GIRNE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY; A PIONEER IN HIGHER EDUCATION ON THE MEDITERRANEAN COASTS
Girne American University (GAU) was established in 1985 as the first university in Northern Cyprus by Mr. Serhat Akpinar, inspired by the American educational model. This non-profit university is located in the coastal and tourist city of Kyrenia (Girne) and, with over 20,000 students from 135 different countries and more than 18,000 graduates, is recognized as one of the most international universities in the region. Holding a rank of 10th in Cyprus, a global rank of 5067, 22 research laboratories, and approvals from the Ministries of Education in over 20 countries worldwide including Iran, Girne American University is considered a reputable and ideal educational destination for international students. Admission without a language certificate, 50% scholarships for international students, visa-free entry (with airport visa), and a safe and peaceful environment make this university one of the most popular educational choices for Iranian students.
LOCATION AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Girne American University is located in the coastal and tourist city of Kyrenia (Girne), on the northern coast of Northern Cyprus. This city is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region due to its beautiful beaches, clean Mediterranean waters, and tourist attractions.
Historical Roots
– 1985: Establishment of Girne American University by Mr. Serhat Akpinar as the first university in Northern Cyprus and the first higher education institution in the region modeled after American universities.
– Up to the present: Transformed into one of the most international universities in the region, with over 20,000 students from 135 countries and more than 18,000 graduates.
VISION AND MISSION
Vision
To become a leading international university in education and research, inspired by the American university model.
Missions
– Provide high-quality American-style education at various degree levels.
– Develop applied research across 22 research laboratories.
– Train specialized, creative, and globally competent professionals.
– Create a multicultural and dynamic environment for students from 135 countries.
– Encourage academics and students to participate in sustainable scientific research.
KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
– Year of Establishment: 1985
– University Type: Non-profit
– Total Students: Over 20,000
– Countries Represented: 135 countries
– Number of Graduates: Over 18,000
– Research Laboratories: 22 laboratories
– Rank in Cyprus: 10th
– Global Rank: 5067
INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS AND APPROVALS
Educational programs at Girne American University are approved by the Ministries of Education in over 20 countries, including:
– Western Europe
– United States of America
– Pakistan
– United Arab Emirates
– Oman
– Thailand
– Iran
– Jordan
– Iraq
– Lebanon
– Palestine
– Kazakhstan
Important Note: The degree from this university is recognized by the Iranian Ministry of Science.
FACULTIES OF GIRNE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Girne American University has 10 faculties:
1. Faculty of Medicine
2. Faculty of Pharmacy
3. Faculty of Engineering (7 departments: Civil, Computer, Electrical and Electronics, Industrial, Energy Systems, Mechanical, Automotive)
4. Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts (4 departments: Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Painting)
5. Faculty of Business and Economics
6. Faculty of Communication
7. Faculty of Political Sciences
8. Faculty of Law
9. Faculty of Education
10. Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Architecture Achievements
– Established in 1994
– Faculty of Design and Fine Arts joined in 2009
– Selected as one of the top 10 architecture faculties in Turkey and Northern Cyprus in 2013 by Mimari Medya (Turkish Architecture Media Network)
Graduate Program Achievements
– The Master’s program in Construction Management was selected as one of the top 100 Master’s programs in the world by Eduniversal in 2012 and 2013.
NOTABLE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Undergraduate Programs
Engineering:
– Civil Engineering
– Computer Engineering
– Electrical and Electronics Engineering
– Industrial Engineering
– Energy Systems Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
– Automotive Engineering
Architecture and Arts:
– Architecture
– Interior Design
– Graphic Design
– Painting
Medical Sciences:
– Medicine
– Pharmacy
Management and Economics:
– Business Administration
– Economics
– Financial Management
– Marketing
Humanities and Social Sciences:
– Law
– International Business Law
– International Relations
– Political Science
– Psychology
– Social Psychology
– Gender Studies
Communication:
– Public Relations
– Journalism
– Communication and Media Management
Education:
– English Language Teaching
– Physical Education Teaching
– Computer and Industrial Technology Education
Tourism:
– Tourism and Hospitality Management
Master’s Programs (2 years)
Architecture, Art and Design, Business Administration (MBA/MSc), Gender Studies, Interior Architecture (MA), Computer Engineering, Marketing (MBA), International Business Law (LLM), International Relations, International Business Management (MBA), Construction Management, Information Systems Management (MBA), Law (LLM), English Language Teaching (MA), Computer and Industrial Technology Education, Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Healthcare Management, Public Relations, Social Psychology, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Physical Education Teaching, Financial Management (MBA), Economics, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Journalism
Doctoral Programs (4 years)
Architecture, Business Management, Communication and Media Management, Computer Engineering, Construction Management, Educational Sciences (Management), Marketing, Politics and International Studies, Psychology, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Electrical Engineering with Electronics focus, Information Systems Management
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
The official language of instruction at Girne American University is English.
