Cypriots have always been famous for their craving for quality education. Even when the Republic did not have its own universities (until 1989), statistics showed that this country had one of the highest percentages of people with diplomas of various professions. Back then they went to study in Turkey, Greece, the USA, and other states. Now the education system in Cyprus is well-developed. The authorities invest 6% of the total GDP in this industry. If you consider moving to Cyprus and worry about whether your children will be able to get a decent education, then you can be sure that the Republic has all the opportunities for education and further employment.
Benefits of obtaining secondary and higher education in Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus is a member-state of the European Union. And local citizenship grants you the freedom to live, work and study in any other EU member-state. Education in Cyprus implies quality training for children of different nationalities. There are schools where education is conducted mainly in Russian or English. This will allow your child to successfully enter a prestigious European university.
Preschool education in Cyprus
Nurseries and kindergartens are provided for small children in the Republic. Children can be sent to educational institutions from 6 months of age. Children from 3 to 6 years of age go to kindergartens with everything they need for comprehensive development:
- balanced diet supervised by a professional nutritionist;
- daily walks in an open equipped area;
- gymnastics and physical training.
Education in Cyprus for Russian children is conducted in English and Greek, which helps to acquire the necessary language knowledge from a young age.
Private and public kindergartens operate according to generally accepted standards but each age category has its own program of classes. Most preschools work 12 hours a day. There are also kindergartens with night shifts, which is convenient for working parents.
Secondary education in the Republic of Cyprus
There are both state and private schools in the Republic. Foreign children mostly study in private schools not only in Greek but also in Italian, French, Russian, and even Arabic. Both English and American or French programs can be taught here. Education in private schools in Cyprus is paid. The price depends on the pricing policy of a particular educational institution.
Compulsory secondary education in Cyprus takes about 12 years. The elementary school is attended by children aged 6 to 12. The next stage includes a gymnasium course which lasts up to 15 years. Such education in Cyprus is considered compulsory, and therefore is provided free of charge in all public schools.
The academic year in Cyprus lasts from September 1st to the end of May. The following holidays are provided during this time:
- 14 days at Christmas;
- 14 days at Easter;
- 10 days to celebrate various religious and public holidays.
It is common to divide the entire academic year into 3 semesters designated by a Latin letter. Lessons are held 5 days a week for 7 hours. There are also 10-15 minute breaks.
The next three years are spent attending lyceums. Graduates receive a certificate of technician or humanitarian, as well as a certificate of secondary education granting the right to take simple technical jobs or work in offices.
College is the intermediate link between the school and the university in Cyprus. Here students undergo basic training in certain fields. For example, after graduating from a college in Cyprus, you can get education in banking, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and other industries.
Higher education in Cyprus
Higher education in Cyprus is not much different from what students get at universities in other EU countries. The full course takes 9 years, of which 4 years are spent on completing a bachelor degree, 2 for a master degree, and another 3 years for achieving a doctor degree.
The Republic of Cyprus takes part in an international cooperation program in the field of education, and therefore you can continue your studies at another EU university 2 years after entering a local university.
There are 4 educational institutions with a variety of programs and impeccable quality of education. And diplomas from the universities of Cyprus are accepted all over the world.
How to enter a university in Cyprus?
If you are interested in ways of obtaining higher education in Cyprus for Russians who have studied in a secondary school outside the Republic, you will need to confirm a sufficient level of English proficiency. Additional tests are provided for doctors and representatives of creative professions.
To enter a university and get higher professional education in Cyprus, you will need to prepare the following set of documents.
- Application form.
- Certificate of secondary or previous level of education.
- Reference and motivation letters.
- Duplicate of passport.
- TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge B1 certificate.
- Entry fee (about USD 118).
If diplomas or certificates were obtained in another country, they shall be translated into English and apostilled or consular legalized.
Education in Cyprus for Russians
According to current legislation, foreigners cannot receive free education in Cyprus. A residence permit is required to enter a public school. However, private institutions offer education to pupils with any status. The cost of obtaining compulsory secondary education in Cyprus is about EUR 12,000-18,000 per year, which includes accommodation and meals during the study. Colleges and universities are cheaper. Education there will cost you EUR 3,000-4,000 per year.
In addition to paying tuition fees, you shall have health insurance, which costs EUR 100, as well as a sufficient amount to cover everyday needs (clothing, food, travel expenses). As a rule, EUR 300-350 is enough for a month.
Several specialized institutions offer education in Cyprus for Russians. Nicosia has kindergartens and private schools with education courses in Russian. Higher professional education in Cyprus for Russians is also paid but the student can take part in the state program covering from 50% to 100% of the annual tuition fee. It should be remembered that a foreign student cannot skip semesters. In general, the atmosphere in Cyprus is very friendly, as the Russians are well treated here. Therefore, the process of getting education will be not only efficient but also exciting.
