Cyprus (CY)

Cyprus is a Mediterranean island nation and EU member state situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.

Capital: Nicosia

Region: Europe

Language: Greek

Currency: EUR (€)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 62)

Emergency: 112

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Cyprus.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Private Nursery / Creche €350–700

Age: 3 months – 3 years

Subsidy available

Government subsidy available for working parents through the Welfare Services. Means-tested. Apply at your local Social Welfare office.

Contact nurseries directly. Provide birth certificate, health records and residence permit.

⏱️ Register early — popular nurseries in Nicosia and Limassol have waiting lists of 3–6 months.

Public Kindergarten (Νηπιαγωγείο) €0 (free public)

Age: 3 – 6 years

Register at your local public kindergarten through the Ministry of Education. Bring birth certificate and residence proof.

Private Kindergarten €250–500

Age: 3 – 6 years

Apply directly to private kindergarten. Popular ones fill up months in advance.

🏫 Schools

Public Primary School Free

Δημοτικό Σχολείο

Ages: 6–12 years (Grades 1–6) · Language: Greek

Contact your local public primary school or the District Education Office (Επαρχιακό Γραφείο Παιδείας). Documents: birth certificate, immunisation record, proof of residence, and previous school records if applicable.

Teaching is in Greek. Expat children who arrive mid-year receive additional Greek language support in many schools. The system is generally welcoming but English-speaking children may find the transition challenging in the first year.

Public Secondary School (Gymnasium + Lyceum) Free

Γυμνάσιο / Λύκειο

Ages: 12–18 years (Gymnasium 12–15, Lyceum 15–18) · Language: Greek

Register at the local Gymnasium. Documents as above plus primary school completion certificate. Secondary school leads to the Apolytirion (leaving certificate) for university entry.

English is a compulsory subject from primary school. Many Cypriot students speak excellent English by secondary level, easing integration.

International Schools

Cyprus has a good range of international schools, particularly in Nicosia and Limassol. Major schools include: The English School Nicosia (prestigious, founded 1900, highly competitive, mostly local and expat Cypriot), Grammar School Nicosia, American Academy (Larnaca and Nicosia), Pascal Private English School, Falcon School, Logos School of English Education. Monthly fees: €500–1,500 depending on school and age. British-curriculum schools follow IGCSE/A-Level tracks.

University

Tuition fee

Public universities (University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology, Open University of Cyprus): EU/Cypriot undergraduate students pay €0–3,000/year (most bachelor programmes in Greek are free; some specialised programmes charge up to €3,000). Postgraduate programmes: €4,100–10,250/year for all students. Private universities (UCLan Cyprus, Frederick University, European University Cyprus, Neapolis): €8,000–14,000/year.

Semester fee

N/A (fees are charged per semester at each institution directly)

Student visa

Non-EU students require a Category C student visa or Category D entry clearance. Apply at the nearest Cyprus embassy before arrival.

Health insurance

Students registered in GESY contribute at the student rate (2.65% of any earned income). Students without employment must have private health insurance or register with GESY if eligible.

Application process

Apply through individual university portals. Public universities: University of Cyprus (Nicosia), Cyprus University of Technology (Limassol), Open University of Cyprus. Private universities: Frederick University, UCLan Cyprus, European University Cyprus, Neapolis University. EU students generally pay same fees as domestic students.

🗣️ Language Courses

Greek Language Course for Foreigners

Provider: Cyprus Centre for Adult Education (AKEPE) / Various language schools · Duration: 80–120 hours (1 semester) · Levels: A1 to C2

€150–400 per course

Not mandatory but highly beneficial for integration. AKEPE offers subsidised courses in most cities. Private language schools (e.g. Berlitz, LinguaHouse) offer more flexible scheduling.

English Language Courses

Provider: Multiple private language schools and EFL centres · Duration: 60–120 hours · Levels: A1 to C2

€200–600 per course

Many Cypriot parents enrol children in private English tutoring. English is taught from Grade 1 in state schools.

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