Features of education in Cyprus
Preschool education
In Cyprus, as early as six months of age, children can be sent to a nursery, where they will receive the necessary education until the age of three. From the age of three, children are sent to preschool institutions (kindergartens), where they undergo an educational course until the age of six.
Kindergartens in Cyprus operate according to traditional methods, but have their own characteristics . Classes are conducted with children, the program of which is compiled for a certain age period. Educational work is conducted in several languages. The standard set is Greek and English. The general education of children is carried out according to the method of bilingual education. This method is widely used in most European countries.
Video: kindergarten in Northern Cyprus
Preschool institutions in Cyprus stand out for their good organization of direct service . Children's cuisine is a selective balanced menu. Moreover, everything that is prepared for feeding children is controlled by a specially hired nutritionist. Children's games in the fresh air are thoughtfully organized, gymnastics and therapeutic physical education are used. The working day of a standard kindergarten lasts 11–12 hours. There are also institutions where night groups work several days a week (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) from 21:00 to 8:00.
There are several Russian kindergartens in Cyprus . Some of them, such as Umka in Nicosia, are autonomous institutions. Others, such as the Sun Angel's Nest kindergarten in Paphos, operate in schools. Preschool education services are paid.
Educational system of Cyprus
Secondary education
The period of secondary education covers a total of 12 years. Of these, the first six (from 6 to 12) fall on the primary school course. Then, from the age of 12 to the age of 15, a course at the gymnasium (Gymnasium) is completed. The period of education from the age of 6 to 15 is considered compulsory in Cyprus . Throughout this period, Cypriots study for free, provided they attend public schools, but not private educational institutions.
...In Cyprus, the program for all schools is the same. There is no such division as in Russia. Of course, there are schools that are famous for their traditions. There are schools located closer to the western areas of the city, where there are many immigrant children. There, unfortunately, the level is worse for social reasons than for state fault...
Pigeon
https://www.russiancyprus.info/viewtopic.php?f=126&t=16998&sid=42cc0e713aed438b1823fc73c5aeeb2e&start=25#p312211
Compulsory education in public schools, gymnasiums, and lyceums is financed through taxes. Along with the state system, there is another - a parallel scheme of private education . Here, education is provided on a paid basis by accredited private schools, gymnasiums, and lyceums. Most of these institutions belong to foreign structures.
The secondary school academic year begins in the first ten days of September (usually the 10th). Studies end at the end of May. Attendance at classes is organized on a five-day basis. Lessons start at 7:30 and end at 14:30. Breaks between lessons are 10–15 minutes. The longest break is 25 minutes. Summer holidays from June to September. Additionally, several short-term vacations are provided throughout the year.
Private schools provide tuition fees
The next (three-year) level of education is the Unified Lyceum or Secondary Technical and Vocational Education. The age group of students is from 15 to 18 years. Upon completion of the unified lyceum, a high school diploma and a humanities certificate are issued. Graduates of vocational institutions receive a technician certificate along with their certificate. Holders of such documents can already find employment as office clerks or technical service workers.
Among the features of school education in Cyprus is a uniform that all secondary school students must wear . The traditional uniform style is gray trousers with black T-shirts for boys and skirts of the same color paired with white blouses for girls.
...The school day is very short, elementary school and high school finish within 1 hour of each other, which is inconvenient when there are several children. Probably, adult children are unable to immerse themselves in English. But prices in Cyprus are the cheapest in the world for English education. When compared with Moscow, it is at least 3 times less...
SvetlanaRepina
https://otzovik.com/review_772120.html
...I have two girls, 13 and 11 years old. Two years ago we came to study at GAU from an ordinary Moscow school. Training in English. 10–15% of students who do not speak Turkish. Two months later, when the children’s shock passed, they began to understand the English language (before the move, a tutor came 2 times a week + school program for 1.5 years)…
Scythian
https://kipr.travel/showpost.php?s=15668859e0a0cad60f987cbdf43dd730&p=1720&postcount=7
Video: studying at a British school in Cyprus
Schools in Cyprus
The public education system in Cyprus is represented by primary and secondary schools, the level of teaching in which meets high standards. This European country also has vocational training schools, the main task of which is to train qualified personnel to work in the field of production and tourism services. An alternative to public secondary educational institutions are private schools that enroll students on a fee basis.
