animal health within a sustainable environment. This approach is embodied in UNIC Health, which includes the School of Veterinary Medicine, the Medical School, and the Medical Centre, fostering a dynamic academic setting.
Here, students receive a well-rounded education and engage in inter-professional learning, promoting collaboration across disciplines under the One Health initiative. At UNIC, students benefit from globally recognized programs such as the 5-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and the dual-path Doctor of Medicine (MD), tailored for both high school graduates and those with prior degrees.
Clinical years can be completed in teaching hospitals in Cyprus, the UK, USA, Switzerland, Greece, or Israel, subject to visa requirements. These programs align with standards set by the EU, US, UK, and globally.
UNIC, a leading institution in Southern Europe where English is the primary language of instruction, welcomes over 12,500 students from more than 100 countries, creating a diverse and progressive academic community. Ranked within the 501-600 range globally by the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, UNIC is among the top 2% of universities worldwide. UNIC's commitment extends beyond academics,
UNIC's commitment extends beyond academics, with bi-monthly mobile clinic expeditions serving underserved communities in Cyprus, enhancing practical experience and societal impact. Graduates of the DVM program enjoy EU-wide recognition, while MD students benefit from clinical placements globally, supported by comprehensive career guidance from the outset. UNIC continues to lead Southern Europe in education and research, combining innovation, sustainability, and cultural engagement to shape future leaders in healthcare and veterinary sciences.
- Top 501-600 University in the World (Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2025)
- #36 Globally in Quality Education (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 2022)
- #113 Globally, #18 in the EU in International Outlook (Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2024)
EU Students
EU citizens may travel freely to Cyprus but are required to submit an Application for Issue of Residence Permit within 3 months of their date of entry into the country. Our Student Services team will assist you with this procedure.
Non-EU Students
Non-EU students require a visa to study in Cyprus. Our Student Services team will facilitate this process.
Student Life
From the outset, two things will strike you about our student population and faculty in Nicosia: how diverse and how friendly they are.
Both have a profound effect on the quality of student life here, from the day you join to the day you graduate. It doesn’t take long to find your way around, or to appreciate the fact that getting to know people and making friends is that much easier too.
We do everything we can to help you settle in and feel part of the University community. Our Student Services team helps you with the practicalities: everything from finding accommodation to hooking up to free Internet access on campus. Our team of counsellors can help resolve relationship issues, work stresses and family matters with sympathy, sensitivity and in complete confidentiality.
The University of Nicosia sponsors numerous lectures, symposia, conferences, dance and music performances, student societies and sports clubs, guaranteeing a packed programme of events, so you’ll never be short of opportunities to mix! The campus also accommodates an open-air amphitheatre for concerts and theatre, a cinema, a gym, a games room, several cafeterias, a restaurant and recreational facilities where students can meet and socialise.
About Cyprus
Cyprus is number 21 on the list of 52 Places to Go in 2017, released annually by the New York Times, which highlights “a cultural and culinary renewal on a Mediterranean island.”
Cyprus is situated in the north-eastern corner of the Mediterranean, at the meeting point of Europe, Asia and Africa. Since the dawn of history, Cyprus has been one of the most interesting areas of the region, with a rich and visible cultural history. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans, along with Crusaders, Byzantines, Franks and Ottomans have all left a powerful legacy for the modern visitor to see and admire.
Cyprus is ranked the safest country in the world for people aged 15 to 29 by the World Health Organization, and its people are famous for the warm and friendly welcome they extend to visitors. The combination of a multicultural population, modern infrastructure, reasonable cost of living, rich history and a beautiful natural environment makes it an ideal place to study.
The island is endowed with golden beaches, virgin green forests and other natural wonders, and the environment is one of the healthiest in the world.
Cyprus is an important financial and business centre, with over 70% of the economy focused on services. The main industries in Cyprus are financial and professional services, banking, investment management, shipping, tourism and real estate.
