1 : University
2 : Public Institutions of Tertiary Education (university and non university-level programs)
3 : Private Institutions of Tertiary Education (university and non university-level programs)
Pre-Higher Education System
entry:5
exit:15
Pre-Primary : Pre-Primary School
Length of program:1
Age level from:4
Age level to:5
Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Certificate of attendance
Primary : Primary School
Length of program:6
Age level from:6
Age level to:12
Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Leaving Certificate
Lower Secondary : Gymnasium
Length of program:3
Age level from:12
Age level to:15
General Secondary : Lyceum
Length of program:3
Age level from:15
Age level to:18
Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Apolytirion
Technical Secondary : Technical School
Length of program:3
Age level from:15
Age level to:18
Certificate/Diploma awarded at end:Apolytirion
Primary education lasts for six years preceded by a year of preschool studies 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' Lyceum (general education) or Technical school (Technical and Vocational Education). Private secondary education lasts between 6 and 7 years. Most private schools have competitive entrance examinations. Graduates may proceed to tertiary institutions. Mandatory education comprises preschool, primary school and lower secondary education.
Higher Education System
The higher education system of Cyprus comprises both public and private institutions (university and non university-level). Studies are organized in semesters, and subjects taught are counted in ECTS. The Turkish Cypriot education system in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus is not recognized by the Republic of Cyprus.
Laws on Public and Private Higher and Tertiary Education (0)
Laws on the Cyprus Technological University
Laws on the Open University of Cyprus
Description:State University
Laws on Private Universities
Greek, English
Non-university level
Description:Vocational programmes are offered at state and private higher education institutions leading to Certificates (1 year), Diplomas (2 years), Higher Diplomas (3 years), and Postgraduate Diplomas (1 year).
University level first stage : Ptychio
Description:The first stage of university level education lasts for 4 years and leads to the award of a Ptychio (240 ECTS).
University level second stage : Magister Artium/Scientae (Masters)
Description:After completion of the first stage, graduates may follow three to four semesters of full time study (90 to 120 ECTS) leading to a Magister Artium or Magister Scientae degree.
University level third stage : Doctorate
Description:The third cycle lasts between 4 to 8 years and leads to the Didactoriko Diploma. It consists of at least 60 ECTS, a comprehensive examination, the presentation of a research proposal and the defense of an original research thesis.
Responsibility of higher education institutions
The Open University of Cyprus offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs only via distance learning. Other Higher Education Institutions offer a number of distance learning programs too.
Bodies
Ministry of Education and Culture
Street:Thoukides and Kimonos Corner, Akropoli
City:Lefkosia
PostCode:1434
Tel:+357(22) 800600
Fax:+357(22) 800700
Contacts:Costas Hambiaouris (Head), Job title : Minister
Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education - CY.Q.A.A.
Role:Responsible for ensuring the quality of higher education in Cyprus and to support, through the procedures provided by the relevant legislation, for the continuous improvement and upgrading of higher education institutions and their programs of study.
Street:Lemesou Avenue, 5
City:Nicosia
PostCode:2112
Tel:+357(22) 504340
Fax:+357(22) 504392
Contacts:Mary Ioannidou-Koutselini (Head), Job title : Chair
Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications - KY.S.A.T.S.
Services provided and types of students dealt with:Deals with credential recognition for entry to institution
Recognition for institution:yes
Street:Ministry of Education and Culture, Kimonos and Thoukidydou Corner, Akropoli
City:Lefkosia
PostCode:1434
Tel:+357(22) 806357
Fax:+357(22) 800866
Contacts:Yiorgos - Socratis Smyrlis (Head), Job title : Chairperson
Admission to Higher Education
Apolytirion
Requirement for:All public and private tertiary institutions
General Certificate of Education Advanced Level
Admission to some public institutions granted upon succes in the competitive entrance examinations (Pancyprian Examinations) which are used to rank students. The secondary school certificate or its equivalent is a prerequisite for admission.
Apolytirion
Requirement for:University of Cyprus. Also access to university in Greece.
General Certificate of Education Advanced Level
For undergraduate studies, admission to state universities is granted upon success in the competitive entrance examinations (Pancyprian Examinations) which are used to rank students. Admission to private institutions for undergratuate studies is granted upon submission of a relevant application and the fulfilment of criteria set by each institution. Admission to post graduate programs of all institutions is gained upon fullfilment.
Admission Requirements:Same critiria as set for Cypriots.
Language Proficiency:Students should have a good knowledge of instruction language of each program (Greek or English).Entry Regulations:A visa may be required depending on the country of origin. Recognition of Studies
The competent authority in the Republic of Cyprus for carrying out programmatic, faculty and institutional evaluation of both public and private institutions of higher education is the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA).
Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region - CETS 165 (2001)
Student Life
Is there social security:No
Is there social security:No
Details:Home students are entitled to free health insurance only if their family is also entitled to free health insurance.
By Road:No
By Rail:No
By Air:No
Available to Foreign Students:No
Student Guide (published annually)
Credentials
Apolytirion
Description:Diploma obtained after completion of six years of primary and six years of secondary education. It gives access to higher education.
Higher Certificate and Diploma
Post Secondary Certificates and Diplomas
Ptychio / Bachelor's Degree
Description:First terminal qualification awarded after four years' study (240 ECTs) in most fields.
Entrance exam test at National level:yes
Credential required for entry:Apolytirion
Type of institution where credential is offered:University
Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma
Magister Artium / Magister Scientae
Description:Postgraduate qualification awarded in most fields three to four semesters (90-120 ECTS) after the Bachelor's degree (Ptychio).
Credential required for entry:Ptychio / Bachelor's Degree
Type of institution where credential is offered:University
Didactoriko
Description:Doctorate awarded 3 - 8 years after the Master's degree.
Acronym:Phd
Credential required for entry:Magister Artium / Magister Scientae
Type of institution where credential is offered:University
Data Provided by
From:2018
To:2019
Ministry of Education and Culture, Department of Higher and Tertiary Education, November 2018.
Updated on 30-11-2018