INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

University

Public Schools of Tertiary Education

Private Schools of Tertiary Education

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Apolytirion

General Certificate of Education Advanced Level

Lise Bitirme Diplomasi

Diploma

Bachelor

Master

Doctor

STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 6

Age of exit: 15

Structure of school system:

Primary

Type of school providing this education: Primary School

Length of program in years: 6

Age level from: 6 to: 12

Certificate/diploma awarded: Leaving Certificate

Lower Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Greek Cypriot: Gymnasion; Turkish Cypriot: Ortaokul

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 12 to: 15

Technical Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Technical

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Greek-Cypriot: Apolytirion; Turkish-Cypriot: Lise Bitirme Diploma

Upper Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Greek-Cypriot: Lykeion; Turkish-Cypriot: Lise

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Greek-Cypriot: Apolytirion; Turkish-Cypriot: Lise Bitirme Diploma

Vocational Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Vocational Secondary

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

School education:

Primary education lasts for six years leading to a Leaving Certificate. Public general secondary education also extends over six years. It is divided into two three-year cycles:GREEK-CYPRIOT: three years' Gymnasion, followed by three years Lykeion. Most Greek-Cypriot private schools have competitive entrance examinations in Greek and Mathematics. TURKISH-CYPRIOT: three years' middle school (Ortaokul), followed by three years' Lise. Most pupils complete all six years. Entrance to the first cycle at the public schools is automatic. There are competitive entrance examinations in Turkish, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and English. This is not recognized by the Cypriot Government.There is also a vocational and technical stream. The syllabus in the technical stream emphasizes Science subjects, whereas in the vocational stream, technological subjects, workshop practice and Industrial training are emphasized. Graduates of both streams may also proceed to tertiary Institutions. A comprehensive Lykeion was established in 1995 which offers both general and technical/vocational education. The recent unification of secondary general and secondary technical and vocational education allows pupils to choose a specific course of study ar a more mature age and creates a unified system of secondary education. According to this unified system, the first year (after the Gymnasion) is common to all pupils and includes the new subject of Technology, together with traditional subjects. The major innovation in the curricula of general secondary education has been the universal introduction of the unified nine-year curriculum for the primary and gymnasion stages of education, aiming at easing the transition from the lower to the higher stage of the educational process.

Higher education:

GREEK-CYPRIOT: The University of Cyprus which opened in September 1992 comprises four schools (Humanities and Social Sciences, Pure and Applied Sciences, Economics and Management and Letters). Studies are organized in semesters, and subjects taught are counted in credits. Degrees last at least eight semesters. As of September 1987, a Law to regulate the establishment, control and operation of tertiary institutions was enacted by Parliament. According to this Law, all private tertiary institutions have to register with the Ministry of Education and Culture. However, registration does not imply recognition of their degrees.TURKISH-CYPRIOT: The Higher Technological Institute, Famagusta, was upgraded in 1986 and renamed the University of the Eastern Mediterranean. Its courses are accredited by the Turkish Higher Education Council. The University of the Eastern Mediterranean offers a preparatory year which has, since 1988, been devoted entirely to courses in the English language to enable prospective students to move into undergraduate courses, all of which are conducted in English. There is also the Lefke Aurupali Üniversitesi (Lefke European University), the Uluslararasi Amerikali Üniversitesi (International American University) and the Yakim Dogu Universitesi (Near East University). These institutions, except for the International American University, are not recognized by the Cypriot Government.

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: Law on Education 67(I) 97 Year: 1997

Decree: Law on Education no. 1/87

Concerns: Private tertiary institutions

Academic year:

Classes from: Sep to: Jun

Languages of instruction: Greek, Turkish

Stages of studies:

Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):

Non-university level:

GREEK-CYPRIOT: A large number of students who continue their education do so abroad. In Cyprus, the Higher Technical Institute offers three-year English-medium courses, training for technician engineers (civil, electrical and mechanical) for industry and the merchant marine service and teachers for technical schools. Other public-sector institutions offering full-time courses of between one and three years are the Hotel and Catering Institute, the Forestry College and the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery. The Mediterranean Institute of Management offers a postgraduate Management Diploma. A number of private institutes offer one- to four-year courses as well as postgraduate courses. TURKISH-CYPRIOT: Most students continue their education abroad. As they no longer have access to the Higher Technical Institute (which was bi-communal before 1974) a Higher Technological Institute was established in Famagusta in 1979, which became the Eastern Mediterranean University in 1986. There are also small agricultural, hotel and catering, and nursing and midwifery schools. These institutions are not recognized by the Chypriot Gouvernment.

