Study abroad: education in Cyprus

Benefits of higher education in Cyprus

The most popular areas in Cyprus are tourism and hotel management: the flow of foreign guests does not dry out all year round, and specialists in these fields are always in demand.
Thus, almost every university and college offers international students popular BBA and MBA programs - bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration. Also, despite the fact that only primary medical education can be obtained in Cyprus, it offers excellent training options for students aimed at international medicine: the diplomas obtained are accredited by British universities and are highly valued in Europe.

The Erasmus Mundus academic mobility program allows students to attend European universities as part of their study programs. Local education policy also opens up opportunities for travel: a graduate of any Cypriot educational institution can stay after receiving a diploma in the European Union zone for a year to look for work.

Look for diploma programs 2021

What are diploma programs?

Diploma programs are higher educational programs that provide the opportunity to expand qualifications and practical skills in a specific professional field. The duration of study for diploma programs is one to two years. These programs are offered at colleges, technical institutes and universities. Employed professionals who are considering continuing their education can choose from available diploma programs that will expand their career options. In addition, recent graduates with a high school diploma may consider diploma programs as a first step towards professional fulfillment or as an intermediate step before entering a full-fledged higher education program.

What are the benefits of diploma programs?

Studying in diploma programs has a number of advantages. Employers are looking for candidates who have completed diploma programs as this is a guarantee of qualifications and the necessary knowledge and skills. While studying in diploma programs, students have the opportunity to decide whether they want to go to work immediately after graduation, or transfer credits (ECTS credits) and enroll in a full-fledged bachelor's or master's degree program.

What is studied in diploma programs?

Diploma programs are offered in almost all academic disciplines, including the arts, humanities, business, engineering and technology, natural sciences, and social sciences. Within each discipline, there are highly specialized programs that train specialists in a specific designated area. For example, you can get a first-stage diploma (Graduate Diploma) in the specialty "Preschool Education" or an international diploma in the specialty "Business Management" or a two-year diploma in the specialty "Management in the field of tourism and hotel business." There are several types of diploma programs: second-stage diploma programs (Advanced Diploma), first-stage diploma programs (Graduate Diploma), postgraduate diploma programs (Postgraduate Diploma). These types of programs differ in their entrance requirements.

What career prospects do diploma programs offer?

Graduates of diploma programs can expect positive career changes in the short term. This is because employers view employees who complete a diploma program as more qualified and possessing key skills and knowledge that are critical to the position. Even if you have many years of experience, you may want to consider enrolling in a diploma program because you can learn about the latest research and developments in your professional field and brush up on your knowledge during the course.

What are the tuition fees for diploma programs?

The cost of studying for diploma programs depends on the educational institution, as well as on the specifics of the chosen program. In addition, diploma programs vary in length, and this also affects the cost of training. It is recommended to contact the university admissions office in advance and clarify the cost of the diploma program you are interested in. In addition, at the admissions office you can find out about financial support programs for students, including scholarships and grants. You can contact the university admissions office directly through our website by filling out the web form located on each program description page.

Why do you need an online form of study for diploma programs?

Online programs are ideal for those who have a full-time job or a busy schedule with many responsibilities and are unable to attend full-time university classes on a full-time basis. Thanks to advanced e-education technologies, students have the opportunity to independently plan their study schedule and receive a diploma online. When studying in online programs, you can communicate directly with teachers and fellow students and discuss issues of interest. After successful completion of the online diploma program, graduates receive a diploma of the same type as students of full-time courses.

Universities in Cyprus

The most famous Cypriot universities:

• University of Cyprus (UCY)

The main public higher education institution of Cyprus. It offers training in Greek and Turkish at 6 faculties, each of which has from 2 to 6 directions.

• Cyprus University of Technology

The second main state university in the country, where students engage in scientific research. Students are offered training in 6 faculties, as well as additional foreign language lessons: not only English and Greek, but also German, French, Spanish, Italian and Russian.

• Open University of Cyprus

The State Open University of Cyprus is the best educational institution for distance learning. Here you can earn a bachelor's degree, taking full advantage of a flexible schedule and online courses. Students are offered 3 faculties, each of which has 7-8 directions.

