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The Cyprus Government wishes to ensure that children from other EU
countries continue their education while they are in Cyprus. For that
reason, children with other native languages who do not speak Greek can
receive special lessons in the language so that they can go to a state
school. The measures being implemented provide such children with intensive
tuition in Greek to facilitate their gradual integration into school and
also provide training for teachers to enable them to respond adequately to
the teaching of pupils from other language backgrounds. In addition,
training courses dealing with the cultures and languages of the countries of
origin of the children will be provided in cooperation with those
countries.
More than 30 private secondary schools (Greek-language, English-language,
French language and Russian-language) have been approved by the Ministry of
Education and Culture. Attendance at these schools costs from £2 000 to £3
000 (EUR 3 500 to EUR 5 250) per year.
There are also many childcare centres.
Pre-school education
Pre-school education is offered by Greek-language state schools and
private schools operating in other languages. It is provided for children
aged from three years to five years and eight months. Attendance is
voluntary. Legislation to make one year of pre school education compulsory
is anticipated. Attendance at a private nursery school costs from £70 to
£150 (EUR 120 to EUR 260) per child per month; the cost at the state schools
is lower. There are also private and state baby nurseries for children up to
three years of age.
Primary education
Primary education is provided free of charge at state schools for
children aged from five years and eight months to 11 years and eight months.
Age is the only criterion for the entry of children into primary education.
The school year is divided into three terms of three months, with attendance
on five days of the week. The system of afternoon attendance is being
extended to primary schools. There are also private English-language primary
schools.
Lower secondary education
Lower secondary education is provided free of charge for children from 11
years and eight months to 15 years of age. Age is the only criterion for the
entry of children into lower secondary education. The school year is divided
into three terms of three months, with attendance on five days of the week.
There are also private English-language and French-language lower secondary
schools.
Upper secondary education
Upper secondary education is provided free of charge for children aged
between 15 and 18 years of age. At this level, too, the school year is
divided into three terms of three months, with five-day attendance. Pupils
who wish to be trained in a technical occupation can attend a Technical
School. There are also private English-language and French language upper
secondary schools.
Highest and higher education
Cyprus has the University of Cyprus, private colleges and schools and
state training institutions such as the Higher Technical Institute, the
Forestry College and the Higher Hotel Institute.
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2005 |