Important and Special Note
You can study **without the need for a language certificate**! If you do not have a language certificate, students must take an English language placement exam upon arrival. If they do not achieve a passing score, they must enroll in the university’s English Foundation courses.
Minimum Language Scores (if you have a certificate)
– **TOEFL:** Minimum 65
– **IELTS:** Minimum 5.5
STUDENT DORMITORIES
Girne American University has 4 dormitory buildings:
– 3 dormitories for female students
– 1 dormitory for male students
Types of Dormitories
– **GAU Knowledge Village:** Modern dormitory complex
– **Gordon Bennett Residence Hall:** Standard amenities
– **Elysium Court Residence Hall:** Luxury amenities
Dormitory Facilities
– Short distance to the university
– Free shuttle bus services from early morning until 9 PM
– Access to Kyrenia city center
SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Girne American University has over 20 sports clubs for various interests:
– Tennis
– Basketball
– Volleyball
– Horseback riding
– Bodybuilding
– Ballet
Other Facilities
– Unlimited internet access
– Libraries equipped with the latest technology
– 22 research laboratories
– Garden and swimming pool on campus
– Modern educational building with large, bright classrooms
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS
General Documents Required for All Levels
1. Completed application form
2. High school diploma or valid equivalent documents (with official translation)
3. Photocopy of passport (main page)
4. Financial statement confirmation equivalent to 8,000 Euros
5. Application fee receipt (50 Euros)
6. Health report from a public hospital in Kyrenia
7. English language proficiency documents (if available – TOEFL or IELTS)
8. Copies of other relevant academic certificates
Additional Documents for Higher Levels
Master’s:
– Copy of Bachelor’s degree certificate
– Copy of official university transcript
– Academic and professional CV (optional)
Doctoral:
– Copy of Bachelor’s degree certificate
– Copy of Master’s degree certificate
– Copy of official university transcript
– Academic and professional CV (required)
– Recommendation letters from prominent professors in the field of study
Transfer Students:
– Copy of official university transcript
Language Exam
If students do not have a TOEFL or IELTS certificate, they must take an English language placement exam upon arrival.
BENEFITS OF STUDYING AT GIRNE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
– First university in Northern Cyprus with a distinguished history (since 1985)
– Ranked 10th in Cyprus and 5067 globally
– Degree recognized by the Iranian Ministry of Science
– Admission without a language certificate (with placement exam and Foundation course)
– 50% scholarship for all international students
– Competitive 75% and 100% scholarships for successful students
– No prior visa required (entry with airport visa)
– International environment with students from 135 countries
– 22 advanced research laboratories
– Over 20 diverse sports clubs
– Well-equipped dormitories with free shuttle services
– Summer programs for English language learning
– Excellent location in the coastal and tourist city of Kyrenia
– Affordable cost of living
NIHAD GROUP SERVICES FOR ADMISSION TO GIRNE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
The professional team at Nihad Group, with full expertise in the GAU admission process, is here to assist you:
– Evaluation of your resume and chances of admission to your desired program
– Consultation on program selection based on career prospects and your interests
– Guidance on preparing documents (diploma, transcripts, CV, recommendation letters)
– Translation and formatting of documents to meet university standards
– Follow-up on 50% scholarship and competitive scholarship applications
– Handling correspondence with the university’s International Office
– Assistance with registration and dormitory selection
– Guidance on the language placement exam and Foundation course (if needed)
– Consultation on life and accommodation in Kyrenia city
– Guidance on obtaining an airport visa
