Life with Children in the TRNC: Kindergartens, Schools, and Universities

TRNC is a true paradise for families with children. The island offers a peaceful atmosphere, a relaxed pace of life, and a mild climate. A special environment has been created for schoolchildren, characterized by a high standard of education, cultural diversity, and safety.

Preschool education

Private kindergartens accept children starting at age 3, with tuition averaging $250-$350 per month. Public options are virtually unavailable to foreigners. Class sizes are small — about 10 children per teacher — which ensures an individualized approach. The curriculum focuses on developing language skills, fine motor skills, social skills, and basic math.

Most kindergartens are bilingual, where children learn English and Turkish. Children acquire a basic level of foreign languages within a few months and already have a foundational grasp of them by the time they start school.

Schools

Compulsory education begins at age 6 and lasts for 12 years (4 years in elementary school, 4 in middle school, and 4 in high school or lyceum).

Public schools are free, but classes are taught in Turkish. Local children are friendly toward foreigners; the math curriculum here is simpler, but students typically study three languages — English, Turkish, and one other of their choice (such as German). Every school has its own uniform, which parents can purchase directly at the school. Extracurricular activities at public schools are free; children can participate in sports, football, music, choir, or art, travel to competitions, and take part in contests.

Children who have just moved often face adjustment challenges in the first few months, especially due to the language barrier. Most overcome it within 2-6 months. Many parents’ strategy is to enroll their child in a private school for the first year and then transfer them to a public school, or to hire tutors well in advance of the move.

Private and international schools follow the British IGCSE and A-level curricula or the IB program, and instruction is conducted in English. Tuition starts at $3,000 per year (including meals and bus transportation).

The most well-known schools are:

• The English School of Kyrenia (ages 3-18, IB)
• Necat British College
• Girne American College
• Levent College
• TED Northern Cyprus College

The school bus in the TRNC picks up the child right at the front door, takes them to school, and returns them personally to the parent. This system applies to both public and private schools.

Universities

As of 2026, there are 21 universities operating in the TRNC. Students from more than 100 countries study on the island, and their numbers have increased by 80% over the past 5-7 years.

The undisputed leaders in higher education are the regions of Famagusta, Nicosia, and Girne.

• Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) — a state-run university with international recognition, ranked among the top 800 in the world. Approximately 20,000 students are enrolled on campus at any given time.
• Near East University (NEU) — the largest private university on the island, with two hospital facilities for medical students. Accredited by Joint Commission International.
• Cyprus International University (CIU) offers more than 190 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across 12 faculties. It has partnerships with the British universities of Sunderland and Wolverhampton, which provide the opportunity to earn a dual degree.
• Girne American University (GAU) — operates under the American education system. It has international campuses in the UK, the US, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Moldova.
• University of Kyrenia (UoK) — specializes in maritime, aviation, and medical programs. A unique profile for the region.

The average cost of a bachelor’s degree ranges from $3,000 to $12,000 per year, with medicine and dentistry traditionally considered the most expensive fields.

Scholarships and tuition discounts for international students are widely available. At EMU, you can reduce the annual tuition by 50% or receive a full-coverage athletic scholarship. At GAU, discounts also reach up to 50%, and at CIU, academic scholarships of up to 100% are available. All major universities provide dormitory housing.

The TRNC government also offers state scholarships through the YOBIS2 platform for students from third countries — these may include tuition, dormitory accommodation, and a monthly allowance of $200.

Instead of a conclusion: the best areas for families with children

1. Girne: international schools, private clinics, family-friendly beaches with gentle slopes into the water, and a well-developed retail infrastructure. An ideal choice for families with children of all ages.
2. Iskele: new residential complexes by the sea, a well-maintained promenade, and a comfortable standard of living. Popular among expats from Europe.
3. Famagusta: ideal for families with teenagers who want to attend university. A large student city with extensive infrastructure.
4. Nicosia: well-developed social infrastructure, including schools, government offices, and hospitals, but no access to the sea.