PhD in Computer Engineering

The PhD in Computer Engineering Program is a research-oriented program offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. It provides a framework for state-of-the-art research in the various domains of the discipline of computer engineering. The Program is central to fulfilling the mission of the University through advancing its research dimension, and enabling its establishment in the regional and international scene. The aims of the Program are (a) pursue research and advance the boundaries of knowledge by creating and disseminate new knowledge, and (b) develop engineers with the necessary background knowledge, skills, experience, ethos, and capabilities that will enable them to contribute in the advancement of knowledge, and serve the overall development of the society.

1. Demonstrate a substantial knowledge at a great depth in the discipline of computer engineering.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive theoretical and research based understanding of techniques and methodologies applicable to the discipline of computer engineering.
3. Identify and define complex, new and existing problems, and apply appropriate knowledge, skills, tools and methods for their solution.
4. Work with theoretical and research knowledge at the forefront of the discipline of computer engineering, at publication quality and peer reviewed standards.
5. Analyse new and/or abstract data and situations without guidance, using a range of appropriate techniques within the context of the research area.
6. Transform abstract data and concepts towards a given purpose and design novel solutions with minimum guidance.
7. Critically evaluate evidence to support conclusions/recommendations, by reviewing its reliability, validity and significance, and investigate contradictory information, identifying reasons for contradictions.
8. Manage and evaluate, with minimum guidance, own learning and apply own criteria of judgement.
9. Analyse and manage the implications of ethical dilemmas and show awareness of personal responsibility and professional codes of conduct.
10. Retrieve and analyze information from different sources, including information retrieval through databases and on-line computer searches.
11. Demonstrate competency in oral and written communication skills, as well as in the use of relevant computing technologies and tools.

Frederick University academic year consists of the fall and spring semesters. The calendar is arranged so that students may start classes either during the last week of September or the first week of February. Candidates may submit an application for admission in any of the semesters. Due to the fact that formalities for the issue of an entry visa take at least 6 weeks, candidates are urged to file an application at least 8 weeks prior to the expected date of enrolment. Students are expected to be on campus prior to the beginning of the intended semester/session. In response to arising need, courses could be provided within the summer period.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the doctoral program is done after the announcement of doctoral positions by the Department, followed by an application by the interested applicant. Eligible applicants must hold a Masters degree granted by an institution recognized in the country where it operates. Applicants who do not hold their Masters degree at the time of application, but will hold such a degree before the commencement of the graduate program, are also eligible to apply but must submit a letter from their University’s Registrar verifying that they are indeed eligible to graduate. The decision on their admission does not become official until the degree has been successfully produced.

Each application for admission should include:

1. A completed application form.
2. A Curriculum Vitae indicating the student’s education, academic and research experience, any publications, awards, etc.
3. A Research Statement. Candidates with prior graduate studies are required to submit a brief research statement (up to 600 words) stating the area in which they are interested in conducting research. Candidates with no prior graduate level studies do not need to submit a research statement.
4. At least two letters of recommendation from academic or professional advisors.
5. Certified copies of all degrees and transcripts.
6. Copies of any other supporting material, such as exams, honors, awards, etc.
7. Proof of English language proficiency, such as the TOEFL (minimum grade 90), the IELTS (minimum grade 6.5), or other equivalent language examinations. Candidates, whow have completed an undergraduate or graduate program where the instruction language was English, satisfy the proof of English language proficiency requirement.

The application material must be submitted in English.

A. Nationals of EU countries
Candidates who are nationals of EU countries can enter Cyprus as visitors. On arrival at Frederick University they must submit to the Admission Office the following:

• A fully completed application form.
• An application fee of Euro 25 (non-refundable).
• Attested (certified true) copies of their academic qualifications.
• Evidence of proficiency in English, (if available).
• A photocopy of their passport. The passport should be valid for at least one year from the date of their arrival to Cyprus.
• A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the candidate’s country of origin or residence, if necessary translated in Greek or English. The good conduct certificate should be original and issued less than 6 months prior to the beginning of the semester for which the student is applying. The names and titles of the persons issuing and certifying the document should be clearly stated therein.

Furthermore, they must pay the registration fee, the semester tuition fees, and register for subjects. Next they must apply to the Migration Department for a temporary residence permit. The application to the Migration Department must be supported by evidence that they have paid their tuition fees for the semester, have enough funds for their initial living expenses and have obtained local health insurance coverage.

B. Applicants from non EU countries
International Students from non EU countries need to have a valid student visa in order to be allowed to enter Cyprus. The issue of an entry visa takes about 6 weeks from the date of the submission of the application. It is therefore recommended that candidates submit their application at least 8 weeks before the beginning of the semester. Cyprus Migration Department requirements in respect of the issue of a student visa, which from time to time may be modified, are available to candidates in a separate document.

Once the Conditional Acceptance Letter is issued by the University, the prospective student is directed
by an Admissions Officer to send to the University several documents by email and then by courier.
The documents are as follows:
1. Original attested passport copy must be valid for 2 years
2. Original attested copy of High School Leaving Certificate and mark sheets
3. Original attested Police Clearance Certificate must be valid for 6 months
4. Original attested bank letter showing that the student’s sponsor has the financial ability to
support tuition fees and leaving expenses must be valid for 6 months
5. Original attested bank statement which clearly shows the minimum amount of €7,000 in the
sponsor’s account must be valid for 1 month
6. Original attested chest X-ray report for Tuberculosis must be valid for 4 months
7. Original attested blood test results for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C must be valid for 4
months
8. Attested document of parental consent for the student’s proposed stay in Cyprus and its
official translation in Greek or English– only for applicants below the age of 18 years
(minors).
9. Attested reports of medical tests showing that they are not suffering from Hepatitis B,
Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis and a chest X-ray report.
10. A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the candidate’s country of
origin or residence, if necessary translated in Greek or English. The good conduct
certificate should be original and issued less than 6 months prior to the beginning of the
semester for which the student is applying. The names and titles of the persons issuing
and certifying the document should be clearly stated therein.
11. Attested letter from a bank in the country of origin or residence stating that the student or
his/her parent (s) – full names to be mentioned – have the financial capability to cover the
cost of living and studying in Cyprus, and the student’s repatriation cost, as well as recent
bank statement showing a balance of at least €7000 (seven thousand Euro).

It is estimated that, on average, a student spends about 600 Euro per month for private accommodation, utilities, food and transportation. Of course, a budget is a very personal thing, depending on one’s preferences.

Full time students from non EU countries are entitled to seek employment of 20 hours per week during the study period, provided that the employment hours will not coincide with their study hours at the University, or 38 hours per week during their holidays. The right to employment starts after the completion of six months study and residence in Cyprus. 

Scholarships aim is to support young people with capabilities to distinguish and to contribute to the development and social progress.

The university offers full and partial scholarships to incoming students based on the academic merit of the high school performance. The University also has in place a scholarship scheme for continuing students which reduces tuition fees based on the GPA achieved by the student. The percentage of reduction is related to the GPA achieved.

Additionally, Frederick University has a broad range of scholarships to athletes.