Every child living in Cyprus has the right to enrol in a state school, regardless of citizenship or status. Tuition is free, but lessons are in Greek. The main intake is in January.
How the system works
- Προδημοτική — the compulsory pre-primary year.
- Δημοτικό — primary school, 6 years (ages 6–12).
- Γυμνάσιο — 3 years (ages 12–15); compulsory education ends here.
- Λύκειο or a technical school — another 3 years (ages 15–18).
- Lessons usually run from 7:45 to 13:05. Some primary schools offer an extended programme until around 16:00.
- Home schooling is not allowed in Cyprus.
Enrolling in a state school
- Apply in January — the intake lasts about two weeks, via CY Login or your local school.
- The school is determined by your home address (catchment). A different school is possible only if places are available and the district education office agrees.
- Gather the documents: birth certificate with a certified translation into Greek or English, the child's passport, an ARC or pink slip (yellow slip for EU citizens), proof of address, vaccination record and a certificate from the previous school.
- A birth certificate is required for children born in Cyprus; for those born abroad — the ARC or an official document from the country of birth. Copies are accepted only if certified by an official.
- Admission lists are published in May–June.
- Children are also admitted during the year, if places are available.
- Parents arrange and pay for their child’s transport to state school.
Private English-language schools: 2026/27 fees
| School | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| The Heritage, Limassol | €9 300–13 200 |
| Foley's, Limassol | €9 300–12 600 |
| American Academy, Limassol | €6 798–9 750 |
| PASCAL Lemesos | €8 335–13 300 |
| The Island Private School | €12 500–18 550 |
| The English School, Nicosia | €9 550 |
| American Academy, Larnaca | €6 110–7 470 |
| ISOP, Paphos | €7 340–9 515 |
- Almost everywhere there is a refundable deposit of €250–3,000 and a one-off registration fee.
- On top of that, budget for uniform, textbooks, the school bus (€100–160 a month) and clubs — another €1,500–2,500 a year.
- At popular Limassol schools the waiting list for the junior years stretches to 1–2 years.
Schools with foreign curricula
- Besides British and international schools, the island has schools following other countries' national curricula, with their own diplomas and their own admission rules.
- Morfosis Private School in Limassol, with a branch in Paphos — a dual curriculum with intensive English and Greek, €260–420 a month.
- L.I.T.C. Private School and "Pythagoras Students" in Limassol and a private school in Paphos also operate.
- Average fees at such schools are around €250 a month plus €60–80 for extra classes.