Education in Cyprus
To continue your child’s education it is possible for them to study for free within the Cypriot system or at a fee-paying international school, where they are more likely to follow a UK or international curriculum.
State education:
All state schools are Greek speaking, but they now provide intensive Greek lessons for children who do not speak the language and teachers are being trained to teach children whose first language isn’t Greek.
- Fee paying pre-school education is available for children aged 3 to 5 years and 8 months and is now compulsory from age 4 years 8 months.
- Primary school education is compulsory up to 11 years and 8 months.
- Children then receive a Leavers Certificate, which they need to start lower secondary education, compulsory up to age 15. This is followed by a choice of:
- General Upper Secondary School with 5 combinations of subjects.
- Comprehensive Upper Secondary School.
- Technical and Vocational Upper Secondary School.
- At 18, most children leave with a High School Diploma and can go on to study at University.
Private education:
Private schools tend to have just primary and secondary schools; the majority are English-speaking and all are fee paying, though fees in Cyprus are generally less than for the equivalent education in the UK.
If you’re thinking of moving to Cyprus with school age children, give us a call on 0800 955 5266 and we’ll do our best to answer any questions you have.
Quick Facts:
- The Cypriot school day starts before 8 am and finishes at lunchtime, around 1.30 pm, with some homework set for the afternoon.
- School summer holidays last for 3 months in Cyprus.
- School uniform is compulsory in all schools.
- English is taught as a second language in schools.
You can see where the nearest State and Private Schools are when you come on an area and property tour.
