Finding the Best International Schools in Cyprus for Your Children

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions for families relocating to Cyprus. The island has a range of international schools with curricula designed for expat families, including British, American and international programmes.

Where can expat families find international schools in Cyprus?

Expat families have a wide choice of schools, especially in the main cities: Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos. International schools in Cyprus are generally known for multicultural student bodies, small class sizes and internationally recognised qualifications. Families can choose a British-style or American-style approach within a global setting.

Here is an overview of 18 international schools in Cyprus. Fees are approximate annual figures as given in the original guide, so check each school's website for current details.

Which international schools are there in Cyprus?

1. SilverLine Private School

• Location: Limassol
• Curriculum: British
• Overview: The school emphasises academic excellence and personal development and serves a wide range of students.
• Website: SilverLine Private School
• Admissions and fees: Popular with expat families and often has a waiting list, so early planning is advised. Annual fees range from 4,000 to 6,000 euro, depending on grade.

2. International School of Paphos

• Location: Paphos
• Curriculum: British-style
• Overview: The school focuses strongly on academic achievement, offers primary and secondary education and provides extracurricular activities.
• Website: International School of Paphos
• Admissions and fees: Demand is strong, so early application is encouraged. Annual tuition ranges from 5,000 to 8,000 euro, depending on age and grade.

3. TLC

• Location: Paphos
• Curriculum: British
• Overview: A smaller international school with a personalised approach, suited to younger children or students who need extra academic support.
• Website: TLC School
• Admissions and fees: Because the school is smaller, securing a place early is strongly recommended. Annual fees typically range from 3,000 to 6,500 euro.

4. Aspire Private British School

• Location: Paphos
• Curriculum: British
• Overview: Known for its academic reputation and strong extracurricular offering, it prepares students for global opportunities.
• Website: Aspire Private British School
• Admissions and fees: Availability is limited in higher grades. Annual fees typically range from 4,500 to 7,000 euro, depending on grade and age.

5. Foley's School

• Location: Limassol
• Curriculum: British
• Overview: A long-established school focused on academic and personal growth, with a wide range of facilities and a strong track record. It suits families seeking a traditional British education.
• Website: Foley's School
• Admissions and fees: Highly sought after, so early application is crucial, especially for secondary levels. Annual fees typically range from 6,000 to 9,000 euro.

6. St John International School

• Location: Nicosia
• Curriculum: British
• Overview: Serves both local and expat families, with rigorous academics, strong extracurricular programmes and a focus on critical thinking.
• Website: St John International School
• Admissions and fees: Admission can be competitive. Annual tuition ranges from 5,500 to 8,000 euro.

7. King Richard School

• Curriculum: British, with an international atmosphere
• Overview: Offers a supportive, well-rounded education with highly qualified teachers and an emphasis on independent thinking across academic subjects.
• Website: King Richard School
• Admissions and fees: Has a strong reputation and frequently keeps waiting lists, so early registration is advised. Annual fees range from 4,500 to 7,500 euro.

8. Logos School of English Education

• Location: Nicosia
• Curriculum: English-language education
• Overview: Emphasises academic learning and personal development, with a welcoming atmosphere and strong local community ties. It suits expats who want to integrate into Cypriot life.
• Website: Logos School of English Education
• Admissions and fees: The admissions process is more flexible, though applying early is still wise. Annual fees range from 3,000 to 5,500 euro.

9. American Academy Larnaca School

• Location: Larnaca
• Curriculum: American-style
• Overview: Prepares students for local and international universities, with a strong academic reputation and a vibrant extracurricular programme.
• Website: American Academy Larnaca School
• Admissions and fees: Admission is competitive and places fill quickly. Annual fees range from 5,000 to 8,500 euro.

10. The International School of Nicosia

• Location: Nicosia
• Curriculum: International, with British and American elements
• Overview: Gives students a global perspective and prepares them for international environments.
• Website: The International School of Nicosia
• Admissions and fees: Highly regarded, with a strong international student body. Annual fees generally range from 6,000 to 10,000 euro.

11. PASCAL Education

• Location: Multiple campuses across Cyprus
• Overview: A well-regarded institution with modern facilities and a student-centred approach, offering academic and extracurricular programmes.
• Website: PASCAL Education
• Admissions and fees: Places tend to fill quickly across campuses. Annual fees generally range from 4,500 to 7,500 euro.

12. The American International School

• Location: Nicosia
• Curriculum: American
• Overview: Known for a diverse, inclusive community that encourages academic achievement and global engagement.
• Website: The American International School
• Admissions and fees: Because of its popularity, early registration is recommended. Annual tuition ranges from 5,000 to 8,500 euro.

13. The American Academy Nicosia

• Location: Nicosia
• Curriculum: American-style
• Overview: Has a long history of academic excellence and offers academic and extracurricular activities for holistic development.
• Website: The American Academy Nicosia
• Admissions and fees: Admission can be competitive, particularly for primary grades. Annual fees range from 4,500 to 7,500 euro.

14. Necat British College

• Location: Nicosia
• Curriculum: Traditional British
• Overview: Combines academic excellence with a wide range of extracurricular activities.
• Website: Necat British College
• Admissions and fees: Often has waiting lists, so early application is advised. Annual fees generally range from 4,000 to 6,500 euro.

15. Lighthouse International School

• Location: Limassol
• Curriculum: British
• Overview: An English-language school focused on global citizenship and critical thinking, with a diverse student body.
• Website: Lighthouse International School
• Admissions and fees: Highly regarded and typically fills quickly. Annual tuition ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 euro.

16. Island Private School

• Location: Larnaca
• Overview: A modern international school with personalised education, small class sizes and a strong focus on academic excellence.
• Website: Island Private School
• Admissions and fees: The admissions process is more flexible, but the school remains popular. Annual fees range from 4,500 to 6,000 euro.

17. The English School of Kyrenia

• Location: Kyrenia
• Curriculum: British-style
• Overview: Encourages independent thinking, with a history of academic success and a variety of extracurricular options.
• Website: The English School of Kyrenia
• Admissions and fees: In high demand, so early applications are essential. Annual tuition ranges from 6,000 to 8,500 euro.

18. The Heritage Private School

• Location: Limassol
• Curriculum: British and international
• Overview: Takes a holistic approach that combines academics with cultural awareness and a global perspective.
• Website: The Heritage Private School
• Admissions and fees: The student body is diverse, and early registration is recommended. Annual fees range from 5,000 to 8,000 euro.

What are school hours and uniform rules?

Most international schools in Cyprus start at 8:00 AM, and punctual arrival is expected. Most also require school uniforms, which support a sense of belonging and discipline. Check each school's uniform rules and associated costs before deciding.

Do some schools only admit military families?

Some schools, including certain branches of British schools, admit only students whose parents work for the British Army or another military organisation. Confirm each school's eligibility rules, since this can affect the options for children whose parents are not in the military.

How should you choose a school?

Cyprus has a diverse range of international schools across its main cities, with British and American curricula available. Because popular schools fill quickly, apply early. Fees range from 3,000 to 10,000 euro depending on school and grade. Consider costs, military-related admission policies, school hours and uniform requirements, and use each school's website for further details on its offering and admissions. Choose the school that best fits your child's needs and goals.