Secondary Education in the Republic of Cyprus: How School from Grades 7 to 12 Works

Secondary education in the Republic of Cyprus lasts 6 years — from ages 12 to 18 — and is divided into two stages: the compulsory Gymnasium (grades 7–9) and upper secondary school (grades 10–12). In public schools, education is free of charge. After completing grade 12, students take unified final exams, and the results are used for admission to universities in the Republic of Cyprus and Greece.

• Structure of secondary education
• Gymnasium: compulsory stage
• Lykeio: academic track
• Technical School: vocational education
• How subjects are chosen
• Exams and admission
• Private schools and alternative programs
• Frequently asked questions

Structure of secondary education

The Secondary Education system in the Republic of Cyprus is built on the European model and consists of two consecutive levels:

After completing Gymnasium, a student must choose a further path: academic (lyceum) or vocational (technical school).

Gymnasium: compulsory stage

Gymnasium is the basic level of secondary education, compulsory for all children aged 12–15. The curriculum is unified and does not provide for specialization.

Features of education:

• workload — about 38 hours per week;
• a unified curriculum for all schools;
• main subjects: Greek language, mathematics, history, natural sciences, foreign languages;
• annual exams for promotion to the next grade.

Upon completing grade 9, students receive a certificate and move on to upper secondary school.

Lykeio: academic track

Lykeio is the upper secondary school, focused on preparation for university. Studies last 3 years and are not compulsory.

Main parameters:

• age of students: 15–18 years;
• workload — about 35 hours per week;
• partially individual curriculum;
• preparation for state exams.

Unlike Gymnasium, students gradually move from the general program to the chosen specialization.

Technical School: vocational education

Technical School is an alternative to lyceum with an emphasis on practical skills and job preparation.

Features:

• studies also last 3 years;
• includes theory and practice;
• is suitable for a faster entry into the labor market;
• preserves the possibility of further education.

Public technical schools also provide free education.

List of all secondary schools in the Republic of Cyprus.

How subjects are chosen

In Lykeio, the curriculum is divided into three groups:

• compulsory subjects;
• specialized subjects;
• electives.

In the first year of study (grade 10), students choose an initial direction, for example:

• humanities;
• natural sciences;
• economics;
• languages.

In grades 11–12, the specialization becomes deeper. The number of specialized subjects increases and the share of general education subjects decreases.

Changing track is possible, but usually requires passing exams in the new specialization.

Exams and admission

Assessment takes place throughout the entire course of study, but the key role is played by the final exams after grade 12.

After graduating from school, students can take Pancyprian Access Examinations. These exams are used to allocate places in public universities in the Republic of Cyprus and Greece. The exams are organized and conducted annually by the Examinations Service of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of Cyprus.

Private schools and alternative programs

In private schools, curricula differ from those in public schools.

The most common options are:

• the British system (GCSE, IGCSE, A-Level);
• international programs;
• the Russian education system.

For example, in British schools, students in grades 10–11 choose several subjects and then narrow them down to 3–4 for in-depth study.

Frequently asked questions

Is education mandatory until age 18?

No. Only the Gymnasium stage is compulsory (until age 15).

Can you choose a profession at school?

Yes. Technical Schools provide vocational training for this purpose.

How do you enter university?

Through final exams (Pancyprian Exams) or international programs in private schools.

Is education free of charge?

Yes, education in public schools is free of charge.

Is there education in English?

Yes, but mainly in private and international schools.