| The Cyprus Government wishes to ensure that children from other EU countries continue their education while they are in Cyprus.
For that reason, children with other native languages who do not speak Greek are provided with special lessons in the language in order to be integrated more smoothly into a state school, where the attendance is compulsory and free. The measures being implemented provide such children with intensive tuition in Greek to facilitate their gradual integration into school and also provide training for teachers to enable them to respond adequately to the teaching of pupils from other language backgrounds. In addition, training courses dealing with the cultures and languages of the countries of origin of the children will be provided in cooperation with those countries.
Currently there are 34 private secondary schools (Greek-language, English-language, French language and Russian-language) that have been approved by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Another 3 schools are currently being inspected for approval. Attendance at these schools costs from £2,000 to £3,500 (€3,500 to €6,125) per year.
Pre-School
Pre-school education is offered by Greek-language state schools and by Greek-language and foreign-language private schools. It is provided for children aged from three years to five years and eight months. Attendance is compulsory for children aged from four years and eight months to five years and eight months. Attendance at a private nursery school costs from £70 to £150 (€120 to €260) per child per month; the cost at the state schools is lower. There are also state and private childcare centres for children up to three years of age.
Primary
Primary education is provided free of charge at state schools for children aged from five years and eight months to 11 years and eight months. Age is the only criterion for the entry of children into primary education. From the 2006 - 2007 school year proof of pre- school attendance (from four years and eight months to five years and eight months) will be required for enrolment in primary education. The school year is divided into three terms of three months, with attendance on five days of the week. The system of all-day attendance is also applied in a number of primary schools. English-language education is primarily offered by private schools. There are also French-language and Russian-language private schools.
Lower Secondary
Lower secondary education is provided free of charge for children from 11 years and eight months to 15 years of age. Children are admitted to lower secondary education on the criterion of age and subject to possession of a primary school leaving certificate. The school year is divided into three terms of three months, with attendance on five days of the week. There are also private English-language and French-language lower secondary schools.
Upper Secondary
Upper secondary education is provided free of charge for children aged between 15 and 18 years of age. At this level, too, the school year is divided into three terms of three months, with five-day attendance. Pupils who wish to be trained in a technical occupation can attend a Technical School. There are also private English-language and French language upper secondary schools.
Higher Education
Cyprus has the University of Cyprus, private colleges and schools and state training institutions such as the Higher Technical Institute, the Forestry College and the Higher Hotel Institute. The EU's intention to promote lifelong education has expanded the role of Higher and Postgraduate Education and has created new needs, such as the establishment of the Open University of Cyprus, which will start in September 2006 with two postgraduate courses.
Ministry of Education and Culture
Tel: (00357) 22 800 600
Fax: (00357) 22 427 559 |