Almost every city in Cyprus has a choice of private schools, catering mainly to foreign students. Such schools offer education in English, French, Italian, Armenian and Arabic.
In Cyprus, there are schools that teach American and English programs (for example, American Academy Junior Schools - primary schools in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, English School - a gymnasium in Nicosia), as well as French and Lebanese programs.
The school year in public secondary schools in Cyprus begins on 1 September. For students of gymnasiums (Gymnasio) and lyceums (Lykeo), lessons begin on September 10 and end on June 2-5 of the following year.
During the school year there are the following holidays :
- Two weeks over the Christmas holidays.
- Two weeks for Easter.
- 10 days related to state, national or religious holidays.
The school year as part of the educational process is divided into three semesters:
- Semester A: From September 10 to December 10.
- Semester B: From December 11 to March 10.
- Semester C: From 11 March until the end of the academic year.
In grades 1-3 in schools in Cyprus, they are taught basic skills (reading, writing, arithmetic), and then, in grades 4-6, foreign languages, music, physical education and various humanitarian subjects are gradually added to the curriculum.
Children then move on to the gymnasium, where three years of study are the second stage of a compulsory nine-year education. This level provides for in-depth study of general education disciplines and foreign languages.
Finally, the final stage (already optional, and therefore paid in Cyprus) is three years of study in lyceums of elective subjects, focused on specialization in the field of individual disciplines. The curriculum provides for the study of three categories of subjects: basic (compulsory for all), special and elective. Freedom of choice is limited to a set of the following combinations: classical sciences, humanities, physical and mathematical subjects, as well as economics and languages.
An alternative to public secondary educational institutions are the few private schools in Cyprus that enroll students on a fee basis. Some of them focus on learning foreign languages, mainly English, French and Italian.
In Cyprus, there are schools offering American and English programs (for example, American Academy Junior Schools - primary schools in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, Pascal English Schools - schools in Nicosia), as well as French and Lebanese programs.
At the international school in Limassol, organized by immigrants from Russia, teaching is conducted in parallel according to Russian and American programs. And accordingly, in Russian and English. The Russian program takes 11 years, and in the last, twelfth year, students study only according to the American program. Graduates of this school in Cyprus receive a Russian certificate of secondary education and a school certificate. Here you can also prepare for admission to American universities (Freshman). The cost of a year of study for this Russian-American program, including room and board, is $13,700 for juniors, $16,300 for seniors, and $16,000 for the Freshman program.
Higher education system
The higher education system of Cyprus is represented by several state-owned universities, as well as private institutes and colleges. The so-called institutions of higher non-university education belong to the same system. The standard age for applicants to all types of universities is 18 years and older. The academic year begins in September and lasts until June. The annual educational process is divided into two semesters. Admission of students is carried out based on the results of entrance exams. The examination conditions are approved by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus.
The Cyprus Higher School consists of three separate levels:
- bachelor's degree,
- master's degree,
- graduate school.
Cypriot students usually receive a bachelor's degree after 4 years of education at the first stage of higher education. A master's degree requires two additional years. Finally, graduate school is the third stage of higher education, where the specific duration of study depends on the specialization. As a rule, postgraduate students improve their knowledge within 3–6 years.
Universities in Cyprus generally teach in Greek and English.
Among the languages of instruction, English and Greek are widely used. Some universities in Cyprus teach in Turkish. Next in importance are French and Russian. The Russian language is mainly used in tourism management courses. Today this direction is popular among Russian immigrant students.
...Now two of my friends are studying at the Mediterranean University (in Famagusta) - a Ukrainian (English at a better level than mine) and a Romanian (with a diploma as a teacher of English and French). They study there for a master's degree. I also thought that the universities here are wow, the schools too, no knowledge and so on. So, both of them unanimously say that the studies are very serious, everything is exclusively in English, the level of which is higher than both of them combined. Specialty: tourism...
karaterina
https://rusnorthcyprus.2x2forum.com/t637p25-topic#14216
Cost of studying in Cyprus
There is no free study for foreign citizens in Cyprus. Even if you take the period of compulsory education, to study for free in a public school in Cyprus, you need a residence permit. Private schools accept everyone without exception, but the cost of studying there reaches 12–18 thousand euros per year. However, it is worth noting that this amount includes the cost of accommodation and food.