Living in Nicosia
The capital of Cyprus and the country’s largest city, Nicosia offers a fascinating blend of lifestyles, culture and history. The Financial Times recently ranked Nicosia as the #1 city under 500,000 in Europe for lifestyle and education.
From a centuries-old walled city centre that sees monuments in close proximity to late-night clubs, to downtown bargain shopping and brand-new suburban malls, and a range of local and international restaurants to suit every palate and budget, Nicosia has something for everyone. The compact size of Cyprus means that world-famous beaches or charming mountain villages are equally easy to reach – no more than a 45-minute drive from Nicosia. If you’re up for it, at certain times of year you could go skiing in the mountains in the morning and then hit the beach for a swim in the afternoon.
Cultural activities include museums, art galleries, theatres and cinemas. Live concerts feature throughout the year, with recent performances ranging from leading opera companies to major world music stars. For those who are just as keen to exercise their bodies as their minds, the University of Nicosia offers a fully-equipped gym. In addition, there are municipal swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, and running tracks. You can also join a private health club, from those providing fitness classes to all-inclusive sports complexes at major hotels.
Students in Nicosia can choose from a variety of very affordable housing options, many of which are a short walk to our campus. Our Student Affairs team can assist you in finding suitable accommodation for your needs and budget.
Getting around Nicosia is easy. Depending on your location, many areas of the city are within easy walking distance. The public transportation system has been recently upgraded, with buses serving a wide network of routes. Bike paths also link the University of Nicosia and other educational institutions with the city centre. Many students even take advantage of the wide and affordable selection of used cars on the market, as parking on campus is free of charge and readily available, and having your own car makes it even easier to explore Cyprus during your free time.
Clubs and Specialty Interest Societies
There are a variety of Clubs and Specialty Interest Societies where students can get involved, make new friends, have some fun and be part of the student community. A Club is a student interest group set up for the enjoyment, benefit and enrichment of students for the encouragement of personal development for extracurricular activities. The aim of a Specialty Interest Society is to provide a platform for all those who are interested in a specific career and equip them with the relevant background information and experience in order to be able to make a correct choice and/or take the necessary initial steps towards such a career.
The Medical School is housed in modern new facilities featuring the latest technology, including a state-of-the-art anatomy centre and clinical skills laboratories. Students benefit from a Gross Anatomy Laboratory, a Clinical Skills Laboratory, readily available resources for Histology and Histopathology, a Human Performance Lab, a number of Microbiology/ Molecular Biology Labs, Human Nutrition Labs and Physiotherapy Labs.
Student Service Centre
The Student Service Centre is committed to enriching the University experience and to promoting a full and active student life. The Student Service team help students with any non-academic related issues like finances, registry as well as with visa issues, health insurance, accommodation and transportation. In addition the Centre runs events and activities, club registration services, the host family programme and many more.
Anatomy Centre
Human cadavers are used to teach anatomy because we believe this adds value to our students’ medical education. We also have a very large collection of realistic anatomy models, bones, clinically orientated anatomy guides, a video projector screen and sound system for educational and training videos, and other useful teaching aids such as anatomy atlases and dissecting guides. Anatomy teaching comprises small-group learning that is facilitated by anatomy demonstrators who help the students connect clinically relevant topics with anatomical structures. This method encourages a deep approach to learning anatomy that the students will carry with them throughout their careers. In addition, the adjacent histology laboratory has been equipped with the necessary resources that support a small-group learning model. The University of Nicosia Medical School is an established examination centre for the Royal College of Surgeons of England. This offers an advantage for our alumni who wish to advance their surgical careers.
Clinical Skills Laboratory
The clinical skills laboratory is another place where students learn in small groups. During clinical skills sessions, students work with realistic models and manikins, as well as both simulated and real patients. They develop bedside communication techniques that will enhance the students’ abilities and clinical knowledge as they evolve into the doctors of tomorrow. The teaching is structured in a way that allows medical students to build their clinical knowledge and skills as they progress to examining real patients during their clinical placements.
