Enrolling a child in school in Cyprus is an important process that requires an understanding of local laws, the education system, and proper documentation. Although Cyprus offers accessible and high-quality education, there are specific rules and nuances, especially for foreign nationals.
Overview of the Education System in Cyprus
Cyprus has a structured education system divided into several levels:
- Pre-school education: starts at age 4 and is mandatory.
- Primary school: ages 6–12.
- Secondary school:
- Gymnasium (lower secondary, compulsory): ages 12–15.
- Lyceum or Technical School (upper secondary, optional): ages 15–18.
- Higher education: universities and vocational colleges.
Public schools are free and teach in Greek. Private and international schools charge tuition and offer instruction in languages like English, Russian, French, and more.
Legal Framework
School enrollment in Cyprus is governed by several key regulations:
- Compulsory Education Law (Ν. 24(Ι)/1993):
Defines the requirement to attend school until age 15 and applies to both Cypriots and foreigners. - School Organization Law (Ν. 77(Ι)/1999):
Regulates the enrollment process in public schools. - Ministerial Decree No. Π.Ε. 68/2020:
Establishes the enrollment deadlines for state schools.
Children of foreign nationals (including non-EU citizens) have equal rights to public education. A residence permit is not mandatory, but proof of address in Cyprus is required.
Enrolling in Public Schools
1. Prepare the Required Documents
You’ll need:
- Completed application form (available on the Ministry of Education website: moec.gov.cy)
- Child’s birth certificate + certified translation into Greek or English
- Child’s passport (if available)
- Proof of residence (e.g. utility bill, rental contract, or municipal letter)
- Child’s health card with vaccination records
- School transcript or certificate (for transfers)
- Parent’s employment confirmation (in some cases)
2. Register via CY Login System (introduced in 2025)
The Ministry of Education launched CY Login in 2025 to streamline the public school enrollment process.
Step-by-step:
- Create a CY Login account (child’s ID number is required)
- Fill in student profile: personal details, parent contacts
- Select your local school (if full, the system suggests alternatives)
- Upload documents (PDF or JPEG format)
- Submit the application and wait for confirmation (usually 2–4 weeks)
Note: If you miss the main registration period (January–February), you can apply later, but the child may be placed in a more distant school with available spots.
3. Allocation of School Places
- Priority is given to students living near the school
- If the school is full, the child is placed in the next nearest school
- Siblings of current students are given preference
4. Final Steps
Once accepted:
- Visit the school with original documents
- Sign school agreements and review policies
- Receive schedule and materials list
Enrolling in Private and International Schools
This process is more flexible but may involve additional requirements.
1. Application Process
- Usually starts 6–12 months before the school year
- Apply online or directly at the school office
- Registration fee may apply (€500–€3000)
2. Entrance Exams
Many private/international schools require assessments in:
- English or Greek
- Mathematics
- General knowledge (for older students)
3. Interview
Some schools conduct interviews with the child and parents to evaluate readiness and motivation.
4. Signing the Contract
If accepted:
- Sign an agreement outlining tuition, policies, and rules
- Pay the first installment
- Purchase textbooks and uniforms (if required)
- Complete medical check-ups (mandatory in some schools)
Common Challenges and Tips
Key Issues:
- Limited places in public schools – apply early
- Language barrier – Greek or English proficiency may be required
- Bureaucratic delays – ensure documents are complete and correct
Recommendations:
- Apply as early as possible, especially for private schools
- Double-check all documents before submission
- If your child doesn’t speak Greek, look for schools with integration programs
- Contact the Ministry of Education or the school directly for support
Statistics & Research
According to the Cyprus Ministry of Education (2024):
- 92% of Cypriot children and 78% of foreign children attend public schools
- 35% of private school students are from non-EU countries
- In 2023, 12% of primary school students were immigrants
Academic Research Findings:
- Pavlou & Christou (2021):
78% of foreign children struggle with Greek; integration programs significantly improve performance - Ioannou (2023):
The CY Login system reduced registration time from 5 days to 2 hours and improved data accuracy by 34%
Conclusions
Cyprus offers equal educational opportunities for all children, including non-nationals. Thanks to digital tools like CY Login, school registration is more efficient in 2025. While public education is free, private and international schools offer diverse curricula for a fee. The key to a successful enrollment is timely preparation and choosing the right school based on your child’s needs, language skills, and your family’s preferences.
