Practical · Families · 10 min read
International schools in Cyprus 2026: the complete parent's guide
Every English-medium international school in Cyprus — fees, curricula, locations, waitlists, and what to know before applying.
Author
Editorial team, with parent input from current school families
Last reviewed May 2026
Published
23 May 2026
Last updated
23 May 2026
For families considering Cyprus, schooling is typically the single biggest decision factor and the one most under-researched before the move. The good news: Cyprus has a well-established network of English-medium international schools across all four major cities, with multiple curriculum options (British GCSE/A-level, IB, American, occasional French). The harder news: the best schools have waiting lists, fees have risen significantly since 2020, and choosing the wrong school can derail the entire family move.
This guide covers every meaningful English-medium international school in Cyprus, the curriculum and fee landscape, and the decision factors that actually matter when choosing. Reviewed with input from parents currently at multiple schools. Last updated May 2026.
The school landscape — quick orientation
Cyprus has three categories of school relevant to most expat families:
1. State Cypriot schools
Greek-medium (Greek is the language of instruction). Free of charge. Education is solid by EU standards but the language barrier makes them unsuitable for most expat children unless the family is committing to long-term integration and the children are young (under 8). Government has been piloting more English-language support, but state schools are not the default for most relocating families.
2. Private Cypriot schools
Greek-medium with English as a strong second language. Typically run by religious or community organisations. Lower fees than international schools (€2,000-5,000/year), but limited utility for non-Greek-speaking children.
3. International schools
English-medium, foreign curricula. Where 90%+ of relocating families send their children. Fees from €6,500 to €18,000/year depending on school and year. This is the focus of this guide.
Cities and their schools
Paphos
The Cyprus International School (TCIS) Paphos
- Curriculum: British (GCSE, A-level) and IB
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees: ~€7,500-12,000/year, depending on year
- Reputation: solid, established, modest size
- Location: just outside central Paphos
- Best for: British families wanting standard British education
The English School Paphos
- Curriculum: British
- Ages: 4-18
- Fees: ~€7,000-11,500/year
- Reputation: well-established, mid-tier
- Best for: British families on a slightly tighter budget than TCIS
International School of Paphos (ISOP)
- Curriculum: British
- Ages: 4-18
- Fees: ~€6,500-10,500/year
- Reputation: smaller, more intimate
- Best for: families wanting close-knit community
Limassol
The Heritage Private School
- Curriculum: British (GCSE, A-level)
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees: ~€10,000-15,000/year
- Reputation: high-end, popular with international business families
- Best for: Limassol-based international families
Logos School of English Education
- Curriculum: British
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees: ~€8,000-12,500/year
- Reputation: long-established (since 1980), strong academic record
- Best for: families wanting traditional British education with strong values base
The English School Nicosia (with Limassol-area transport)
Some Limassol families opt for the English School Nicosia and use organised bussing — about 60 minutes each way. Worth knowing as an option, especially for older students.
Larnaca
The American Academy Larnaca
- Curriculum: American + GCSE
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees: ~€8,500-13,000/year
- Reputation: strong, particularly for IB
- Best for: families wanting American curriculum or strong IB programme
Mediterranean High School
- Curriculum: American + IB
- Ages: 13-18
- Fees: ~€9,500-14,000/year
- Reputation: well-regarded for IB Diploma
- Best for: secondary school families specifically
Nicosia
The English School Nicosia
- Curriculum: British (GCSE, A-level)
- Ages: 11-18 (the historical British school in Cyprus)
- Fees: ~€10,000-14,000/year
- Reputation: the most prestigious in Cyprus; Oxford/Cambridge feeder
- Best for: families prioritising academic credentials and UK university preparation
- Note: highly competitive entry; waiting lists; entrance exams
The American International School in Cyprus (AISC)
- Curriculum: American + IB
- Ages: 3-18
- Fees: ~€12,000-18,000/year
- Reputation: the major American option; strong international community
- Best for: international diplomatic and business families
Falcon School
- Curriculum: British (GCSE, A-level)
- Ages: 5-18
- Fees: ~€8,500-13,000/year
- Reputation: well-regarded mid-tier British school
- Best for: British families based in or commuting to Nicosia
Curriculum comparison
The four main curricula offered in Cyprus international schools:
| Curriculum | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| British (GCSE/A-level) | Most schools | Returning to UK universities or UK-aligned systems |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | Several schools | Multi-country flexibility, US/Canadian universities |
| American (US Diploma + APs) | American Academy, AISC | Returning to US universities |
| Mixed (British + IB) | Several schools | Maximum flexibility |
For a family planning to return to the UK eventually, the British curriculum is the obvious choice. For internationally-mobile families, IB is often the better-protected option.
