Ever imagined yourself in a white coat, making a real difference in people’s lives? Neha Najeeb from Canada did. As the first to study medicine in her family, she had a lot to learn on her own, but thanks to the University of Nicosia’s (UNIC) Medical School that journey became far smoother than she expected. “Since day one, the staff and professors have been so helpful and understanding in helping me navigate through medical school,” Najeeb says. “They did an amazing job in helping me make UNIC Medical School my home away from home.”
As Southern Europe’s largest English-taught university, UNIC welcomes over 11,500 students from over 100 countries. With two locations in Nicosia and Athens, the university has built its reputation on excellence in teaching, innovation, and research.
UNIC ranks among the top 501 to 600 universities globally in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, holding joint second place in Cyprus and Greece. Within the European Union (EU), it sits at 151st. It is the country’s largest medical school as well, with over 1,000 students from 90 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The University of Nicosia offers an innovative Undergraduate Entry MD programme for high school graduates. Source: University of Nicosia
Only six years to go from high school to launching your medical career
Whether you choose to study in Nicosia or Athens, both campuses offer UNIC’s six-year MD programme designed specifically for high school graduates. The programme is taught entirely in English and leads to an accredited degree listed in the UK’s General Medical Council, the country’s independent regulator of doctors, and the World Directory of Medical Schools, enabling you to practise medicine globally.
The curriculum draws on decades of global advances in medical education and the latest research. It starts with a first year that works like a “pre-medical” programme. This is when you’ll build a strong foundation in the basic sciences while exploring broader aspects of medicine through social sciences and research courses. You’ll explore holistic medicine, covering ethical, legal, psychological, and social considerations that shape modern healthcare. From as early as your 1st year, you’ll develop clinical and communication skills through Integrated Clinical Practice (ICP) courses and short-term placements in various healthcare settings, particularly primary care environments.
Your 2nd year continues building on the basic sciences through a thematic, system-based approach, weaving together anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Clinical skills are enhanced through ICP placements in history-taking and patient examinations.
Years 3 and 4 emphasise disease mechanisms and treatments, combining pathology and pharmacology. Year 4 also marks a transition with research projects and electives, while rotations prepare you for the final years spent entirely in clinical settings.
A learning experience built around you
At UNIC medical school, you won’t be alone. From your very first day, you’ll be paired with a personal tutor through the dedicated Student Success Team. Regular meetings with Career Advisers will help you stay on track academically and plan your path to medical practice after graduation.
This personalised support extends into the classroom, where classes use case-based methods that encourage active participation. You’ll learn by collaborating with peers and professionals, making each lesson engaging and practical. To support this interactive approach, UNIC Health has invested in facilities equipped with the latest technology, such as advanced Anatomy and Clinical Skills Labs.
Through the Mobile Clinic programme, you can travel to rural areas and provide real patient care twice a month. Karoline Dorthea Bergheim Elnaes, a current student from Norway, loved the life-changing experience. ” Under Professor Zoi Dorothea Pana’s guidance, we provided essential health screenings to children and their families, including blood pressure measurements, glucose testing, BMI calculations and spirometry assessments,” she says.
Students studying at the Nicosia Campus take advantage of the opportunity to do their clinical rotations in the final 2 years at affiliated sites in Germany, Greece, Switzerland, the UK, and the US, depending on visa and language requirements. Ultimately, this EU-recognised degree prepares you for medical practice worldwide. Graduates have secured placements in over 350 medical centres, gaining residency training, fellowships, internships, and research opportunities worldwide.
Two campuses, two distinct lifestyles
While both campuses offer the same programme, they differ in lifestyle. Nicosia, Cyprus’s capital and largest city, was recently ranked by The Financial Times as the #1 European city under 500,000 for lifestyle and education. The city is home to centuries-old walls and monuments right next to late-night clubs and a wide range of restaurants for every palate and budget. No more than a 45-minute drive away are world-famous beaches and charming mountain villages.
Choose Athens and your daily life will be set amongst over 3,000 years of history in a modern European capital. The Parthenon and Acropolis Museum are easily accessible from student neighbourhoods, which are often alive with cafes, restaurants, museums, galleries, and more. A Mediterranean weather allows city folks to enjoy life all year round, with hikes in winter and swims and sails in summer.
Learn more about the University of Nicosia.
Follow University of Nicosia on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok
