Education System of Cyprus

Cyprus is the largest country on the Mediterranean island. The country is situated at the intersection of Africa, Europe and Asia. The Education Ministry and Culture administers the education system in the Republic of Cyprus.  State education at all levels is free of charge. The Cyprus education is split up into:

Education in Cyprus is compulsory for children aged 6-15. In Cyprus, 9 years of education is compulsory. 

The pre-primary education aims to develop the child’s personality and provide a learning environment that helps them to go for further studies. Children at the age of 3 may start pre-primary education and it goes on until the age of 6. Pre-Primary Education is compulsory for all children. This level of education is offered by the nursery schools and kindergartens-communal, public and private. The Education Ministry and Culture manages the nursery schools in Cyprus. 

The primary education develops children emotionally, intellectually and socially. The level of education provides basic literacy and numeracy skills and also prepares students for secondary level education. Children aged 6 to 12 may attend primary education. This educational level is compulsory to attend in Cyprus and is free of charge at state schools. Private schools in Cyprus do charge fees, which varies from school to school.  

Upon successful completion of the primary educational level, a leaving certificate is awarded to the students.

Secondary education in Cyprus encompasses Secondary general education and Secondary technical and vocational education

General secondary education in Cyprus is divided into two cycles of 3-years each.

The secondary technical and vocational education provides knowledge and skills which prepares the students for further studies or for workforce.

Tertiary education in Cyprus starts with the bachelor’s degree that lasts for 4 years, followed by postgraduate studies. 

Higher education in Cyprus is provided by the higher education institutions. In Cyprus, there are both public and private higher education institutions. Also, there are universities and colleges in Cyprus. 

The Education Ministry and Culture manages the higher education institutions in Cyprus. Private universities in Cyprus are regulated by the Private Universities law of year 2005.

Following are the higher education qualifications in Cyprus:

Private education in Cyprus is not free of charge.  The fees vary from school to school. Private schools in Cyprus are registered with the Education Ministry and Culture of Cyprus, and these schools adhere to the curriculum and other requirements given by law. 

Majority of the private schools in Cyprus conduct interview or entrance exam in order to select students.

In Cyprus, children with special needs are given education. There are special schools for children who are visually, mentally or physically impaired. 

Education and Training of Children with Special Needs Law 1999 (113(I))

Year: 1999

Mechanisms for Early Detection of Children with Special Needs (185(I))

Year: 2001

Regulations for Education and Training of Children with Special Needs (186 (I))

Year: 2001

Children aged 3 to 18 are provided with the special needs education and other facilities. Also, the special needs children are put into the regular schools. Extra after-school education is provided to children. Children having health-related special needs are given home schooling.

Students must hold a secondary education completion certificate in order to gain admittance into the first cycle of higher education in Cyprus. Admission requirements vary from institution to institution.

To get detailed information on the admission requirements for higher education in Cyprus, click here.