INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

University

Public Institutions of Tertiary Education

Private Institutions of Tertiary Education

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Apolytirion

General Certificate of Education Advanced Level

Certificate

Diploma

Bachelor

Master

Doctor of Philosophy

STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 5

Age of exit: 15

Structure of school system:

Pre-Primary

Type of school providing this education: Pre-Primary School

Length of program in years: 1

Age level from: 4 to: 5

Certificate/diploma awarded: Certificate of attendance

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: Gymnasium

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 12 to: 15

General Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Lykeion

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Apolytirion

Technical Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Technical School

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Apolytirion

School education:

Primary education lasts for seven years leading to a Leaving Certificate. Public general secondary education lasts for six years. It is divided into two three-year cycles: three years' Gymnasium, followed by three years Lykeion. Most private schools have competitive entrance examinations in Greek and Mathematics. In parallel, 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. The Eniaio Lykeio was launched on a pilot project basis in three schools from 1995 to 2001 to offer both general and technical/vocational education.  In the school year 2000-2001, the restructured Eniaio Lykeio, offering a great variety and flexibility in the choice of studies, was established on a pancyprian scale to replace the Lykeion system of optional subjects which functioned before for over 20 years. The Eniaio Lykerio is characterized by its focus on general education (including technology and economics) aiming at developing a multifaceted personality. At the Eniaio Lykeio, the A Form is for observation, guidance and orientation. In the B and C Forms, pupils attend common core courses which are considered as indispensable for all. At the same level, the Technical secondary education which is separate from the Eniaio Lykeio offers upgraded curricula. Continuous efforts are being made to achieve a more systematic and efficient implementation of the unified nine-year curriculum for the primary and gymnasium stages of the educational process.

Higher education:

The higher education system of Cyprus comprises both public and private institutions. The State established three state universities. The University of Cyprus, which opened in September 1992, has six faculties (Humanities and Social Sciences, Pure and Applied Sciences, Economics and Management, Letters, and Engineering). Studies are organized in semesters, and subjects taught are counted in credits. The Council of Ministers decided to proceed with the establishment of two state universities: the University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the Open University of Cyprus and appointed two interim Governing Boards to do so.

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: Law on Private Universities 109 (I) Year: 2005

Decree: Law on the Open University Year: 2002

Concerns: State University

Decree: Law on the Technological University Year: 2003

Concerns: State University

Academic year:

Classes from: Sep to: Jun

Languages of instruction: Greek, English

Stages of studies:

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

Non-university level:

 A large number of students who continue their education do so abroad.  Public-sector institutions offer full-time courses of between one and three years.The Mediterranean Institute of Management offers a postgraduate diploma in management. A number of private institutes offer one- to four-year courses leading to certificates, diplomas and higher diplomas.

University level studies:

University level first stage: Bachelor:

The first stage of university level education at the University of Cyprus lasts for 4 years and leads to the award of a Ptychio (240 ECTS).

University level second stage: Master; Post-graduate Degree:

After completion of the first stage, graduates may follow a one- or two-year post-graduate programme in specific institutions leading to a Postgraduate degree. The University of Cyprus confers a Master's Degree eighteen months after the Bachelor's Degree in most fields.

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 a University of Cyprus degree (Ptychio) or equivalent degree in Pedagogical Studies.

Training of secondary school teachers

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.

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 are 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. Various programmes are also sponsored by the Human Resource Development Authority.

Higher education training in industry

Accelerated vocational training and re-training courses are organized by the Human Resource Development Authority (former Cyprus Industrial Training Authority).

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Ministry of Education and Culture

Head: Pefkios Georgiades, Minister

Administrative officer: Efstathios Eliades, Director, Higher and Tertiary Education (Acting)

Kimonos and Thoukididou Street
CY 1434 Nicosia
Cyprus

Tel: +357(22) 800616

Fax: +357(22) 427560

EMail: daae@moec.gov.cy

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

Council of Educational Evaluation Accreditation (CEEA)

Head: Costas Papanicolas, President

Administrative officer: Elpida Eracleous, Chief Coordinating Officer

Kimonos and Thoukididou Street
1434 Lefkosia
Cyprus

Tel: +357(22) 402476

Fax: +357(22) 305513

EMail: sekap@cytanet.com.cy

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

Role of governing body: The Board of Ministers, upon recommendation of the Minister of Education and Culture, appoints the members of the Council of Educational Evaluation - Accreditation for a five year term, which can be renewed only once. The appointment is irrevocable. A seven member academic board actively involved in the evaluation - accreditation process, governs the agency.

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to non university higher education studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Apolytirion

For entry to: All public and private tertiary institutions

Alternatives to credentials:

General Certificate of Education Advanced Level

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Apolytirion

For entry to: University of Cyprus. Also access to university in Greece.

Alternatives to credentials: General Certificate of Education Advanced Level

Entrance exams required: Entrance examination for the University of Cyprus and the other Cypriot and Greek tertiary institutions

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 for study at the University of Cyprus and some public institutions and English for the other institutions.

Application procedures:

Apply to:

Cyprus Government Embassies and High Commissions

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. 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. Accreditation of some degrees offered by the private institutions has been granted by the Accreditation Council in January 2000 and a list of accredited courses can be found on the web page of the Ministry of Education and Culture. The 2005 law provides upgraded regulations for private institutions established by both profit and non-profit organizations. An Accreditation Committee will assess and evaluate all applications.

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

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

Head: Elpira Keravnou, President

Administrative officer: Marios Antoniades, Senior Education Officer

Pedagogical Institute
2252 Latsia
Cyprus

Tel: +357(22) 402472

Fax: +357(22) 402481

EMail: kysats@cytanet.com.cy

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

Deals with credential recognition for entry to: University

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: Lisbon Convention On the Recognition of Studies, Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees Concerning Higher Education in the States Belonging To the Europe Region (Ratified 2002)

Year of signature: 1997

Bilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign credentials

Name of agreement: Belgium; France; Germany; Greece; United Kingdom

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

Title: Student Guide (Annual publication)

Year of publication: 2005

STUDENT LIFE

National student associations and unions

Pancyprian Federation of Student Unions (POFEN)

Kallipoleos 71B
CY 24126 Nicosia
Cyprus

Tel: +357(22) 753812

Fax: +357(22) 753818

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: 8000 (Euro)

Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 4000 (Euro)

Maximum: 9500 (Euro)

Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 4000 (Euro)

Maximum: 9000 (Euro)

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(22) 800616

Fax: +357(22) 427560

EMail: daee@moec.gov.cy

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

Publications on student services and financial aid:

Title: Student Guide (published annually)

Title: Study Abroad 2004-2005, 32nd Edition

Author: UNESCO

Publisher: UNESCO Publishing

Year of publication: 2003

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: Efstathios Eliades, Director of Higher and Tertiary Education (Acting)

Kimonos and Thoukididou Street
1434 Nicosia
Cyprus

Tel: +357(22) 800616

Fax: +357(22) 427560

EMail: daee@moec.gov.cy

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

GRADING SYSTEM

Usual grading system in secondary school

Full Description: 1-20

Highest on scale: 20

Pass/fail level: 10

Lowest on scale: 1

Main grading system used by higher education institutions

Full Description: 1-10 (University of Cyprus) - pass/fail level: 5;  1-100 (Private Institutions) - pass/fail level: 40-50

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

The Turkish Cypriot education system in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus is not recognized by the Republic of Cyprus.

Data for academic year: 2005-2006

Source: IAU from Department of Higher and Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education and Culture, 2006