I. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

What shall I do if I want to study at the American College?

Applicants wishing to apply for admission should send the following to the Office of Admissions (the fourth (4th) requirement applies only for MBA applicants and the sixth (6th) only for minors (i.e. students under 18 years old)):

As soon as the Office of Admissions receives all the above and provided that the applicant satisfies the admission entry requirements, the Office of Admissions will send a Certificate of Admission along with an Acceptance of Admissions Offer form to the applicant.

What should the bank letter/certificate include?

On the bank certificate, the immigration authorities must see the name of the sponsor, the name of the student, and the relationship of these two (e.g. father and son).  This letter/certificate must be on official, pre-printed bank letterhead and must be issued not more than 6 months before commencement of classes. The name of the bank, address, telephone number, fax number and the name of the signing bank official must be shown in English. 

How much money must be shown on the bank letter/certificate?

The letter does not have to specify amount. It must state that you or your sponsor (the name must be shown on the certificate) has sufficient funds to finance your studies and living expenses in Cyprus.

The best way to send documents would be by courier service (e.g. Fed Ex, DHL, UPS) or registered Data Post or any other courier service that you are familiar with. 

As soon as your application documents are received and the application fee paid, we shall issue a Certificate of Admission with your student number on it. We shall also issue an account of your Tuition and other fees due. We will post and fax/email these documents to you. The Certificate of Admission will also assist in applying for a passport (if required) which you will then send us a copy as soon as you receive it.

It usually takes 3 weeks provided that you have sent all the necessary documents.

After the Certificate of Admission you must make arrangements to forward the necessary fees (at least 3200 Euros which is the minimum payment allowed by the Cyprus government) to American College by Swift Transfer (details on request). An alternative way to send your Tuition Fees is through Western Union / Money Gram in the name of Adonis Americanos. 

You must then book your air ticket and make the necessary arrangements to travel to Cyprus.

This can be possible if you inform us of your arrival as soon as you book your air-ticket and not later than 4 days before you reach Cyprus. The airport pick-up cost is 50 Euro. 

What must I bring with me when I arrive at Larnaca Airport? 

Upon your arrival at Larnaca Airport in Cyprus you will have to present to the immigration officer at the passport control desk the following:

The student will be given a temporary resident permit (visa) for 14 days at Larnaca Airport. The temporary resident permit will be extended after the student’s registration with the American College. 

What is the purpose of the Medical Examination? 

All students need to send to the college prove that they are free from HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis and Tuberculosis. Also, once they arrive in Cyprus, students are examined for HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis and Tuberculosis. If a student is found to be HIV-positive and/or positively diagnosed as a Syphilis and/or active-tuberculosis and/or Hepatitis B and C carrier then he/she will be deported from Cyprus.
 

The American College offers the following programs: 

The American College accepts all applicants who have completed 12 years schooling (Senior School). In case of minors (i.e. students under 18 years old) the student will need to provide a Parental Consent stating that the parents allow their son/daughter to live in Cyprus by himself/herself for the duration of his/her studies.

All students when they arrive at the college must take the College English Placement Test at the time of the enrolment unless they posses English language qualifications which are acceptable by the college:

1. a minimum TOEFL score of 500 (paper-based) or 173 (computer-based) or 63 (internet-based); or

2. a grade of 'C' or better in GCE "O" Level English Language; or

3. a grade of 'B' or better in Cambridge Certificate of English Language; or

4. an average grade of 5.5 (with no sub-score under 5.0) in IELTS

Students who do not meet the standards of the College will be required to take English language courses before the commencement of their programs of study. 

There are two compulsory semesters and the summer semester, which is optional. For 2008/2009 the following dates apply: 

Most of our diplomas/degrees are accredited by the Government of Cyprus and, therefore, by all other governments.  In addition many Universities in UK, USA, Canada and Australia recognize our diplomas and degrees to be of equal value. Our students are able to transfer to these universities with full recognition of all their credits earned at the American College.  This means that if students study for two years at the American College and obtain a two-year diploma, the students can transfer to UK and study for another year and receive a Bachelor degree.  When students transfer to USA, they receive a Bachelor degree in two years.  When students study for four years at the American College and obtain a bachelor degree, they can transfer to the UK/USA and study for their masters degree.  

It is very difficult to attend two programs at the same time because that means enrolment for 30 credit hours per semester, which is too much.  However you may attend some extra courses from another program of study if you wish. 

It is possible for students who have studied and obtained other diplomas and degrees from other recognised universities/colleges to apply to the college for exemption of credits. Students must produce evidence from previous studies such as prospectuses, course description, course analysis and outlines and all certificates from Universities.

The American College is a compact and very dynamic college. The capacity of the college is 1000 students from more than 30 countries around the world. The college has the advantage of being in the center of the capital, Nicosia, with all services available to our student community.  It has many distinguished professors and lecturers and a very large number of administrative staff which serve our student community on most of the matters.

The cost of accommodation depends on the type of apartment (flat) which the students will decide to rent and the number of students sharing. The average expenditure for 8 months of accommodation and living expenses is €4.000. The accommodation and living costs depend on the life style of each student.

The college will provide accommodation for you based on your needs. This can be arranged when you come to Cyprus.

Cyprus enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and mild winters from November to February. Mean temperature during the summer is 35 C (96 F) and during winter is 8 C (42 F). Due to the marvelous climate and variety of scenery, the island offers endless opportunities for nature lovers and outdoor sports fans. Activities such as angling, mountain-biking, hiking, golf and sea sports are but a few that the island offers.

Students in Cyprus are allowed to work part-time (20 hours per week) during the semester and full-time (38 hours per week) during their holiday period. However, any kind of student employment is allowed in specific occupations, which are published by the Ministry of Labour, and after the end of six months of the student's first entry into Cyprus. In case a student is found to be working illegally without being registered at the college he/she will be deported and his/her name will be placed at the immigration stop list.

Also, students studying Hotel Management and Culinary Arts are allowed to work during the summer as part of their practical training.

IV. CONCLUSION

How can I receive more information about the college?

It is possible to write to the college postal address or to send an email: admissions@ac.ac.cy or to visit our website: http://www.ac.ac.cy.