Schools in Cyprus for Relocating Families

For most relocating families, schooling is the decision that determines the city, not the other way round. Cyprus has a solid cluster of private international schools, concentrated in Limassol and Nicosia, plus free public schools that teach in Greek. Here's the landscape and what it costs.

The three realistic options

Private international schools

The default choice for relocating families. Teaching is in English, curricula are usually the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSE and A-Levels, or the International Baccalaureate. Class sizes are moderate, facilities at the established schools are good, and the student bodies are genuinely international, which makes landing easier for children mid-move.

Public schools

Free, and teaching is in Greek. Younger children often pick up the language quickly and integrate well, and many schools provide support for non-Greek speakers. For teenagers arriving mid-secondary, the language barrier is usually decisive against this route. The obvious upside beyond cost is genuine integration into local life.

Private Greek-language and church schools

A middle path used by families planning to stay permanently, with strong academic reputations and lower fees than the international schools.

What international schools cost

Fees vary by school and year group, and rise noticeably through secondary. Realistic annual ranges:

Then add the extras that catch people out: registration and assessment fees, a refundable deposit, uniforms, school bus (often €600 to €1,200 a year), exam entry fees, and trips. Sibling discounts are common, and some employers in Limassol's corporate sector contribute to fees as part of relocation packages, which is worth asking about before you negotiate a salary.

Where the schools are

Limassol has the deepest selection, which is one reason so many relocating families accept its higher rents. Nicosia has long-established schools with strong academic records. Larnaca and Paphos each have decent options but fewer of them, so the choice narrows and waiting lists matter more. This is the main way schooling drives the city decision covered in the cities guide.

Admissions in practice

Expect an assessment or entrance test, reports from the previous school, and often an interview with the child. Schools generally want proof of your Cyprus address and residency status, which creates a chicken-and-egg problem with housing. Families usually solve it by taking short-term furnished accommodation first, securing the school place, then signing a long-term lease near it. Factor the fees into your budget alongside the cost of living numbers.