• University of Nicosia

The largest university in Cyprus and Eastern Europe offers students 47 undergraduate programs in English, from accounting and law to music and dance. The university benefits from the flexibility of its study programs. Students can be confident that they are receiving the most advanced knowledge. In addition, given the extensive practical experience gained during their studies, University of Nicosia graduates are valued by employers both in Cyprus and around the world.

• University of Cyprus Frederick University

The private university, whose two campuses are located in the two largest cities of Cyprus, Nicosia and Limassol, offers students 6 faculties and 26 undergraduate programs, including a distance learning course in business administration (BBA).

• European University Cyprus

The private European University of Cyprus offers 28 undergraduate programs in English and provides research facilities for students to study in a variety of disciplines, from computer games to astrophysics.

• Neapolis University Pafos

The rapidly growing private University of Neapolis offers students 5 faculties to study in 9 bachelor's programs. Training is conducted in English with the possibility of distance learning in some disciplines.

Russian-speaking private kindergartens in Limassol

Just like English, Russian kindergartens are located within the city of Limassol.
Russian kindergartens are located at the “Children of Pythagoras” school, a comprehensive school with in-depth study of the Russian language, as well as at the children’s center of Russian culture “Harmony”. Opening hours for Russian-speaking kindergartens: from 7.45 to 18.00 daily on weekdays. Late groups are also offered, running until 22.00, and there are night groups until 8.00. Sunday is a day off, and on Saturday the kindergarten is open from 10.00 to 13.00.

Recruitment into groups starts from 2 years old and up to 6 years old, with an average of 6 to 8 children in a group. Regarding education, the system is the same as with English-speaking students, but more time is devoted to Russian folk art and there is the opportunity to additionally teach children English and Greek. The teaching staff has higher education; there are psychologists and speech therapists at the kindergarten.

Cost of staying in kindergarten: 200-400 euros, including food and household expenses.

Colleges in Cyprus

In Cyprus, a bachelor's degree can be obtained both at a university and at a college, and the education received is accepted by all Cypriot, Russian and European universities and companies.

Colleges in Cyprus are suitable for those who want to immediately start a career after completing basic higher education and are looking for internship opportunities and/or a wide range of creative specialties.

Some employers are even more open to hiring graduates not from universities, but from certain colleges offering practice-oriented programs. Accordingly, their graduates have not only knowledge, but also work experience sufficient to begin working in their field.

Cypriot colleges are also suitable for students who want to connect their lives with the arts (fine, applied, musical or theatrical). Cyprus has many colleges and academies specializing in creative disciplines, offering quality education and producing both professionally trained artists and free-flowing creators.

However, it should be remembered that most colleges do not offer master's programs, and students wishing to continue their studies must choose either a suitable program (for example, a BBA with an extension to an MBA) or a university to do so.

The most famous Cypriot colleges:

In Cyprus, there is the opportunity to receive higher theological education, for example, at the Church of Cyprus – School of Theology. Education there is possible only in Greek, but the school provides the opportunity to learn it while receiving spiritual education. You can continue your master's studies at the University of Neapolis.

Features of the educational system in Cyprus

The education system of Cyprus is in many ways similar to the Russian one and has a developed structure, which consists of three levels - preschool, school, higher. Public and private educational institutions meet here.

The Ministry of Education and Culture sets and regulates educational policy. Approximately 7% of the state's GDP is spent on the development of education. Part of the funds goes to the development of private institutions.

The structure of the educational system of Cyprus is similar to the Russian one

Preschool education

Preschool institutions in Cyprus are kindergartens. They accept children from 3 to 6 years old. There are two types of preschool institutions - public and private. In public schools, classes are held in Greek or Turkish, and in private ones - in other foreign languages. Private preschool institutions enroll children from 2 months of age.

There are also full- and part-time programs for children. Groups are formed based on the main language of instruction. It is not necessary to attend kindergarten in Cyprus. A year before entering school, children are required to take preparatory courses.

Kindergartens provide classes for children from 3 to 6 years old.

School education

School education is divided into three levels:

• Primary School;
• lower secondary school;
• higher secondary school.

The beginning of the school year is on September 1, as in Russia, and the end is on the first days of June. Classes in schools are held 5 days a week. The academic year is divided into three semesters lasting 3 months:

• A - September 10-December 10;
• B - December 11-March 10;
• C - March 11 - June 5.