University level studies:

University level first stage:

The first stage of higher education lasts three years in tertiary education institutions and four years at the University of Cyprus, leading to the award of a Certificate or a Diploma (Ptycho in the University, also called Bachelor). At the University of Cyprus, the system of education is based on credit units. A prerequisite for the award of a degree is the acquisition of 120-130 credit units.

University level second stage:

After completion of the first stage, graduates may follow a two-year post-graduate course in specific institutions leading to a Postgraduate Diploma. The University of Cyprus confers a Master's Degree two years after the Bachelor's Degree in most fields except Turkish studies.

University level third stage: Doctorate:

The University of Cyprus confers a Doctorate (PhD) in some fields of study after studies lasting at least three years beyond the Master's Degree.

Teacher education:

Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers

All teachers in the public sector must have attended a three-year course after the end of upper secondary education at the Pedagogical Institute in the South and the Turkish Teacher Training College in the North. Since the opening of the University of Cyprus, the Pedagogical Institute courses have been discontinued and a four-year degree course is offered by the University.

Training of secondary school teachers

GREEK-CYPRIOT: All general secondary teachers must be graduates but few have any initial teacher training. The Pedagogical Institute of the Ministry of Education and Culture runs in-service training courses which are compulsory for probationers but voluntary for others. TURKISH-CYPRIOT: All teachers must be graduates of a university or a teacher training college, usually in Turkey. New entrants from universities must now also have a teaching qualification and most Turkish universities offer a pedagogical course which can be taken concurrently with the specialist subjects. There is little formal in-service training.

Training of higher education teachers

Higher education teachers are trained abroad. A number of teachers at public third-level institutions are holders of postgraduate degrees (MA, PhD) or have pursued at least one year of postgraduate studies abroad. Every member of the University faculty holds a Ph.D.

Non-traditional studies:

Lifelong higher education

Public and semi-public non-formal education is provided by the Apprenticeship Training Scheme and evening classes of technical education at the Ministries of Labour and Education respectively, and through courses in various fields organized by Adult Education Centres.

Higher education training in industry

Accelerated vocational training and re-training courses are organized by the Industrial Training Authority.

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Department of Higher and Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education and Culture (Ypourgion Paideias kai Politismou, Trimma Anoteris kai Anotatis Ekpedefsis)

Head: Ouranios Ioannides, Minister of Education and Culture

Administrative officer: Tryphon Pneumaticos, Director, Higher and Tertiary Education (Acting)

International relations: Efstathios Michael, Senior Education Officer

Kimonos and Thoukididou Street
1434 Nicosia
Cyprus

Tel: +357(22) 800-616

Fax: +357(22) 427 560

EMail: daae@moec.gov.cy

WWW: http://www.moec.gov.cy

Role of governing body: The Department deals with matters of the University of Cyprus and new universities to be established; the control of private schools of tertiary education; examinations service and recognition of degrees and provision of information (Kypriako Symvoulio Anagnorisis Titlon Spoudon KYSATS)

Council of Educational Evaluation, Accreditation of Programmes of Tertiary Education (Symvoulio Ekpedefticis Axiologis, Pistopoiisis)

Head: Costas Papanicolas, President

Administrative officer: Anna Christodoulidou

Ministry of Education and Culture, Kimonos and Thoukididou Street
1434 Nicosia
Cyprus

Tel: +357(22) 51-27-74  +357(22) 80-08-96

Fax: +357(22) 30-55-13

EMail: sekap@cytanet.com.cy

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to non university higher education studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Lise Bitirme Diplomasi

For entry to: access to technical studies on Turkish-Cypriot side

Name of secondary school credential required: Apolytirion

For entry to: all public and private tertiary institutions on the Greek-Cypriot side

Alternatives to credentials:

General Certificate of Education Advanced Level

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Lise Bitirme Diplomasi

For entry to: Universitiesnin the Turkish-Cypriot part. Access to university in Turkey also

Name of secondary school credential required: Apolytirion

For entry to: University of Cyprus. Access to university in Greece also

Alternatives to credentials: General Certificate of Education Advanced Level

Entrance exams required: Entrance examination for the University of Cyprus

Foreign students admission

Admission requirements: Foreign students should hold a secondary school leaving certificate awarded after the six years of secondary education. Entrance examinations are held for the University of Cyprus and all postsecondary non-university institutions. Entrance requirements for private postsecondary non-university institutions can only be satisfied by 12 years of schooling or obtaining a secondary school certificate after six years of secondary education or its equivalent.

