Education Cyprus

Application deadlines

Kindergartens: Registration in public kindergartens usually takes place in the second week of January. You can apply to private institutions throughout the year, but it is recommended to submit your application in advance due to limited places. 

Schools: Registration for primary schools is also conducted within the deadlines set by the Ministry of Education. It is recommended to check the specific dates at the chosen institution.

Required documents

- Completed application form of the established format.

- Child's birth certificate, translated into Greek or English and certified by a competent official.

- Documents confirming the legal stay of the family in Cyprus (residence permit, passports).

- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill).

- Child's medical card with vaccination information.

Recommendations for parents

Early planning: Start the process of selecting and submitting applications in advance, considering registration deadlines and possible queues.

Visiting institutions: It is recommended to visit the selected kindergartens or schools to familiarize yourself with the conditions and programs offered.

Consultation with local authorities: Contact local educational departments or municipalities for detailed information and support in the enrollment process.

In Cyprus, educational institutions offering instruction in foreign languages are available, providing diverse opportunities for immigrant families.

Many private institutions offer programs in English, as well as in other languages. International kindergartens cater to expatriate children and provide education in English, following international educational standards. In public schools, education is conducted in Greek, but English is a compulsory subject. Private and international schools offer education in English. In some public schools in Cyprus, the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) method, which involves studying subjects through a foreign language, usually English, is applied. This facilitates the simultaneous learning of educational material and a foreign language.

There are French schools in Cyprus (such as École Franco-Chypriote) where education is conducted according to the French education system.

There are Armenian schools, such as Nareg Armenian Schools, supported by the Armenian diaspora in Cyprus.

Some private institutions offer education in German. Educational programs in Italian are available in private schools catering to the Italian diaspora. In Cyprus, especially in Nicosia and Limassol, there are institutions offering education in Arabic. Educational institutions providing instruction in Chinese are emerging in major cities like Nicosia and Limassol to meet the needs of the Chinese community.

Parents are advised to inquire in advance about the availability of instruction in a specific language, as such programs may be limited. Information can be obtained from the Ministry of Education of Cyprus or directly from the chosen educational institutions.

Public institutions

Preschool education: Public kindergartens accept children from 3 years old, with mandatory attendance starting at 4 years and 8 months. Education is conducted in Greek, and for children under 4 years and 8 months, a small monthly fee is charged, determined by the Ministry of Education and Finance.

School education: Public schools provide free education in Greek. The curriculum is standardized by the Ministry of Education and Culture, ensuring uniformity of teaching across the country. Classes can be large, which sometimes limits individual attention to students.

Private institutions

Preschool education: Private kindergartens offer programs in various languages, including English, which attracts foreign families. Admission age can start from 2 years or even younger. Tuition fees vary depending on the institution and services provided.

School Education: Private schools in Cyprus are divided into three types:

Same Type: Follow the curricula adopted by public schools.

Similar Type: Have their own programs for 2/3 of the subjects, apart from the public ones.

Different Type: Operate exclusively with their own programs.

Many private schools offer education in English and follow international standards, such as the British curriculum or the International Baccalaureate. This ensures high academic standards and an individual approach to learning. However, tuition in such schools is paid, and the cost can vary significantly.

Popular Public Schools

Public schools in Cyprus are less differentiated by ranking since they all follow a unified national curriculum established by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Nevertheless, some schools stand out due to their history or level of teaching.

Grammar School (Public Sector): Includes junior, middle, and senior schools; taught in Greek; high level of foreign language teaching (English, French).

Nicosia Gymnasium: One of the oldest schools in the capital; focuses on academic education and exam preparation.

Pancyprian Gymnasium: Located in Nicosia, considered one of the most prestigious public schools; education in Greek with an enhanced program in the humanities.

Popular Private Schools

Private schools in Cyprus offer international programs and education in various languages, making them popular among expatriates.

The English School (Nicosia): Founded in 1900; offers an English-language program; focused on preparation for British and international exams; tuition fees: about 6,000–10,000 euros per year.

American International School in Cyprus (Nicosia): English-language program; International Baccalaureate and American education system; attracts families from different countries; cost: from 10,000 euros per year.

Foley’s School (Limassol): Private school with a British curriculum; education in English, focus on preparation for IGCSE and A-Level exams; cost: about 8,000–12,000 euros per year.

The Heritage Private School (Limassol): One of the largest schools in Cyprus; follows the British education system; has a strong scientific base, offers various extracurricular activities; cost: about 7,500 euros per year.

