Education in Cyprus is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
The education system is divided into pre-primary education (ages 3-6), primary education (ages 6-12), secondary education (ages 12-18) and higher education (ages 18+). Full-time education is compulsory for all children aged between 5 and 15. State-provided schooling including higher education is paid for by taxes.
There is also a parallel system of accredited independent schooling, and parents may choose to educate their children by any suitable means. Private school and university fees are not usually covered by the state.
Higher education often begins with a four-year bachelor's degree. Postgraduate degrees include master's degrees, either taught or by research, and the doctorate, a research degree that usually takes at least three years. Universities require accreditation in order to issue degrees.
Primary education
In the 2012-2013 academic year there were 340 primary schools with 49,612 students and 4,144 teachers.
Higher education
Higher, or tertiary education is provided by a network of state and private universities and colleges. Private universities were first accredited in 2005 and require a special licence to operate and award degrees. This was set out in the 2005 Private Universities law.
Currently the following universities have a licence by the Ministry of Education and Culture to issue academic degrees:
Public Universities
University of Cyprus
Open University of Cyprus
Cyprus University of Technology
Private Universities
European University Cyprus
Frederick University
Neapolis University
University of Nicosia
Private Colleges
City Unity College Nicosia
Ledra College Nicosia