Education
The education system in Cyprus is of a high standard and accessible to all residents. Cyprus offers a wide range of schools from pre-school kindergarten (1-6 years), infant schools (6-12 years), junior schools (12-18 years), colleges (16-18 years) and universities (18+).
Children with other native languages receive special lessons in their language, along with intensive tuition in Greek to facilitate their gradual integration into state school. In addition teachers receive training to enable them to respond adequately to the teaching of pupils from other language backgrounds. A number of private schools (Greek, English, French, and Russian-language) are also available, and cost between CYP 2,000 & 3,000 per year. Higher education is available through 6th form colleges and recognised English language institutions.
If either parent is of Cypriot nationality, schooling for their children is compulsory until Year 9, or age 15. However, most pupils stay on until the age of 18 to gain a high-school diploma, a necessary prerequisite for a university application or job. Attendance at all Greek schools is free of charge; however there is a fairly rigid curriculum.
Pre-school education
State schools teaching in the Greek language and private schools teaching in other languages offer pre-school education for children aged from 3 to 5 years, eight months. Attendance is currently voluntary, however legislation to make at least one year of pre-school education compulsory is anticipated. Attendance at a private nursery school costs from CYP 70 to CYP 150 (EUR 120 to EUR 260) per month. There are also private and state “baby nurseries” for children up to 3 years of age.
Primary education
Primary education is for children aged from 5 years, eight months to 11 years, eight months. Age is the only criteria for the entry of children into primary education. The school year is divided into three terms of three months, with attendance on five days of the week. There are also a number of private English-language primary schools.