Education in Cyprus

An overview of primary, secondary and tertiary education in Cyprus

Dr. Antoine Saliba Haig | 06 Dec 2018

Education in Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the most sought-after destinations for an excellent and high-quality European education. Cyprus’ education sector is continuously expanding and diversifying to meet market demands. With newly-established focus on cultivating a knowledge-based economy, Cypriots have put education and learning at the forefront of their agendas.

While praising their own languages and culture, Cypriots have always understood the importance of the English language, especially in today’s multicultural and globalised world. Additionally, when purchasing property in Cyprus and establishing the island as a future residence, one ascertains that there are good educational prospects for their children.

The island has a well-educated English-speaking workforce, with more than half of all 30 to 34-year olds educated at a degree level. Cyprus, moreover, boasts five private universities which have all maintained consistently high academic standards and are, nonetheless, aptly aware of the need to keep ahead of the curve by offering English-language teaching of vocationally relevant courses. In turn, such courses reflect the dynamic commercial climate.

All levels of education in Cyprus have a strong and worthy base. Anyone choosing to study in Cyprus and enjoy such an intricate education system would go on to be exposed to countless modern opportunities, especially vis-à-vis continuing education in prestigious universities in Europe, as well as for life and employment on the island itself.

Primary and Secondary Education in Cyprus

Primary and secondary education is state-funded in Cyprus but, nevertheless, both enjoy a high standard of learning and development. The teachers are qualified, the school facilities and amenities are modern and aesthetically pleasing and, are built on prestigious and accessible land plots. The government spends around 7% of its GDP on education needs and, thanks to this, Cyprus has become one of the leading countries in the EU in this sector, joining the likes of Sweden and Denmark.

These two basic stages of education consist of 12 years in total. Children start attending school at the fresh age of 6 and go on to graduate from school at the age of 18.

Private schools in Cyprus

While public schools are free and in turn, go on to provide an apt preparation of foreign languages, particularly English, foreign parents usually take into consideration that most of such schools have Greek curricula. Public schools are therefore a very good choice if parents plan to link family life with Cyprus and Greece and, in turn, mingle with Greek language and culture.

Nonetheless, there is a very good plethora of private schools with Russian and English curriculums in Cyprus. There are various nationalities attending British schools and, most children start their education here at different ages, at different levels of English-language comprehension and speaking. Experienced school teachers know how to involve Beginners in the English language in such a way as to not hinder their learning process.

In both such private schools, one experiences an atmosphere of co-operation between the tutors and the students, as well as a lack of aggressive behaviour on the students’ parts.

Higher education in Cyprus

Cyprus boasts one of the highest rates of citizens holding a degree in the EU. Thus, students graduating from a Cypriot high school have the choice of either obtaining a further education in European universities or, in higher educative institutions of Cyprus itself. The level of Cypriot universities is averagely European, with hints of British teaching traditions.

Since its membership into the European Union in 2004, the number of foreign students studying on the island has doubled. This makes room for greater innovations with regards to international academic collaborations and investment opportunities in the higher education sectors, with both government and the private sector laying down ambitious foundations to develop the island into a regional education hub.

Around 30% of the island’s students are foreigners. The widespread use of English, as well as the application of EU standards, as well as a first-class infrastructure, coupled with a safe environment and good weather, make the island an ideal location for students and families alike seeking a rigorous, good value-for-money education.

Education in Cyprus - The way forward

Great educational standards, as well as the essence of Cypriot entrepreneurship and informality, make the island a highly desirable destination for both work and study opportunities. The country’s geographic position and its EU membership provides a variety of benefits, especially for families and students originating from non-EU countries wishing to acquire EU-standard qualifications.


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