Pascal Education (multiple campuses): British curriculum; campuses in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca; multicultural learning environment; cost: about 5,000–7,500 euros per year.

How to Choose a School?

For public schools: Ensure the school is located in your residential area, as assignment is based on territorial criteria.

For private schools: Check cost, language program, and availability of places in advance. Many private schools have waiting lists.

Key Aspects of Supporting Children with Special Needs

Early Detection and Assessment: Cyprus legislation provides mechanisms for early detection of children with special educational needs, starting at the age of 3. District committees on special education conduct assessments and determine the best educational conditions for each child.

Inclusive Education: Most children with special needs are integrated into general education schools, where special conditions are created for them and necessary support is provided. Schools are required to adapt their infrastructure and curricula to ensure full participation of such students in the educational process.

Special Classes and Schools: For children with more serious needs, special classes function in general education schools, equipped with everything necessary for comfortable learning. In addition, there are special schools, such as Nicosia Special School, which provide individualized education and support to children with various disabilities.

Individual Educational Plans: An individual educational plan is developed for each child with special needs, taking into account their unique abilities and needs. Teachers and specialists work together to create the best learning and development conditions for the child.

Specialized Support: Schools employ specialists, such as speech therapists, psychologists, and special educators, who provide necessary assistance to children with special educational needs. This contributes to creating an inclusive educational environment where every child feels supported.

Home Education: For children with medical conditions that prevent them from attending school, there is the possibility of home education with the involvement of qualified teachers.

Recommendations for Parents

Contacting Local Educational Authorities: Parents are advised to contact district special education committees to assess the child's needs and determine the most suitable educational environment.

Collaboration with the School: Active interaction with educators and school specialists helps create optimal conditions for the child's education and development.

Awareness of Rights: Knowing their rights and opportunities within the Cypriot education system will help parents effectively support their children in the educational process.

Greek Language Learning: The Ministry of Education of Cyprus organizes special Greek language courses for migrant children aimed at developing language skills necessary for their integration into the school environment and Cypriot society as a whole.

Special Classes for Migrant Children: In some schools, separate classes are created for migrant students, where they receive additional language support and assistance adapting to the new educational system.

Social Integration Programs: Cyprus social services implement programs providing leisure activities and support for refugee and immigrant children throughout the academic year, facilitating their social integration.

Summer Language Camps: Cyprus hosts summer language camps offering intensive courses in English and Greek for children and adolescents, contributing to their language development and cultural adaptation.

Language Schools and Courses: There are language schools offering various courses for children of different language proficiency levels, including general English programs, exam preparation, and intensive courses.

Recommendations for Parents

Contacting the School: When enrolling a child in a school, it is recommended to discuss with the administration the available support programs and language courses that can assist in the child's adaptation.

After-school groups

Many schools offer after-school groups where children can stay after regular classes. During this time, various activities are organized:

Self-Study: Time for homework under the supervision of teachers.

Creative Activities: Drawing, music, theatrical clubs, and other types of art.

Sports Sections: Football, basketball, swimming, and other sports.

These groups help parents working full-time by providing supervision and development for children in a safe environment.

Clubs and Clubs

Cyprus has numerous clubs and societies, both at schools and independently, offering a variety of programs:

Science Clubs: For example, programs from Nutty Scientists Cyprus, where children learn science through practical activities.

Technical Clubs: Bricks4Kidz offers classes in architecture and engineering using LEGO® bricks.

Art Studios: Classes in drawing, sculpture, and other types of art.

Music Schools: Learning to play various musical instruments.

Summer Camps

During the summer, children's camps are popular, offering a variety of programs:

Sports Camps: Football, tennis, swimming, and other sports programs.

Language Camps: Intensive courses in foreign languages.

Adventure Camps: Hiking, rock climbing, and other active types of recreation.

School System

Greek-Cypriot System: Grades are assigned on a numeric scale from 0 to 20. The highest score is 20, and the minimum passing score is 10.

Letter System: Some schools use a letter scale: A - "Excellent", B - "Very Good", C - "Good", D - "Satisfactory", E - "Unsatisfactory".

University System

Local System: Grades are given on a numeric scale from 0 to 10. The highest score is 10, and the minimum passing score is 5.

International Programs: Universities using international standards, such as the International Baccalaureate, use a scale from 1 to 7, where 7 is the highest score.

Enrollment of international students in universities in the Republic of Cyprus requires fulfillment of a number of general and specific conditions, which may vary depending on the chosen educational institution and program.

General requirements

Academic qualification:

Completed secondary education with a certificate equivalent to the Cypriot one.

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is needed for master's programs.

Language proficiency:

Proof of language proficiency is usually required for programs in English:

IELTS: minimum score 5.5.

TOEFL: minimum score 60.

For programs in Greek, proof of Greek proficiency may be required.

Documents:

- Completed university application form.

- Official transcripts from previous educational institutions.

- Copy of the certificate or diploma.

- Recommendation letters (if required).

- Motivation letter.

- Copy of the passport.

Visa and medical requirements:

Obtain a student visa for studying in Cyprus.

Medical examinations for Hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, as well as a chest X-ray to rule out tuberculosis.

Specific requirements of universities

University of Cyprus: Admission to most programs is conducted through entrance exams organized by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus. Some programs may require additional interviews or exams.

Cyprus University of Technology: Provides information and support to international students on immigration, visa, and medical examination issues. Specific requirements may vary depending on the chosen program.

International University of Cyprus: Admission procedures for international students include submitting the necessary documents and meeting the academic requirements of the chosen program.

Recommendations for applicants

Research the requirements of the chosen university: Each educational institution may have its specific admission criteria, so it is important to familiarize yourself with them on the official university websites.

Contact the admissions office: If you have any questions, contact the admissions department of the chosen university directly to get accurate information.

There are several prestigious universities in the Republic of Cyprus that attract both local and international students. Here is a list of the most popular ones:

University of Cyprus, Nicosia: The leading state university of the country, founded in 1989; strong programs in engineering, economics, humanities, and medicine; teaching in Greek and English.

Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol: A state university focused on applied sciences; founded in 2004, it quickly gained a reputation as an innovative educational institution; main directions: engineering, technology, health, and design; programs in Greek and English.

European University Cyprus, Nicosia: A private university accredited by the Ministry of Education of Cyprus; strong programs in medicine, law, business, and IT; programs in English and Greek.

University of Nicosia, Nicosia: One of the largest private universities in Cyprus; offers international programs in English; known for its medical faculty and MBA program; first in the world to offer a master's degree in blockchain technology.

Frederick University, Nicosia, and Limassol: A private university, founded in 2007; known for programs in design, engineering, business, and humanities; programs in Greek and English.

Open University of Cyprus, Nicosia: The only distance learning university in Cyprus; bachelor's and master's programs available online.

To enter universities in the Republic of Cyprus, international applicants need to verify their diplomas and certificates to ensure they meet Cypriot educational standards.

Verification of diploma recognition:

If there is an agreement between your country and the Republic of Cyprus on the mutual recognition of educational documents, your diplomas may be automatically recognized without additional legalization.

Apostille of Documents:

Citizens of countries that do not have an agreement on mutual recognition with Cyprus need to apostille their educational documents. The apostille confirms the authenticity of the document and its compliance with international standards.

Translation of Documents:

Educational documents must be translated into Greek or English, depending on the requirements of the chosen university. The translation must be done by a certified translator and notarized.

Recommendations

Contact the chosen university: Each university may have its specific requirements for foreign applicants. It is recommended to contact the admissions office directly to clarify the details.

Language Courses

Public Institutes for Vocational Training: Offer foreign language education for students of all levels and adults, both in urban and rural areas, providing equal learning opportunities and promoting continuous education.

Adult Education Centers: Offer courses in foreign languages such as English, Arabic, Bulgarian, French, German, Greek (for repatriates, foreigners, refugees, and illiterates), Spanish, Italian, Romanian, and Turkish.

Private Language Schools: Offer a variety of programs including standard courses, intensive training, exam preparation, business English, and specialized courses.

Professional Courses and Programs

Adult Education Centers: Offer general courses aimed at informing citizens about issues of general interest and their practical application in a democratic society. Courses offered include educational technology, computers, sign language, Braille system for the blind and visually impaired, astronomy, and astrophysics.

Public Institutes for Vocational Training: Offer courses for students of all educational levels and adults, both in urban and rural areas, providing equal learning opportunities and promoting continuous education in accordance with the requirements of the European Union.

Private Training Centers: Offer professional courses in various fields such as information technology, business management, design, and others.

Registration Procedure

Registration: Registration for courses is usually conducted online during the registration period (from the first week of September to the second week of October). Those experiencing difficulties with filling out and submitting an application can visit local adult education centers where the secretariat will assist them.

Thus, Cyprus offers a variety of opportunities for adults seeking to improve their language skills or acquire new professional competencies, fostering their personal and professional development.