Education in higher education is paid by default. Each specific university makes an accurate calculation of study costs based on its needs and capabilities. On average, public universities in Cyprus charge €3,000–3,200 for one academic year . Education in private colleges and universities will cost more - from 4,000 euros.
The cost of education is not only tuition fees. Life in Cyprus, although not so expensive, still requires a minimum of 300–350 euros per month for food, travel, clothing, communication services and more. You will also have to pay about 100 euros for health insurance.
...Universities in Cyprus have excellent opportunities to participate in student exchange programs (such as ERASMUS). Most often, Cyprus universities cooperate with English and French ones. So, depending on the program of study and knowledge of the language, you can go and study for six months/year in another country for free...
Anya
https://dokacy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=483#p577
Most popular educational institutions
The number of educational institutions in Cyprus is relatively small when compared to other countries. But even such a modest list of schools, lyceums, colleges and universities has undisputed leaders among immigrants and the local population:
- Russian secondary school "Disciples of Pythagoras",
- Cyprus College,
- Open University of Cyprus,
- University of Technology,
- Frederick University.
"Disciples of Pythagoras" is a Russian-language private educational institution . The school, established in 1999, quickly became famous for its high-quality preparation of children in the study of foreign languages. We are talking about in-depth study of the English language. Graduates of a Russian school receive two certificates of secondary education - Russian and European.
...Access to the school is closed. Children are under control. The director and owner of the school is a Russian lady, a former Russian teacher, tough and precise. Been in Cyprus for a long time. She receives parents herself and is fully aware of all school affairs. Really controls the process...
quantum1
https://life-in-cyprus.livejournal.com/70094.html
Cyprus College is the oldest university, founded back in 1961 . It is part of the renowned European University of Cyprus. The institution is equipped with modern computer technology. Students have a rich library and a modern sports complex at their disposal. Cyprus College, according to European and American experts, provides a high-level education.
The Open University of Cyprus is the only university in Cyprus that, along with traditional areas, offers distance education . The university's educational system includes a large number of research programs aimed at developing methodologies and high technologies. University and postgraduate modes of education are supported.
The University of Technology is one of the young universities in Cyprus . Construction was completed in 2004, and the university accepted its first students in 2007. The launch of the Technological University has significantly expanded the opportunities for applicants from different social groups to choose specializations. New directions have emerged that other universities in Cyprus could not offer.
Frederick University is a private university with six specialized schools . Each school offers training in different specializations. For example, there is a school of economic sciences and administration, a school of engineering and applied sciences. In general, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of science, technology, art, etc.
Photo gallery of popular Russian schools and universities
The University of Technology is one of the young universities in Cyprus
The Open University of Cyprus offers distance education to immigrants
Cyprus College is part of the renowned European University
The school “Disciples of Pythagoras” quickly became famous for its quality training of children
Frederick University - private university and six specialized schools
Best private schools in Cyprus
Russian school “Disciples of Pythagoras”
The private Russian school “Disciples of Pythagoras” has been operating in Limassol since 1999. The school is licensed by the Cyprus Ministry of Education and focuses on the Russian curriculum with in-depth study of languages (English and Greek). Graduates receive a Greek matriculation certificate, as well as a Russian diploma. The school operates a kindergarten, foreign language courses, and external studies.
Heritage
One of the most famous international schools in Cyprus, operating since 1987. Education is organized according to the British program. From the first to the sixth grade, teaching is conducted in English and Greek; from the seventh grade, Greek remains an elective subject; children can also choose Russian as an elective. From third to ninth grade, French is a compulsory curriculum. To enter the school you must pass exams in mathematics and English.
LITC
This is a Russian school in Cyprus, operating for more than 20 years. LITC offers training in the Russian general education program with the study of Greek and English. The school offers external studies, extended day groups, and foreign language courses. Graduates receive a Cypriot diploma. By passing exams at the embassy school, you can also receive a Russian matriculation certificate.
Logos School of English Education
One of the oldest British schools on the island, operating since 1974. Education is conducted according to the British curriculum in English with compulsory study of Greek and French as a second language. There is a kindergarten at the school. The school cooperates with the British examination centers of the University of Cambridge and EdExcel. Having passed the exams, graduates can enter British, European and American universities.