Libraries
The University of Nicosia Health Library, which comprises titles in the basic sciences and clinical medicine, is part of the University of Nicosia’s Library Information Gateway. This gateway provides access to an integrated library system whose resources can be accessed by users both on and off campus. The library provides electronic access to an extensive collection of medical databases, e-books and journals.
University of Nicosia's Main Library houses a large collection of basic science & allied health professions material, as well as all resources for the humanities, social sciences, & technology programs at the University. Students using UNIC Health Library may also use UNIC Main Library to borrow books, as a study space, or to access all e-resources.
Veterinary Facilities
Veterinary students are provided with cutting-edge laboratories that foster learning, research, and animal care excellence. The labs are designed to facilitate interactive learning experiences, encouraging students to collaborate, share ideas, and engage in discussions. Safety protocols are in place, and students are trained in handling biohazardous materials responsibly.
- Anatomy Lab: Using animal cadavers in the Anatomy Lab offers invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for students. Students gain a deeper understanding of real-life anatomical structures and variations by dissecting and studying specimens.
- Biochemistry Labs: An integral part of the Veterinary programme, the Biochemistry Labs are equipped with the latest technology and instruments, ensuring students have hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment. The laboratories offer a comprehensive range of tools for analyzing and understanding biochemical processes, from high-performance liquid chromatographs (HPLCs) to spectrophotometers, PCR machines, digital microscopes, and gas chromatographs (GCs).
Julia Sophie Stenz MD, Class of 2028, Germany
Mats Israelsson MD, Class of 2025, Sweden
UNIC Medical School admits students from all around the world. Studying in such an environment allows me to communicate and work with people from many different cultural backgrounds, this significantly increases human understanding, removes stereotypes and provides greater insight for cultural awareness, vital in our future roles as doctors.
Lorin Kasten MD, Class of 2028, Austria/Germany
I stay in one of the modern student residences of the University of Nicosia and I enjoy it very much. I like the fact that under one roof there are so many students from different countries and diverse cultural backgrounds. In addition, the residences are conveniently located on campus and within a walking distance from the Medical School, cafes, shops and restaurants.
Aline Nercessian MPH, Cohort 2022, Armenia
Enrolling in a Master’s program 20 years after my university graduation was a dream come true, a milestone, and a transformative experience that will open doors to new opportunities. I chose the Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Nicosia for its comprehensive approach, particularly the One Health aspect, and the emphasis on the latest preventive public health measures. From day one, the University of Nicosia inspired trust with its state-of-the-art methods and international accreditations. The care, professionalism, and unwavering support of my instructors made my endeavor a success. This would not have been possible without the distance learning option. The flexible schedule provided by distance learning facilitated my journey as a full-time working and learning mother. I express my profound gratitude and appreciation to the program and the university, which have equipped me for a brighter professional future and better opportunities by expanding my knowledge and enhancing my managerial skills.
Faisal Gharaibeh MD, Class of 2026, Jordan
Moving away from home to study medicine in a foreign country was one of the hardest decisions I had to make; however, the outcome was the most rewarding. At the University of Nicosia (UNIC) Medical School I was welcomed into a new home; from the first few days I started forming bonds with an international and diverse cohort, all sharing the same passion I had for our future as young doctors. The staff and faculty members at the University aided me in each step of the way in my adjusting to the new environment and I found the transition to Cyprus to be smooth and exciting. The MD program at UNIC helped me gain hands-on skills necessary for my future career since day one. I found myself enjoying each course in a unique way as the excellent professors showed us how each learning outcome related to medicine in a profound way. With multiple practical skills being taught early on and different modes of teaching such as lectures, labs, discussions and seminars, I was able to truly immerse myself in the field I am so passionate about. It is important as medical students to keep track of the updated requirements for applying to residency programs prior to graduating. This is why I am so thankful for UNIC Medical School’s Career and Alumni Office, which has kept us constantly updated about our options and allowed alumni to speak to the cohort about their experiences in gaining access to prestigious residency programs around the world. I was able to understand better how to prep for exams such as the USMLE and think more closely about which field of medicine I would wish to train in through the experiences of students before me.