Fees and the financial reality
International school fees in Cyprus have risen 25-35% in real terms since 2020. Current ranges (2026):
| Year group | Lower-tier fee | Higher-tier fee |
|---|---|---|
| Reception/Year 1 | €6,500 | €11,000 |
| Primary (Y2-Y6) | €8,500 | €13,000 |
| Secondary (Y7-Y10) | €10,000 | €15,000 |
| Sixth Form (Y12-13) | €12,500 | €18,000 |
Additional costs to budget:
- Registration fee: €200-400 (one-off)
- Deposit: €500-1,500 (refundable, sometimes)
- Uniforms: €300-500/year
- School trips and extras: €500-1,500/year
- Bus transport (if used): €1,500-3,000/year
- IB subject fees and exam fees: variable
- Sibling discounts: 5-15% typical
Honest assessment: for two children at mid-tier schools, budget €22,000-30,000/year all-in. This is a significant family expense.
Waiting lists and admissions
The most popular schools (especially The English School Nicosia, AISC, The Heritage Private School Limassol) have meaningful waiting lists — sometimes 12-24 months for popular year groups.
Plan ahead: contact schools at least 6-12 months before you want to enrol. Some schools accept overseas applications and conduct entrance assessments remotely.
Mid-year entry: harder than September entry. Most schools prefer September starts; mid-year requires available spots.
Entrance assessments: most international schools test for English language and basic math. The English School Nicosia conducts a more formal entrance exam.
Decision factors that matter
In order of importance for most families:
1. Where you’ll live
Don’t choose the school first and then commute 90 minutes. Choose where you’ll live, then pick the best school within reasonable distance. Most Cyprus families don’t bus children long distances; the school determines the area for many relocating families.
2. Curriculum match
Returning to a specific country’s university system? Pick the matching curriculum. Uncertain or international plans? IB.
3. Year of entry
Some schools have stronger primary, others stronger secondary. Researching what each does well at your child’s specific year is worth the effort.
4. Class size and ethos
Cyprus international schools vary widely from intimate (~12 per class) to large (30+). Visit; ask current parents.
5. Community fit
Schools with majority-British parent populations feel different from majority-international. Neither is better, but the cultural match matters for family integration.
6. After-school activities and sports
Cyprus schools vary in extracurricular offering. Bigger schools (English School Nicosia, AISC) have more options; smaller schools have less.
7. Special needs support
If your child has SEN requirements, this is the single most important question. Cyprus international schools vary enormously in their SEN provision. Ask for specifics in writing before committing.
Visiting schools
You should physically visit any school you’re seriously considering. Most schools welcome prospective family visits and run open days twice a year (typically October and March). Visits are essential because:
- Brochures rarely capture the actual feel of the school
- Class observation reveals teaching style and student engagement
- Talking to current parents (the school will introduce you) gives honest perspective
- The site visit reveals facilities reality
Plan your school visits: schedule 2-3 in a single trip; allow 2-3 hours per school.
When state Cypriot school is the right answer
A small but significant minority of relocating families enrol younger children (under 8) in state Cypriot schools. This works when:
- Children are young enough to acquire Greek
- The family is committing long-term to Cyprus integration
- Financial constraints are real
It doesn’t work for older children, mobile families planning to return abroad, or families uncomfortable with a non-native curriculum.
Common questions
Are international schools academically as strong as UK schools? Top Cyprus international schools (English School Nicosia, AISC, Heritage Limassol) are academically comparable to mid-tier UK private schools. Universities accept them as such.
What about university preparation? Cyprus international schools have well-established university guidance, particularly for UK and US universities. Cypriot universities are also options (state university courses in English).
Will my child speak Greek? Most international schools offer Greek as a second language. Children pick up basic Greek; full fluency requires significant out-of-school exposure.
What about religious/value-based education? A few schools (Logos in Limassol) emphasise Christian values; most are secular. Cypriot society is largely Greek Orthodox; awareness of religious holidays is universal.
Can we use the state Cypriot system for secondary if we used international for primary? Difficult — the language transition is hard at secondary level. Most families who start international continue international.
Are there special needs schools? Limited specialist provision; mainstream international schools handle mild-to-moderate SEN, but families with significant SEN needs may struggle to find appropriate Cyprus provision.
What to do next
School choice is fact-specific to your family’s situation, children’s ages, curriculum needs, and budget. The most useful next step is a 30-minute call with a Cyprus family relocation specialist who has helped families with similar profiles.
We can introduce you. The call is free and identifies the 2-3 schools worth visiting in detail.
Related guides:
- Moving to Cyprus from the UK — broader move-from-UK picture
- Best places to live in Cyprus — area choice often follows school choice
- Cost of living in Cyprus — the broader family budget
Next step
Talk to a Cyprus-licensed advisor.
A 25-minute conversation, an introduction to the right person for your situation, no obligation. We're a publication, not a brokerage — our incentive is finding you someone competent.