Girne American University is a private university in Kyrenia, North Cyprus.
Key facts about Girne American University
- Location: Kyrenia, North Cyprus – North Cyprus universities admit international students directly, without a central entrance exam.
- Language of instruction: the programs we list here are taught in Turkish and English. Each program in the table below shows its language.
- Admission: usually based on your high school diploma and transcripts; many programs offer tuition discounts for international students.
- Tuition and deposits: see current fees for every program in the table below, or compare them with other universities in our program search.
About Girne American University
Girne American University (GAU) is a private, non-profit university in Kyrenia (Girne), on the north coast of North Cyprus. It was founded in 1985, starting with seven students, and it follows an American-style system of learning. The university says it has about 20,000 students from 135 countries.
GAU has faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Business and Economics, Law, Political Science, Architecture, Design and Fine Arts, Health Sciences, Communication, Education, Humanities, Sports and Tourism, as well as schools such as Nursing, Aviation, and Marine Transport and Logistics. Its business programs are accredited by IACBE, and its aviation training is approved by the Turkish civil aviation authority (SHGM).
Popular programs for international students
GAU teaches many programs in English and some in Turkish. These programs are often chosen by international students:
- Medicine (6 years; the final-year internship is at Mersin University in Turkey)
- Pharmacy (English)
- Computer Engineering (English)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (English)
- Software Engineering
- Architecture
- Business Management
- Pilotage and Civil Aviation Management
Check language and fees for each program in the table on this page or in our program search. See also our guide to studying in North Cyprus.
Campus and student life
GAU’s main campus is the Karmi Campus in Karaoğlanoğlu, west of Kyrenia city centre and about one kilometre from the Mediterranean coast. The campus offers student accommodation, a library, a medical centre, psychological counselling, a multicultural centre and catering facilities. Students can join sports clubs and student clubs and take part in cultural activities. GAU also has international offices in many countries.
Frequently asked questions
Is Girne American University recognized?
GAU says it was one of the first universities in Cyprus recognized by YÖK, the Council of Higher Education in Turkey, and it is also recognized by YÖDAK, the higher education authority of North Cyprus. However, North Cyprus is recognized as a state only by Turkey, so recognition of your degree in other countries depends on each country’s own rules. Before you enroll, check with the education ministry or degree-recognition office in your home country, especially for medicine, pharmacy and law.
Does Girne American University teach in English?
Yes, many GAU programs are taught in English, and some have a separate Turkish version. Students in English-taught programs must pass the English Proficiency Exam of the Foundation English School or show a valid certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL. Pharmacy and English-language programs require a higher score.
How do I apply to Girne American University?
Choose a program in the table on this page and press Apply, or request a free consultation. An advisor will help you with each step.
Does Girne American University offer scholarships for international students?
GAU’s official website describes tuition scholarships of 75% or 100% for successful students, including a High Honour Scholarship for students with a CGPA of 3.50 or above after their first year, work-team scholarships and sports scholarships. All scholarships depend on availability. An advisor will confirm the current offer for your program.
Apply to Girne American University with Lord Agency
Choose a program from the list on this page and press Apply to create your free student account, or request a free consultation and an advisor will check your documents, scholarship options and deadlines with you. You can also compare Girne American University with our other partner universities or read our step-by-step application guide.