Girne American University: Leading Higher Education in North Cyprus

Girne American University (GAU), located in the scenic coastal city of Kyrenia (Girne) in North Cyprus (TRNC), is a prominent academic destination for international students seeking high-quality, American-model education at competitive costs. Established as a private university in 1985, Girne American University boasts a genuinely multicultural learning environment and a modern campus overlooking the stunning Mediterranean coast.

Overview of Girne American University (GAU)

Feature	Detail
Establishment Year	1985
Location	Kyrenia (Girne), North Cyprus (TRNC)
Type & Size	Private University, hosting over 20,000 students
International Students	Majority (representing over 135 nationalities)
Main Language of Instruction	English
Reputation	Known for practical education, global focus, and recognized accreditation bodies (YÖK, YÖDAK, ECBE, etc.).

Global Accreditations and Recognition

Girne American University commitment to quality is ensured by its comprehensive accreditations, validating its programs worldwide:

Local & Turkish Recognition: Fully accredited by the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) and the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council of North Cyprus (YÖDAK).
International & European Accreditation: Girne American University holds specialized accreditations from bodies emphasizing quality in specific fields, such as:
- The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).
- The European Council for Business Education (ECBE).
- Association of Eurasian Universities (EURAS).
Global Mobility: Girne American University degrees are recognized by many national recognition centers globally, facilitating further studies or employment across Europe, Asia, and other regions.

Faculties and Prominent Academic Programs at Girne American University

Girne American University offers a broad spectrum of vital and in-demand disciplines, primarily taught in English.

Faculty	Highlighted Majors	Language of Instruction
Faculty of Medicine	General Medicine	English
Faculty of Pharmacy	Pharmacy	English
Faculty of Engineering	Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology (IT)	English
Faculty of Business & Economics	Business Administration, Economics	English
Faculty of Architecture & Design	Architecture, Interior Design	English
Other Faculties	Law, Communications, Health Sciences, Aviation, Education	English

Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Girne American University 2026

Girne American University is known for offering affordable tuition costs compared to universities in Western Europe and the US, combined with a robust scholarship system.

Estimated Annual Tuition Fees for 2026 (in EUR)

Major	Estimated Annual Fees (EUR)
Medicine	5,900
Pharmacy	2,800
Engineering (incl. IT)	1,900
Business Administration	1,900

Girne American University Scholarships

Edubrink provides comprehensive support for students seeking admission to the Girne American University (GAU) in Cyprus by offering exclusive discounts of up to 50% on tuition fees, ensuring access to high-quality education at a more affordable cost.

Edubrink Tip: To maximize your chances of securing the best financial aid, professional guidance is essential. At Edubrink, we provide free academic consultation services to help you navigate the scholarship application process and select the most suitable program at Girne American University and other globally accredited institutions, ensuring a smoother and more cost-effective educational journey.

Admission Requirements and Documents

The application process for Girne American University is straightforward for international students.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements:

GPA/Score: High School Diploma/Certificate with a minimum average score of 70%.
English Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 75, or passing the university’s internal placement test).

Essential Required Documents:

Application Form.
High School Diploma and Transcripts.
Passport Copy.
Passport-sized Photos.
Proof of English Proficiency (if available).

Girne American University Rankings

While Girne American University global rankings place it in the mid-tiers (globally ranked between 4000-6000), it holds strong positions in specialized areas:

Business Excellence: Ranked 1st in Turkey for the Faculty of Business (according to Eduniversal).
Local Ranking: Among the top 10 universities in North Cyprus.

Girne American University Dormitories and Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation at Girne American University (GAU) in North Cyprus is a popular and convenient choice, especially for the international students who make up the majority of the university community. GAU focuses on providing a safe, comfortable living environment with separate housing based on gender for privacy, and costs starting from approximately €2,660 annually for shared rooms.

Key Highlights of GAU Accommodation

Feature	Detail
Annual Costs	Start from €2,660 (triple rooms)
Accommodation Types	On-campus and Off-campus, strictly segregated by gender.
Facilities	24/7 Security, Free shuttle bus service (for off-campus housing), Shared kitchens, Internet access.
Application Tip	Early application is recommended; some programs offer free accommodation for the first year to new students.

Available Dormitory Options at Girne American University

The university offers a variety of dormitories to meet the different needs of its students:

Dormitory Name	Location	Gender	Available Room Types	Key Benefits
Elysium Court	On-Campus	Female	Single (Standard & Deluxe), Double	Sea views, easy access to faculties and sports facilities.
Gordon Bennett	Off-Campus (800 m)	Female	Single, Double	24/7 Security, Regular free shuttle service.
Univer-City Complex	Off-Campus	Male	Single, Double, Triple	Free shuttle service, shared facilities.
Knowledge Village	City Center	Mixed (Separate floors)	Double, Triple	Proximity to urban amenities and markets.

All rooms feature modern designs equipped with air conditioning and internet access, along with shared facilities for laundry and study.

Girne American University Dormitory Annual Costs (2027-2026 Academic Year)

Fees vary based on room type and luxury level, and typically include taxes and a deposit (approx. €100–€150).

Dormitory	Room Type	Estimated Annual Cost (EUR)	Payment Options
Knowledge Village	Triple (A)	€2,660	Full payment or interest-free installments
Elysium Court	Standard Double (B)	€3,420	Full payment or interest-free installments
Knowledge Village	Double (B)	€3,580	Full payment or interest-free installments
Elysium Court	Standard Single (A)	€5,260	Full payment or interest-free installments
Elysium Court	Deluxe Single (A2)	€6,860	Full payment or interest-free installments

Financial Note: The university fixes a steady exchange rate for the Euro against the Turkish Lira until September 15, 2025, providing financial stability for international students.

Application and Advice from Edubrink

The process for applying for Girne American University accommodation typically begins after securing university admission.

How to Apply: Application is via an online form on the university's dormitory website or by contacting the student services center.
Early Booking: Due to the large number of international students, early booking is highly recommended, especially for single rooms or preferred dorms like Elysium Court.
Edubrink Advice: The Edubrink team can assist in securing your preferred dormitory spot concurrently with your university registration procedures, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition to North Cyprus. We handle reservation details and provide consultation on external alternatives if you are looking for private accommodation options in Kyrenia.

Student Feedback: Students generally find GAU housing to be cost-effective (total monthly living costs range from €150–€350), and they appreciate the high security and the multicultural environment that fosters social exchange among students from over 135 nations.

Why Choose Girne American University? (Summary)

Global Diversity: A truly international environment hosting students from over 100 countries, fostering global networking.
American Model: High-quality education based on the flexible, practical American university structure.
Affordable Costs: Significantly lower tuition and living expenses compared to major Western study destinations.
European Accreditation: Recognized accreditations ensure high standards and mobility.

Apply Through Edubrink: You can simplify the entire application process for Girne American University. At Edubrink, we offer comprehensive services including file preparation, document translation, and direct registration with the university, securing your acceptance into your chosen major without administrative delays.