Schools in Cyprus are public and private (fee-paying). Government institutions teach in Turkish or Greek. Many private schools have state accreditation and operate according to the methods of public schools. Mostly foreign students study in private institutions; there are study programs in Russian, English, French, Italian, Arabic, and Armenian .

The school year is divided into three semesters

Primary School

In primary school, children study for 6 years (from 6 to 12 years). From grades 1 to 3, the curriculum includes basic subjects - reading, writing, mathematics. From 4th to 6th grade, physical education, music, foreign language, and humanities are added to the main subjects. Upon completion of training, a certificate is issued.

Lower Secondary School

In the lower secondary school (Gymnasio) children study for 3 years (from 12 to 15 years). The main focus of the curriculum is foreign languages ​​and general education subjects.

Higher Secondary School

At the higher secondary school (Eniaio Lykeio), students study for 3 years (from 15 to 18 years old). This level of education is not compulsory, so tuition must be paid. The curriculum contains basic, special and elective disciplines. Students can choose a major: natural sciences or humanities. The schedule is formed based on the individual preferences of students. An alternative to higher secondary school are technical and vocational schools. In technical schools, the emphasis is on obtaining theoretical knowledge, and in professional schools - practical skills. Graduates of higher secondary schools can enter universities in Cyprus and Europe. At the end of your studies, you must pass final exams to receive a matriculation certificate.

Higher education

Higher education institutions in Cyprus include universities and colleges. The academic year for university students is divided into 2 semesters. Training begins in September-October and ends in May-June. After each academic semester, students take exams. Most universities are public, but there are also private educational institutions. Training is conducted mainly in Greek, Turkish and English.

Education at universities in Cyprus is conducted in three main languages: Turkish, Greek, English

Colleges are an intermediate stage between school and university education, but they are classified as universities. Most colleges are private. The period of study ranges from 1 to 4 years, after which students receive a diploma and a bachelor's degree. Some colleges practice issuing double degrees, which are recognized by universities in the United States and Great Britain. After receiving a bachelor's degree, students can continue their studies in master's programs and then in doctoral studies. Students can study at colleges from the age of 16. Enrollment is subject to a school certificate.

Applicants over 18 years of age are allowed to take university entrance examinations. Universities have also introduced a training system consisting of the following stages:

• Bachelor's degree - 4 years;
• Master's degree - 2 years (3 semesters);
• Doctoral studies - 3–5 years.

To move from one level to another, the European credit system is used - ECTS, within which the student must obtain a certain number of credits during the period of study. For example, to obtain a bachelor's degree you must complete 180 credits. For a master's degree you need to obtain about 120 credits and defend a thesis project. Diploma design is not compulsory for all specialties. To obtain a Doctor of Science degree, you need to obtain about 60 credits, conduct unique scientific research, pass exams and defend a dissertation. To enter the university, you need to pass a national exam and provide a school certificate of maturity.

Undergraduate admission to colleges and universities in Cyprus

Mutual recognition of education between Russia and Cyprus means that you can enter a university in one country immediately after completing your studies at a school in the other. It also allows you to transfer from a course at a Russian university to the next course within the same program at a Cyprus university - and vice versa.

What is not required:

Admission to a college or university in Cyprus does not require additional local education (as in Germany), nor a set of credits as part of the school program (as in the USA and Canada).

What is needed:

School diploma and certificate confirming knowledge of English (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE and CPE are accepted). In some universities and colleges, insufficient skills are not an obstacle to admission: students can study English or Greek additionally during their studies.

In some cases, the educational institution may request letters of recommendation and a portfolio from the applicant.

What is welcome:

Certificate confirming passing local centralized entrance exams. Despite the fact that the results of the Unified State Exam are accepted by educational institutions in Cyprus, excellent results in additional exams are always a plus for the applicant upon admission. Some private universities highly value completed foreign study programs and European certificates.

Cost of undergraduate studies at universities in Cyprus

The cost of obtaining a bachelor's degree in Cyprus depends on the type of university or college and the program chosen. Annual tuition at some well-known colleges starts from €2,960, and university tuition starts at €6,000, which is significantly lower than in other European countries.

Both private and public universities often provide scholarships for international students to minimize tuition costs. Scholarships can also be received under the Erasmus Mundus program; Also, in a number of colleges and academies it is possible to find a sponsor among future employers, subject to subsequent payment of the allocated amount during work.