Do You Want to Study in Cyprus? Here are Key Facts to Know about Republic of Cyprus (EU) and Northern Cyprus (Turkish) -By Olusoji Ajao

The Republic of Cyprus is an island country situated in the east  of the Mediterranean Sea. Originally there was one territory known as Cyprus, which got independence from the United Kingdom on 16 August, 1960. 

After independence, the two major ethnic groups – Turkish-Cypriots, and Greek-Cypriots declared their separate allegiance to Turkey and Greece respectively, hence they disagreed on how to govern  their country independently without external influences from both Turkey and Greece.

The disagreement prompted the Turkish invasion of  20, July 1974 – 18 Aug 1974, apparently to protect the interest of Turkish-Cypriots. Eventually, the island was divided into two territories when Turkish-Cypriots declared self-independence on 15 November 1983, with the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

The United Nations’ Security Council rejected the unilateral declaration of independence, in its Resolution 541 (1983). Resolution 541 (1983) of 18 November 1983 The Security Council.  Salient excerpts of the resolution is presented below: 

Concerned at the declaration by the Turkish Cypriot authorities issued on 15 November 1983 which purports to create an independent State in northern Cyprus, 

Considering that this declaration is incompatible with the 1960 Treaty concerning the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus and the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee,

Considering, therefore, that the attempt to create a “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” is invalid, and will contribute to a worsening of the situation in Cyprus, 

Taking note of the Secretary-General’s statement of 17 November 1983,

1. Deplores the declaration of the Turkish Cypriot authorities of the purported secession of part of the Republic of Cyprus; 

2. Considers the declaration referred to above as legally invalid and calls for its withdrawal;

As the UN refused to recognize TRNC as an independent country, Turkey is the only country in the world today  that recognizes Northern Cyprus. Since it has no embassy in Nigeria, Nigerians studying in Northern Cyprus usually get a transit visa from the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria, upon arrival at Turkey they would take a connecting flight from Istanbul to Northern Cyprus. At the point of entry, they could then get an entry visa. Below are ten key facts to consider for those intending to study in Cyprus.

1. Population: Republic of Cyprus has a total population of about 1.2 million (2020 estimate), less than the population of Ibadan’s 3.6 million – the third largest city in Nigeria; while Northern Cyprus has a total population of about 300,000.

1. Official language: In the Republic of Cyprus the official languages are: Greek and Turkish while in Northern Cyprus, Turkish is the only official language. However, English is commonly spoken in both territories.

1. European Union (EU): The Republic of Cyprus has been a member of the EU since 2004; Northern Cyprus is not a member.

1. Official currency: Cyprus has adopted Euro as official currency since 1 January, 2008; while the legal tender in Northern Cyprus is Turkish national currency called lira.

1. Capital city: Both territories share the same city as capital – Nicosia. Cyprus’ capital is in Nicosia, while Northern Cyprus’ capital is also located in North Nicosia. Nicosia is the largest city in both territories. 

1. Religion: Majority of people in Cyprus  identified as Christians; while in Northern Cyprus, expectedly the majority identified as Muslims.

1. Territory: About 60% of the island is being governed by the Republic of Cyprus, while about 36% of the land mass is being held  by Northern Cyprus, the remaining 4% is set aside as the  UN buffer zone between the two territories.

1. Freedom: Your freedom as a foreign student is fully guaranteed in Cyprus, however bear in mind that your freedom could be limited in Northern Cyprus, this is because the territory itself is under suzerainty of Turkey. It depends on Turkey economically, politically and militarily. 

1. Study Visa: Truth be told, as far as I can tell, a visa (study) to Northern Cyprus is the easiest route to travel to Europe for study. This is because its universities are cheaper than those in the Republic of Cyprus. However, the challenge is that you would find it difficult to get a job over there, while you are schooling.

1. Work and Study: Essentially, for those  planning to study in Cyprus or Northern Cyprus, please keep in mind that there are very limited job opportunities, especially in Northern Cyprus. However, if you possess digital skills, you could get remote job opportunities outside Cyprus. For instance you could get gigs on Fiverr or Upwork or you could be earning income as a social media content creator.

Olusoji AJAO, is a Lagos-based Global Affairs Analyst, for comments kindly follow him on Twitter: @OlusojiAjao