Quick answer
Children living in Cyprus can attend free public schools regardless of nationality or their parents' residence status. You register at the school for your home address, mainly during the January registration period for the following September, with an application form, your child's birth certificate or residence document, two proofs of address and vaccination records. Lessons are taught in Greek, with Greek-language support for newcomers.
- Public schools are free and open to all children living in Cyprus, whatever their nationality.
- Main registration is in January for the school year starting in September; children register at the school for their home address.
- For 2026–2027, children must be at least 4 years and 4 months old by 1 September to start compulsory pre-primary.
- You need a registration form, birth certificate or residence document, two proofs of address and vaccination records.
- Teaching is in Greek; schools offer extra Greek support for pupils who do not speak it.
Public schools in Cyprus are free and open to every child who lives on the island. The key is timing: most registrations happen in January for the following September, so plan ahead if you are moving with children.
Who can attend a public school in Cyprus?
Any child living in the Republic of Cyprus, regardless of nationality or the parents' residence status. The rules are the same for EU, UK and other non-EU families. Public education is free, although parents usually pay for uniforms, some materials and optional afternoon programmes.
How is the school system organised?
| Stage | Typical ages | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-primary (nipiagogeio) | Around 4–6 | The final pre-primary year is compulsory and free |
| Primary (dimotiko) | Around 6–12 | Six grades |
| Gymnasium (lower secondary) | Around 12–15 | Three years; compulsory |
| Lyceum or technical school | Around 15–18 | Three years |
Age rules
For the 2026–2027 school year, a child must be at least 4 years and 4 months old by 1 September to start compulsory pre-primary. The minimum age is falling gradually to 4 years by 2031–2032. The Ministry of Education's website has a tool that tells you which year your child should start, based on date of birth.
When do you register?
- January: main registration period for pre-primary and primary school, online or at the school. Exact dates are announced in the media each year.
- April: parents must confirm their child's place to keep it.
- Secondary school: pupils moving up from a Cyprus primary school are registered through their school system; newcomers should contact the gymnasium or lyceum for their area, or the District Education Office.
What documents do you need?
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Registration application form | Available from the school, the ministry website or the eDEA portal |
| Birth certificate or residence document | Children born abroad can use an official birth document or residence document; photocopies must be certified |
| Two proofs of address | For example a refuse bill and a recent electricity bill; tenants without a refuse bill can use a rental contract with an electricity bill |
| Vaccination record | The page of the health booklet or vaccination card showing the child's name and vaccines |
| Pre-primary leaving certificate | For children starting Grade 1 |
Bring translations of foreign documents if the school asks for them.
How do you register, step by step?
1. Find your school
Children register at the public school for the educational area of their home address. Lists of educational areas are published by the Ministry of Education around late December.
2. Prepare your documents
Proof of address is the step that most often causes delays, so set up your electricity and water accounts as soon as you move in.
3. Register online or at the school
Since January 2025, the Ministry of Education's eDEA electronic system has been used for school registrations, and parents can register through the eDEA portal. If you cannot register online, the school secretary can help.
4. Confirm the place in April
All parents must confirm their child's place during the April confirmation period.
5. Apply for a transfer if needed
To attend a school outside your area, you first register at your local school and then apply for a transfer in January.
What if you arrive mid-year?
After the January period, schools cannot add pupils on their own, and no new classes are created. Contact your District Education Office, which will place your child at the nearest school with space. Bring the same documents, plus any school reports from your previous country, translated if possible.
What support is there for children who do not speak Greek?
Lessons are taught in Greek. Schools provide extra Greek-language teaching for pupils who are new to the language, and some secondary schools run intensive Greek programmes for newcomers. Talk to the head teacher about your child's level as early as possible.
If English-language education is a priority, compare the options in our guide to international schools in Cyprus.
What are the common problems?
- Missing the January deadline. Places are still available later, but you have less choice of school.
- Proof of address. A rental contract alone may not be enough; you usually need a utility bill too.
- Vaccinations. Bring full records; the school may refer you to a doctor for missing vaccines.
- Language. Older children with no Greek may find secondary school demanding at first.
What to do next
Register your family with GESY and a paediatrician through our GESY guide, and follow the first 90 days admin checklist. Our area finder can help you choose a family-friendly area near good schools.
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Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
Can foreign children go to public school in Cyprus?
Yes. Children living in Cyprus are eligible for public school regardless of nationality or their parents' residence status, and public education is free.
When is school registration in Cyprus?
The main registration period for pre-primary and primary school is in January, for the school year that starts the following September. Exact dates are announced each year by the Ministry of Education.
What if we move to Cyprus in the middle of the school year?
Contact the school for your address or your District Education Office. After the January period, schools cannot simply add pupils, so the District Education Office places your child at a nearby school with space.
Are public schools in Cyprus taught in English?
No. Lessons in public schools are in Greek. Pupils who do not speak Greek get extra Greek-language support; if you want English-language teaching, look at private international schools.
At what age do children start school in Cyprus?
Compulsory pre-primary starts the September after a child reaches the minimum age, which is 4 years and 4 months for 2026–2027, falling gradually to 4 years by 2031. Primary school follows a year later.
