Education in Cyprus

The education system in Cyprus is of a high standard and accessible to all residents. Cyprus offers a wide range of schools from pre-school kindergarten (1-6 years), infant schools (6-12 years), junior schools (12-18 years), colleges (16-18 years) and universities (18+). The Cypriot government wishes to ensure that children from other EU countries continue their education whilst they are in Cyprus. Children with other native languages receive special lessons in their language, along with intensive tuition in Greek to facilitate their gradual integration into state school. In addition teachers receive training to enable them to respond adequately to the teaching of pupils from other language backgrounds. A number of private schools (Greek, English, French, and Russian-language) are also available, and cost between CYP 2,000 & 3,000 per year. Higher education is available through 6th form colleges and recognised English language institutions. If either parent is of Cypriot nationality, schooling for their children is compulsory until Year 9, or age 15. However, most pupils stay on until the age of 18 to gain a high-school diploma, a necessary prerequisite for a university application or job. Attendance at all Greek schools is free of charge; however there is a fairly rigid curriculum.

Pre-school education

Both state schools teaching in the Greek language and private schools teaching in other languages offer pre-school education for children aged from 3 to 5 years, eight months. Attendance is currently voluntary, however legislation to make at least one year of pre-school education compulsory is anticipated. Attendance at a private nursery school costs from CYP 70 to CYP 150 (EUR 120 to EUR 260) per month. There are also private and state "baby nurseries" for children up to 3 years of age.

Primary education

Primary education is for children aged from 5 years, eight months to 11 years, eight months. Age is the only criteria for the entry of children into primary education. The school year is divided into three terms of three months, with attendance on five days of the week. There are also a number of private English-language primary schools.

Secondary education

Secondary education is divided by age into upper & lower education. Lower education is compulsory and is for children aged from 11 years, eight months to 15 years. Upper secondary education is for children aged between 15 and 18 years of age. Age is the only criterion for the entry of children into secondary education, and as with primary schools the school year is divided into three terms of three months, with attendance on five days of the week. There are also private English and French-language secondary schools.

Tertiary education

Non-Cypriots may study at a college in Cyprus, for which a high school leaving certificate is required. Most of the Colleges teach in the English language and are based on the American or English Education System and offer various study programs. Cypriot Colleges offer 2-year Diplomas, 4-year Bachelors Degrees and some also offer Masters Degree courses.

University

The University of Cyprus is located in Nicosia, and offers higher education up to Master Degree levels. There are a number of faculties including Humanities, Pure & Applied Sciences, Social Sciences & Education, Economics & Management, Engineering and History. In order to apply for a place at university, students must have obtained a high-school leaving certificate and additionally they must pass year-end examinations in June-July.

Learning Greek

Some state schools and colleges offer evening classes for non-mother-tongue speakers of the Greek language at reasonable rates at all levels. Private lessons are also advertised in the local press in Pafos and Limassol. "Teach yourself" books with CDs are also widely available in most bookshops and major supermarkets.

Adult education

Cyprus Adult Education Association (CAEA) is a non-governmental organisation, which deals with the promotion of Adult Education in Cyprus. It is a national body and member of the European Association for Adult Education. The CAEA promotes relations with other countries by organising study visits and cooperates closely with the Adult Education Centres of the Ministry of Education.

We hope that this information is useful in your consideration of suitable educational establishments in Cyprus. Please contact your Pafilia representative if you would like more help with education in Cyprus. We are delighted to be of assistance.