MEA issues advisory for Indian students seeking admission in northern Cyprus

The official release said that in particular, complaints have been received against "Cyprus International University (CIU)” that has reportedly asked for additional fee from the Indian students after they took admission at that university. Some students have also raised questions about the credibility and recognition of the courses offered by the university.

MEA said that in general, students seeking admission in universities and institutes abroad are advised to check the reputation, ranking and background of the institution and conduct thorough research as to whether the certificate/degree granted by them is internationally recognised, and in particular in India.

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU)’s website may also be checked for this purpose. The contractual obligations, terms/conditions, fee structure for the course proposed may be studied carefully and if possible, Indian students already studying there and the Indian Mission concerned may be consulted before taking the final decision and making any payment to the universities/institutions or their agencies, advised MEA.

In its advisory, MEA also said in reference to any universities and institutes located in the northern part of Cyprus, it may be noted that due to political factors the officials of the High Commission of India in Nicosia (accredited to Republic of Cyprus) is not in a position to visit the northern part of Cyprus or maintain any contact with the authorities there. Thus, if Indian students studying there face any problem, the officials of High Commission in Nicosia will not be in a position to intervene to help the students.