Education
One of the key reasons many foreign families relocate to the sunny paradise of Cyprus is for its excellent education system. Beyond its rich ancient culture and Mediterranean climate, Cyprus offers access to prestigious universities and quality local schools for children.
Depending on your plans for your child’s education and your place of residence, you can choose between public Greek schools or private schools offering instruction in Greek, English, or Russian.
Cypriots are renowned for their love of children, and the state allocates more than 7% of its GDP to education—one of the highest rates in the European Union. Local schools are well-equipped with modern facilities and staffed with highly qualified teachers, creating an optimal environment for children’s growth and development.
Public Schools
Public education in Cyprus is free and conducted in Greek. For children who do not speak Greek, the state provides teachers to help them learn the language and integrate quickly. Public school students can also participate in additional classes (sports, languages, theatre, dance, etc.) for a nominal fee.
Cypriot public schools follow a 12-year education system. Starting at age six, children complete their schooling by age 18, receiving the Apolytirion—Cyprus’s State High School Diploma, recognized by universities worldwide.
Private Schools
Cyprus also offers education in private schools, with Limassol hosting the largest number of English and Russian private institutions. Education in these schools is more affordable than in the UK, while maintaining high quality. The curriculum follows the British education system, beginning at age five and lasting 13 years. Students take the GCSE exam after 11 years, which includes compulsory subjects and electives, followed by the A-Level program for university preparation.
Higher Education
The higher education system in Cyprus is well-developed and follows the European model, allowing students to earn multiple degrees:
- Associative Degree: After the first two years.
- Bachelor’s Degree: After an additional two years.
- Master’s Degree: After completing six years of study.
Teaching is conducted in both Greek and English, with the academic year divided into three semesters (September-January, February-May, June-July). The summer semester is optional, giving students flexibility in their studies.
Cyprus has three state universities and five private universities, providing numerous opportunities for higher education in various specialties. The presence of branches of several British universities adds to the appeal. Colleges in Cyprus, particularly those focusing on hotel and tourism management, are also popular and offer bachelor’s degrees after four years of study.
Admission and Costs
Becoming a student in Cyprus does not require passing extensive entrance exams. Prospective students need to apply on time, either in person or by sending the necessary documents by mail. Proficiency in English is essential, typically demonstrated by IELTS (minimum score of 5.5) or TOEFL (minimum score of 500) certificates. For those who do not meet these requirements, language courses are available year-round.
The cost of education at Cypriot universities ranges from 4,000 to 8,500 euros per year. Successful students may benefit from a reward system that can reduce tuition fees by 30% to 50% based on examination performance.
Many Cypriot higher education institutions are accredited in the United States and Europe, allowing students to participate in exchange programs and pursue degrees at universities in these regions. This international recognition and the opportunity for global study make Cyprus an increasingly popular choice for higher education.
