Cyprus Primary Education - Educational policies are formulated by the Ministry of Education and Culture and approved by the Council of Ministers. Education is provided through pre-primary and primary schooling, secondary general and secondary technical/vocational schools, special schools, third level institutions and non-formal institutions and centers.
Cyprus Gymnasio - The Gymnasio is the first 3-year circle of secondary education. Compulsory education in Cyprus spans the primary and secondary education up to the age of 15, therefore tuition at the Gymnasio is compulsory.
Students attending public Secondary Technical and Vocational Education (STVE) programmes represent, approximately, 20% of the total students population. STVE programmes include formal Technical and Vocational Education, an Apprenticeship Scheme and Lifelong Learning and Training Programmes.
Higher and Tertiary Education in Cyprus is offered by both public and private institutions. The Department of Higher and Tertiary Education of the Ministry of Education and Culture was established in 1984 and is the competent department of the Ministry for the following: Legislation for the University of Cyprus The establishment of the Open University of Cyprus The establishment of the Technological University of Cyprus The European Programmes in Higher Education The Private Schools for Higher and Tertiary Education and the relevant legal framework to establish Private Universities The Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KYSATS) The Council for the Educational Accreditation of Programmes of Study (SEKAP) The Entrance Examinations to Higher Education Lifelong Learning Student Affairs During the academic year of 2002-2003, the University of Cyprus and six Public Tertiary Education Institutions were operating.
The Institute of Education, Cyprus (Pedagogical Institute of Cyprus), which was founded in 1972, is an institute of teacher education. The Institute's main activities are professional teacher training, educational research and evaluation, educational documentation, educational technology, and curriculum development.