Education System in Cyprus

Primary Education

Education is Cyprus is compulsory between ages 5 to 15. Following perhaps 1 year of optional pre-primary school, children aged 6 enter primary school itself for 6 years, at the end of which they receive a certificate of attendance. Subjects studied are academic in the British tradition.

Middle Education

Three years of compulsory education take place at middle schools known as gymnasiums. There is still a single stream of academic subjects.

Secondary Education

Secondary education takes 3 forms, although all successful students qualify to enter university. At lykeion schools, the curriculum remains academic. Technical schools emphasize scientific subjects, while vocational schools focus on workshop practices and industrial training. A variety of certificates are awarded.

Vocational Education

The Human Resource Development Authority is responsible for ongoing vocational training in Cyprus, both through presenting courses, and setting standards too.

Tertiary Education

There are both private and state universities in Cyprus, including 3 public ones. They include the University of Cyprus, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and the Open University of Cyprus.



The first-mentioned of these is the oldest of the three, having been established in 1989. Student numbers are approximately 6,000, and teaching mainly in Greek. Admission is regulated by nationality, residence and cultural / religious group.