The conditions of entry to, and residence in, the territory of Cyprus, for a period exceeding 90 days, of third-country nationals for the purpose of studies are based on the current legislation, i.e. the European Directive (EU) 2016/801, which was transposed in national law, the Aliens and Immigration (Conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects) Law of 2019, L. 7(I)/2019. Also additional conditions are included in several Ministers Council Decisions.

The European Legislation has established conditions for the admission of third country national students that are common to all EU member states. Therefore the national legislation, which was based on the European one, determines, among other things, the general and specific conditions for the admission of students, the conditions for the exercise of economic activities by students, the type and the validity of their residence permit and the reasons for rejection, withdrawal or non-renewal of their permit, as well as their right to stay in the country after completing their studies. Additionally, the legislation determines the conditions of intra-EU mobility for students such as moving to another EU member state within the framework of the ERASMUS program.

The Ministers Council from time to time takes Decisions that regulate further admission issues of third country national students such as academic qualifications they should have, which evidence they should submit to prove their financial ability to cover their study and living expenses, etc.