Cyprus has high educational standards

Cyprus has high educational standards that are on par with those of other developed nations worldwide.

Pre-primary, primary, secondary, and higher education in Cyprus are all subject to regulation by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The issue of foreigners enrolling in Cypriot institutions is also covered. European residents of Cyprus have a right to a public school education. Private primary, secondary, and higher education institutions supplement the publicly funded educational system and are accessible to foreign nationals residing in Cyprus.

Greek is typically the language of instruction, with the exception of private schools, which mainly use English. State schools offer extra-intense Greek lessons to students who do not speak the language because Cyprus is now a member of the EU and welcoming to new expatriates. Every school in Cyprus requires students to wear uniforms (private schools have strict rules about uniforms, public schools are more flexible).

Prior to starting primary school, attendance at pre-primary is required. Children as young as three are allowed to enroll in this one-year program. Children between the ages of six and twelve must attend primary school. Lower secondary education, upper secondary school, and technical and vocational education are the three divisions of secondary education. For students in the 12 to 15 age range, only gymnasio, which lasts three years, is required.

Depending on the school and grade, the school day in Cyprus typically lasts from 7.30 to 8.00 hours and ends between 13.15 and 14.00. The school day consists of seven 40-minute lessons followed by three 40-minute breaks for the students.

Three terms make up the academic year, which runs from early September to early June. Before Christmas, the first term ends; the second begins after January 6 and lasts until Holy Week (the week before Easter). The third term starts a week after Easter and ends in early June. Christmas and Easter are the two most significant holidays during the academic year, and both have a two-week break. June marks the beginning of summer vacation and ends in September.