Entry regulations: Visas may be required depending on the country.

Language requirements: Students should have good knowledge of Greek/Turkish for study at the University of Cyprus and English for the other institutions.

Application procedures:

Apply to:

Cyprus Government Embassies and High Commissions in various countries.

Application closing dates:

For university level studies: 31 Jul

Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): The Council on Education Evaluation accredits programmes of tertiary education in Cyprus.

Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):

Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, Department of Higher and Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education and Culture (KY.S.A.T.S.)

Head: Stavros Zenios, Chairman

Administrative officer: Tryphon Pneumaticos, Chief Education Officer

International relations: Anastasia Evangelidou, Executive Director, Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications

Kimonos and Thoukididou Street
1434 Nicosia
Cyprus

Tel: +357(22) 80-06-66  +357(22) 80-06-68

Fax: +357(22) 30-51-16

EMail: kysats@cytanet.com.cy

Services provided & students dealt with: KY.S.A.T.S. deals with academic recognition issues only. Usually Cypriot students who have studied abroad and return to Cyprus to work or do postgraduate studies

Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies

Name of agreement: Convention On the Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees Concerning Higher Education in the States Belonging To the Europe Region

Year of signature: 1979

Bilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign credentials

Country/state involved: Greece

Country/state involved: Belgium

Country/state involved: United Kingdom

Country/state involved: France

Country/state involved: France

References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies

Title: Student Guide (Annual publication)

STUDENT LIFE

National student associations and unions

Pancyprian Federation of Student Unions

Lakedaimonias 8
Dasoupolis
Nicosia
Cyprus

Tel: +357(2) 67 71 36

Fax: +357(2) 77 99 39

EMail: Pofne@hotmail.com

WWW: http://www.pofne.org.cy

Health/social provisions

Foreign student social security provisions: Foreign students at public institutions are entitled to free medical care in government hospitals.

Student expenses and financial aid

Student costs:

Average living costs: 12000 (US Dollar)

Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 2000 (Cypriot Pound)

Foreign students tuition fees: Maximum: 4000 (0)

Bodies providing information on student financial aid:

Department of Higher and Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education and Culture

Kimonos and Thoukidides Street
1434 Nicosia
Cyprus

Tel: +357(2) 305982

Fax: +357(2) 427560

Telex: 3002 minaff

Publications on student services and financial aid:

Title: Student Guide (published annually)

Title: Study Abroad 2000-2001

Publisher: UNESCO/IBE

Year of publication: 1999

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES

Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:

Department of Higher and Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education and Culture

Head: Constantinos Yialoukas, Director of Higher and Tertiary Education

Administrative officer: Petros Kareklas, Director General

Kimonos and Thoukididou Street
1434 Nicosia
Cyprus

Tel: +357(22) 305-188

Fax: +357(22) 426-349

Telex: 5760 mineduc cy

GRADING SYSTEM

Usual grading system in secondary school

Full Description: GREEK-CYPRIOT: 1-20; TURKISH-CYPRIOT: 1 - 10.

Highest on scale: GREEK-CYPRIOT: 20; TURKISH-CYPRIOT: 10

Pass/fail level: GREEK-CYPRIOT: 10; TURKISH-CYPRIOT: 5

Lowest on scale: GREEK-CYPRIOT: 1; TURKISH-CYPRIOT: 1

Main grading system used by higher education institutions

Full Description: GREEK-CYPRIOT: 1 - 20; TURKISH-CYPRIOT: 1 -10.

Highest on scale: GREEK-CYPRIOT: 20; TURKISH-CYPRIOT: 10

Pass/fail level: GREEK-CYPRIOT: 10; TURKISH-CYPRIOT: 5

Lowest on scale: GREEK-CYPRIOT: 1; TURKISH-CYPRIOT: 1

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

Data for academic year: 2001-2002

Source: Department of Higher and Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education and Culture, 2001 (except for data on Turkish-Cypriot education)