I have found it hard to do threads on coming to school in North Cyprus for 2 reasons: 1. #Nigeria doesn't recognize North Cyprus (like the rest of the world except #Turkey). The body language from Nigeria seems to be to only discourage Nigerians from schooling here.

That strategy is failing because the number of Nigerians and intl students schooling here has only increased YoY since 2014 despite all the issues here. So, I dont know what geopolitical issues/ drama I might be causing by doing that thread.

Secondly, I usually prefer to highlight the issues here than so you can avoid them than just tweeting outright but today, I'd try to do the thread. If nothing, for keeps sake. Maybe, it would be useful somehow. So here goes...

Unlike most countries, you dont need proof of funds to study in North Cyprus. This means you can legally arrive here with a zero balance and the clothes on your back. This is both a blessing and a problem because students literally arrive with just that, attempting to "hustle".

North Cyprus universities recognize your WAEC/ NECO/ results, especially if you have the original copy. You will need need your intl passport, passport photograph and a copy of your transcript whether http://B.Sc , OND et al (if you are applying for a masters).

North Cyprus has at least 30 universities, each with their courses, payment options, discounts and other perks so you need to do your homework to know which works best for you. Universities do not always respond to direct enquires so emailing/ calling directly is a waste of time.

Rather, you may have to go through an agent. This loophole is also problematic as it creates room for exploitation. There are least 2 kinds of agents: Agents in Nigeria who claim to connect you to North Cyprus (some of whom are scams) and those in North Cyprus.

It is important to know which/ who you are dealing with. Next, your visa- due to North Cyprus position internationally, it is impossible to get a visa directly to North Cyprus from Nigeria. You can only get that in Turkey which creates another loophole used by unis and agents.

You can also arrive legally North Cyprus w/o a visa. North Cyprus" position internationally created this loophole. You should however ask your agent about this. The implication is that you can apply to North Cyprus and leave Nigeria all in about 10 days.

School fees in North Cyprus range from $1K/yr for about 4-5 yrs to $10K for your course. Generally though, you'd need about $10k (N5.1M) to study in North Cyprus. This is an estimate though and might be less or even more.

Finally, are your degrees recognized? There is a huge intl debate about this (the debate is really about geopolitical power not your degree per se) but the short answer is yes.

What are the issues/ loopholes from Unis/ agents and the North Cyprus govt on coming to school in North Cyprus? Here: https://twitter.com/obasaolorunfemi/status/1333645208714698754?s=20

What are the other issues about schooling in North Cyprus: https://twitter.com/obasaolorunfemi/status/1298296404302082049?s=20

My advice to anyone who has asked me about work and permits- North Cyprus doesn't issue permanent resident permits regardless of how long you stay (at least not to my knowledge) and well-paying jobs (that qualify you for work permits are rare) not to mention employers are shifty.

Intl students are also not allowed to run businesses (at least not to my knowledge) and even if they were, the market size is really tiny (the entire Island is about 400k people out of which 25% are students). So you need to either have a sponsor with funds to support you...

...and/or have a remote job/ online business / freelance whose client are outside North Cyprus to support yourself while you are schooling. All the best.

End of thread.