Education
Full-time education is compulsory for all children from the age of five. The 12-year span of education consists of six years of elementary education and six years of secondary education. Several private fee-paying schools operate in all towns, catering for the needs of foreign speaking pupils. Their basic teaching language is usually English and tuition is offered at reasonable fees.
The University of Cyprus is a distinguished institution offering a wide range of programmes of study at various levels, while a good number of private institutions of higher education is also available. Two more public universities, the Open University of Cyprus and the Technological University of Cyprus have been established and are expected to start operating soon.
Cyprus’ determination to become a regional education center, establishes the background for a significant growth of the higher education sector. The legislation which will govern the establishment and operation of private universities has already been approved creating a new momentum for the tertiary education sector.