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(Last updated: 12 Jul 2007)
Trends and opportunities
The market
This profile refers largely to the (southern) areas in Cyprus under the control of the government of the Republic of Cyprus. For information regarding the political situation in Cyprus and the division between north and south, please refer to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade information on Cyprus.
Cypriots have a positive perception of Australia as a nation, particularly due to the strong ties with the Australian-Cypriot community and the proactive activities undertaken by Cypriot repatriates from Australia. As an ex-British colony, English continues to be widely spoken in Cyprus.
University education is highly regarded and sought after by Cypriots, however, Cyprus is a small nation with limited tertiary education capacity, both in the number of available places and the range of course diversity.
The government subsidises tertiary studies abroad; approximately A$4,700 per annum to each student.
KYSATS, the Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, is the authority responsible for the recognition of titles or degrees awarded from institutions of higher education. The recognition of academic degrees is based on the Directives of UNESCO and the Council of Europe. The criteria for the evaluation of a degree under consideration for recognition are those established by the equivalent title from the University of Cyprus or another Public Institutions of Higher Education. If there is no equivalent title from Cypriot Public Institutions, a comparison is made against the equivalent title from the European-accredited Institutions of Higher Education, primarily those of Greece.
Cyprus has a well-developed system of primary and secondary education offering both public and private education. Unlike in other countries, state schools are generally seen as equivalent or better in quality of education than private sector institutions.
According to the 1960 constitution, education is under the control of the two communities (the communal chambers). State education was based on nationalisation of existing community supported schools from the colonial period. Thus following 1974 the Cypriot system follows the Greek system in the south, in other words providing their students with an 'apolytirion', and the Turkish system in the north.
The Cypriot education system
Education in the Republic of Cyprus is continuing to develop in both quality and quantity. As a result of Cyprus’ accession to the European Union (EU) in 2004, the standard of education in Cyprus has become more comparable to that of the existing member countries.
The Cypriot education system is structured as follows:
- Pre-primary school (kindergarten, nursery) – 3 to 6 years
- Primary school (elementary school) – 6 to 12 years
- Lower secondary school (gymnasium) – 12 to 15 years
- Upper secondary school (Unified Lyceum or a technical/vocational school) – 15 to 18 years
- Higher school (university)
Lower Secondary School offers a broad spectrum of general education. Upper secondary school – either the Unified Lyceum or the technical/vocation stream – is open to all pupils who have successfully completed the Gymnasium and offers more specialised education. The syllabus of the technical stream has more emphasis given to science subjects, while in the syllabus of the vocational streams the emphasis is given to technological subjects, workshop practice and industrial training.
Graduates from both streams may also proceed to further studies at a higher level, either in Cyprus or overseas.
On completion of secondary education, males are required to undertake compulsory military service (24 months) and usually enter tertiary studies on completion of this obligation.
A key directive regarding tertiary education in Cyprus is the strengthening of the University of Cyprus. The University of Cyprus and other local tertiary institutions are regular participants in many European programs providing cross-market collaboration in the sectors of research, training and similar. The Republic of Cyprus Government is planning to open a new university of technology in Limassol within five years.
The principle of safeguarding the culture and national identity of emigrant children is also a priority of the Republic of Cyprus government that focuses on maintaining strong ties with the other Cypriot communities in Australia, Canada and the USA. This is facilitated via the exchange of teaching material from the country of origin, as well as summer camps funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture that host children from abroad.
Opportunities
The most popular fields of tertiary study for Cypriot students are:
- Business and administration
- Humanities
- Social and behavioural sciences
- Health
- Engineering
- Teacher training and education
The future market trend should see increasing demand for overseas postgraduate study. Opportunities exist to attract both Cypriot and resident non-Cypriot students, many of whom are keen to pursue study abroad due to the diversity and high standards of overseas courses.
Both sides of the island pay host to large numbers of students from neighbouring countries, especially the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East and South Asia. Many are considering further studies after completion of their diploma or undergraduate degree course in Cyprus.
Opportunities also exist in the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ which has a large tertiary education sector, but providers need to take into account current political circumstances.
Competitive environment
Greece is the dominant destination for Cypriot tertiary students studying abroad with 67 per cent choosing this option.
The UK, as a former colonial power with a sizable Cypriot emigrant population, accounts for 16 per cent of students. The USA is the option chosen by approximately seven per cent of students, although the US market share is falling.
Smaller numbers of Cypriot students also attend tertiary education courses in Hungary, the Russian Federation, Germany and France.
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