International School of Paphos (ISOP)
A prestigious international school supported by the British Embassy. The school offers Cambridge Examination Center and EdExcel exams, as well as the Ellinomatheia Greek language certification exam. Training is conducted in English and Greek. Graduates receive a national Apolytirion certificate, with which they can enter universities in Cyprus and other EU countries.
By purchasing property in Cyprus, parents can be sure that their children will receive a quality school education, which will provide them with excellent opportunities for further study or work in any EU country. An effective international education system is another argument in favor of the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program.
What are the requirements for foreigners upon admission?
The requirements of Cypriot universities boil down to the following points:
- Bachelor's degree applicants need at least a high school diploma,
- Master's degree applicants require a bachelor's degree,
- in any case, knowledge of English (Greek) is required,
- information on academic performance in previous education, certified by the Ministry of Education or the administration of the educational institution,
- medical certificate confirming the absence of tuberculosis and hepatitis B,
- application in the prescribed form to the university administration,
- one or more letters of recommendation,
- document confirming the presence of a sponsor,
- photocopy of identity card (passport),
- passport size photographs - 5 pcs.
It is worth noting that Cypriot universities do not have high requirements regarding knowledge of the English language . In particular, applicants do not have to pass the language tests TOEFL, GRE, SAT, IELTS, GMAT. But for holders of such documents with a high score, this is a significant detail when deciding on the provision of student scholarships. Documents must be translated into English.
Scholarships and grants: reviews from international students
As elsewhere in the world, grants and scholarships are also available to students at Cypriot universities. True, this is mainly done in cases of significant financial need of the applicants. The grant amount is calculated based on the student's actual financial need for assistance. But, as a rule, the amount of grants in Cypriot universities does not exceed one third of the amount of tuition fees.
Meanwhile, universities and colleges are severely limited in the funds allocated for financial aid. Therefore, serious arguments are needed in order to receive a grant. In undergraduate courses, these restrictions are more pronounced than in master's and postgraduate courses. Moreover, this situation is typical for higher educational institutions, both public and private.
The number of scholarships that foreign students can count on is in the dozens. Most of the available scholarships are published, for example, on varsityadmission.com and other sites. The Bureau of Education and the Department of Culture of Cyprus deal with the provision of scholarships.
...I don't agree. Just this year I received a State Grant for training in the amount of 2500 and this is the maximum that they provide. Of course, as far as I know, everything depends on many family factors...
dima_ia
https://www.russiancyprus.info/viewtopic.php?f=126&t=21387#p370110
...The football player studied with me, at a relatively high level. So they gave him a discount on his tuition so that he could play for the university team. Are you by any chance an athlete? Then you could ask for a discount...
lefkosha
https://russian-cyprus.org/viewtopic.php?p=221034#p220953
Alina from Russia about studying at a British university in Cyprus UCLan Сyprus
EI: Hello! Tell us a little about yourself. How did it happen that you ended up in Cyprus?
Hello, my name is Alina and I am from Moscow. I can't believe these 4 years have flown by so quickly, but this year I am graduating from UCLan Cyprus with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
EI: What criteria did you use to choose a university and why did you choose UCLan Cyprus?
UCLan in England is one of the best universities, and when I learned about UCLan Cyprus from a friend, I was immediately inspired by the idea. I entered in 2014, when the university was only 2 years old, and have had the pleasure of watching the university grow right before our eyes over the past 4 years. Every year the number of students, courses, equipment and opportunities is growing. UCLan Cyprus provides many different courses and programs. I have always been interested in communicating with people, tourism and the hotel business, so I chose the Hospitality and Tourism Management program. Hospitality and Tourism Management includes different areas of tourism, theoretical and practical creation of events, hotel business, marketing and business strategy. All training is conducted in English, which helps improve English to a professional level. And one of the main factors is, of course, cozy and friendly Cyprus.
EI: What was the application process like? Did you encounter any difficulties when entering university?
When I applied in 2014, the process was quite complicated, but now everything is much simpler and faster. The Student Support team is very friendly and always helps students, just send them an email and they will send detailed instructions for admission and the required list of documents. Full information can also be found on the official website of the university. The university also provides a discount in the first year of study for those who received straight A's at school.
