Education in Cyprus
Cyprus, an EU member in the eastern Mediterranean, has an education system rooted in the Greek language and tradition in the Republic of Cyprus (the internationally recognized government), with high literacy. The island is politically divided: this guide focuses on the Republic of Cyprus; the Turkish-speaking north operates a separate system that is not internationally recognized. Cyprus has become a notable destination for international students thanks to its English-taught private universities.
Structure & stages
In the Republic of Cyprus, the system is organized as:
- Pre-primary + Primary (6 years)Ages ~5/6–12
- Lower secondary — Gymnasium (3 years)
- Upper secondary — Lyceum (3 years)Academic, or technical/vocational, leading to university
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is compulsory from around age 5 to 15 and free in public schools. The school year runs September to June. Instruction is in Greek in the Republic of Cyprus.
Public schools
Most students attend free public schools, following a Greek-based national curriculum closely linked to Greece. The system is centralized and academically oriented.
Private & international schools
Cyprus has a significant private and international-school sector (including English-language and other international curricula), popular with expatriate families and Cypriots seeking English-medium or international pathways.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers Greek language and literature, mathematics, the sciences, history, and foreign languages (English is widely taught), closely aligned with the Greek system.
Exams & qualifications
University admission for public universities is based on the Pancyprian Examinations, taken at the end of the Lyceum; Cypriot students also compete for places at universities in Greece through a shared examination system. Private universities set their own admission requirements.
Higher education
Higher education includes the public University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology, alongside a large and growing group of private universities (such as the University of Nicosia and European University Cyprus) that offer many English-taught programs and actively recruit international students.
Studying in Cyprus from abroad
Cyprus is a growing destination for international students, particularly through its private universities:
- English programsPrivate universities offer a wide range of English-taught degrees, including medicine and business
- EU recognition & costDegrees are EU-recognized, with moderate tuition and living costs and an English-friendly environment
- VisaEU students enjoy free movement; non-EU students need a student visa/permit
Special education & support
Cyprus supports inclusive education, integrating students with additional needs into mainstream schools with support, alongside special provision.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is uncommon in Cyprus; the public and private/international school sectors cover most needs.
Costs & funding
Public education is free. Private and international schools and universities charge tuition. Cyprus uses the Euro (EUR).
Key facts for families
- LanguagesGreek (Republic of Cyprus); Turkish in the north
- StructurePrimary (6) + Gymnasium (3) + Lyceum (3)
- CompulsoryAges ~5–15, free public
- University entryVia the Pancyprian Examinations (public); private universities set their own
- Higher edUniversity of Cyprus; English-taught private universities draw international students
- School yearSeptember to June
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current, official details: