Understanding the Cypriot Education System: A Parent’s Guide

In Cyprus, you can not only get the fastest permanent residence permit in just 6 months, live near the sea, comfortably conduct business in one of the most favorable tax jurisdictions in the EU, but also provide your children with a high-quality foreign secondary education in Cyprus. Students of local institutions such as the private school Limassol Trinity are provided with ample opportunities: continue their education in universities on the island or enroll in any prestigious university.

Explanation of primary, secondary and higher education

Education in Cyprus is divided into:

Primary education in Cyprus

Kindergartens accept children from 3 to 5 years old. A year before entering school, children attend a preparatory class, this is mandatory. They are also in pre-primary schools - or in primary schools - primary schools. Kindergartens can be public and private.

School education in Cyprus

It is divided into three levels:

• Primary school Dimotiko Scholeio - from 5 years old.
• Junior secondary school Gymnasium — from 12 years old, lasts 3 years.
• Senior secondary school — 3 years, from 15 to 18 years old.

A teenager can also choose to study at a lyceum (Lykeio) instead of high school or enroll in one of the vocational lyceums (Techniki scholi). After graduating from the institution, they receive a graduate certificate, which gives them the right to study at universities. There are also two types of institutions: private and public.

Higher education in Cyprus

The government of Cyprus actively finances and develops the higher education system. Leading universities in the world are interested in opening branches in the country. Here you can get an education that is close in quality to the British, but several times cheaper. Graduates receive international diplomas. With them, you can get a job in almost any country. 

Main features of the curriculum in Cypriot schools

A feature of the Cyprus education system is that there are no autumn holidays, which are common in many former countries (but there are spring holidays).

• In winter, students have a holiday from December 25 to January 7. This is called Christmas holidays.
• In spring, children are exempt from school for an even longer period - from April 29 to May 12. This is Easter holiday.
• In summer, students go on holiday at the beginning of the season, and approximately on June 20.

There are also some holidays, due to which children can rest a little longer.

Advantages of studying in Cyprus:

• high standards - the best educational programs, experienced teachers, practical classes, modern teaching materials, opportunities to reveal the potential and abilities of each child;
• small groups, professional sports sections and creative circles, sports complexes and swimming pools;
• the opportunity to learn several foreign languages ​​- full immersion in an environment where everyone around you constantly communicates in other languages ​​is considered the best way to master new languages ​​at a high level;

Cyprus schools are an excellent preparation for easy admission to European universities.

Common problems faced by students and parents

Parents need to be prepared for the fact that at first, their studies will seriously sag. And if you send your child to a place with the same academic level as the previous one, their academic performance will most likely fall. For a child, this can be a big demotivator, because they no longer succeed in what they were the best at in their “native” school.

Parents are offered to consider the first year as a period when the child is just integrating into a new environment. It is important that, firstly, the teaching is in a familiar language, and secondly, that it is possible to speak it in the institution at least during breaks. This will facilitate adaptation. The younger the child, the easier it is for him to learn the language and adapt to a new culture.

Tips for navigating the education system

In pursuit of education, it is important not to forget about the child, their comfort and individual characteristics. When choosing an educational institution, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the features of the academic program, but also to the differences from traditional institutions. We recommend paying attention to the following factors:

• Organize visits to the options you are interested in to personally assess the atmosphere and communicate with teachers.
• Find out the opinions and experiences of other families whose children are already studying in international institutions.
• Think about how the chosen institution will affect the future educational and career opportunities of your child.
• Be an active participant in the school community, this will help you better understand the educational process and support your child.
• Regularly communicate with teachers and monitor your child's progress in order to promptly respond to possible difficulties.

Finding a suitable educational institution for a child abroad is an extremely important moment in the life of parents and the child. Not only because it is a long and rather complicated process. Parents need to ensure that this period passes in a comfortable environment, surrounded by educated and worthy people.