Secondary education in Cyprus begins after six years of primary school. And it's divided into two stages.
Education is compulsory from age 5 to 15. After Gymnasium, students choose one of two pathways.
In the 2025–2026 academic year, something new appeared. A "technical gymnasium" programme was launched as a pilot in Nicosia and Limassol. It introduces younger students to technical skills and connects schools to the labour market. The ministry describes it as innovative by European standards.
Lyceum graduates receive the Apolytirion — the secondary school leaving certificate. It qualifies them to apply to universities in Cyprus and abroad.
In the 2025/2026 academic year, the general secondary system has 108 public schools — 62 gymnasiums, 36 lyceums, and 10 six‑year schools. They have 7,117 teachers and 42,111 students.
The vocational sector has 11 technical schools with 803 teachers and 5,087 students. Total students in public secondary schools (including technical schools): 47,198. In 2025, the gross enrolment rate for secondary education reached 104.51%. That puts Cyprus 44th globally. The rate increased by 2.1% compared to 2024. Early school leaving rate in 2025 was 9.8%. That's above the EU average (9.1%). But it's down significantly from 2024 (11.3%). Progress is happening. Private sector: 79 private primary and secondary schools. They enrol 24,019 students, of whom 14,580 are at secondary level. According to World Bank data, 21.91% of secondary students attend private schools. The primary language of instruction in private schools is English.
Cyprus offers both public schools (with instruction in Greek) and a wide network of private international schools. They follow British curricula, American standards, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.
Cyprus has become a growing educational hub in the Mediterranean. It attracts students from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The country has public universities — the University of Cyprus and Cyprus University of Technology. And private universities — including the University of Nicosia, European University Cyprus, and Frederick University. In 2025, Cyprus took a significant strategic step. Parliament approved legislation allowing public universities to offer foreign‑language undergraduate programmes. This is a landmark change. It expands opportunities to attract international students and opens new prospects for international cooperation. The law also provides a framework for establishing branch campuses of foreign universities in Cyprus.
Higher education in Cyprus continues to expand.
As of 2025, approximately 43,000 international students are enrolled in private universities. That accounts for roughly 70% of total enrolment in private institutions. Public universities have around 12,300 students. In total, the Cypriot higher education system has over 55,000 students. International students make up a significant proportion. In some private universities, more than 40%. At the University of Nicosia, for example, international students account for 61%.
Private universities attract significantly more international students than public ones. According to Eurostat, Cyprus ranks third in the EU for its share of international students. Higher education remains one of the fastest‑growing sectors of the country's economy. Cyprus is particularly strong in medicine, business, hospitality management, shipping and maritime studies, and international relations.
Cyprus offers a wide range of summer camps and short‑term academic programmes. Especially during the peak tourist season.
English or Greek language classes — 15–20 hours per week. Cultural and historical excursions. Beach and outdoor activities. Summer courses in business or medicine at private universities. Accommodation in student residences or host families.
In 2025, for example, the University of Cyprus International Summer Language School continued to welcome students from around the world. Programmes for children and teenagers typically last from one to four weeks.
English is widely spoken on the island. That makes Cyprus accessible to international students. The country is considered one of the safest study destinations in Europe. Cyprus also offers Greek language programmes for those wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture. Summer programmes in Cyprus combine academic study with a Mediterranean lifestyle. They offer a balance of education, culture, and leisure in a warm climate. They often serve as a first step towards further study in the country.
If you're considering Cyprus for your child — we help you navigate every stage. From choosing a school and the right academic track to sorting out documents and visas. Write to us — we'll tell you where to start.