Schools & Universities in Cyprus
Are you moving to Cyprus with children? Then a few things are good to know first. How does school work on the island? Which international and British schools do most expatriate families choose? And what is on offer for families who want their children to keep following their home-country school system or keep a heritage language? This page explains the system, the curriculum options, and the schools and universities in each main city.
Education for International Families in Cyprus
Moving to Cyprus with children brings a few practical questions, and it helps to have the answers in one place. The sections below cover the school system, the curriculum options, and the schools and universities in each main city.
Compulsory Education in Cyprus
In Cyprus, school runs for nine school years. This applies to every child, whatever their nationality or religion. State schools are free. They teach mostly in Greek, so most international families choose one of the private English-language or specialist schools listed below.
A High Standard of Education
Cyprus has put a lot of money into making its schools better, above all in the private sector. Competition between schools and the arrival of international children have led to steady progress. The British curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) are both widely available across the island. Students from the leading Cyprus schools often go on to universities in the UK, Ireland, the United States, and elsewhere in Europe.
Parents can usually count on their children getting a warm welcome. In practice, settling in and closing any language gaps are rarely a big problem, especially at international schools, where the teaching is in English.
Curriculum Options on the Island
International schools in Cyprus are private, and each one sets its own fees. Some belong to foundations that get funding; others pay for everything themselves. Fees usually start at around EUR 200 per month. They go up with the year group, the curriculum, and any extra services. The most common curricula are:
- British curriculum: IGCSE for ages 14 to 16, then A-Levels for ages 16 to 18.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): usually the IB Diploma Programme for ages 16 to 19, sometimes with the Middle Years Programme as well.
- American curriculum: a US-style high school diploma, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses at several schools.
- Heritage-language and national-curriculum schools: for families who want their children to keep their home-country school system or a heritage language (Greek, German, French, Turkish, Armenian).
Schools & Universities by City
Nicosia
International, British and American curriculum schools:
- The English School — British curriculum; one of the oldest and best-known English-language schools in Cyprus.
- The American International School in Cyprus (AISC) — American curriculum with International Baccalaureate.
- American Academy Nicosia — British and American curricula.
- The Falcon School — British curriculum, primary and secondary.
- The Junior School — British curriculum, primary education.
- The Grammar School — British curriculum (IGCSE and A-Levels).
- The GC School of Careers — British curriculum.
- Pascal English School Nicosia — British curriculum.
- Terra Santa College — Catholic international school.
Heritage-language and national-curriculum schools:
- Goethe-Zentrum Nicosia — German language and culture.
- École Française Arthur Rimbaud — French national curriculum.
- Philips European Greek School — Greek-language European school.
- Centre of Higher Studies of Famagusta — Turkish-language institution (Northern Cyprus affiliation).
- Melkonian Educational Institute — historic Armenian school (currently inactive, listed for reference).
Vocational and professional education:
- KES Vocational Studies Centre — vocational education.
- Pascal Institut — professional and continuing education.
- Centre of Technical & Vocational Education — state-run technical and vocational education.
Universities in Nicosia:
- University of Cyprus — the leading public university on the island.
- University of Nicosia — the largest private university in Cyprus, with many English-language programmes.
- European University Cyprus — private university with an international student body.
- The Cyprus Institute — research-led postgraduate institute.
Limassol
International, British and American curriculum schools:
- Foley's Grammar & Junior School — British curriculum, well-established.
- The Heritage Private School — British curriculum.
- American Academy Limassol — British and American curricula.
- Logos School of English Education — British curriculum, English-language throughout.
- St. Mary's School — British curriculum.
- Private Grammar School — British curriculum.
- Pascal English School Limassol — British curriculum.
Universities in Limassol:
- Cyprus University of Technology — public university with English-language postgraduate programmes.
- CTL Eurocollege — higher education in business and hospitality.
Larnaca
International, British and American curriculum schools:
- American Academy Larnaca — British and American curricula.
- Med High / Med Junior School — British curriculum.
- Pascal English School Larnaca — British curriculum.
- Montessori Campus Larnaca — Montessori method, English-language.
Paphos
International, British and American curriculum schools:
- The International School of Paphos — British curriculum.
- Xenion High School — British curriculum.
Heritage-language and national-curriculum schools:
- Elleniki Scholi "To Olympion" — Greek-language private school.
- Elleniki Scholi Forum — Greek-language private school.
How to Choose the Right School
With several international schools across the island, the right choice comes down to a few simple questions. Which curriculum fits your child's earlier schooling and your future plans best, whether British, American, IB, or a national curriculum from your home country? Which city suits your family for work and daily life? How well does the school connect to the universities your child may later apply to? And how long is the daily journey from the districts you are looking at?
We are happy to walk you through the options and put you in touch with the schools that suit your family best. Many of our clients book their first school visits during their first relocation trip. This usually gives a much clearer sense of fit than any brochure or website can.
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