Family relocation guide

Choosing the right international school in Cyprus

Compare the main international schools across Cyprus, understand the different curricula, and discover which city best suits your family's needs.

School finder

Find international schools by city

Choose the city you are considering to see a curated selection of international schools.

Guidance only, confirm current curricula, age ranges and fees directly with each school.

Compare curricula

Three main curricula, three different paths

The choice usually comes down to where your child is heading next, for university, or for the family's next country.

British

Teaching style
Structured, subject-based, exam-focused.
Typical ages
Ages 3–18 (EYFS → A-Levels)
University pathways
Strong for UK, EU and Commonwealth universities
Assessment
IGCSE at 16, A-Level at 18
Best suited for
Families planning UK universities or moving from the UK/British-curriculum schools.

American

Teaching style
Broad, GPA-based, flexible electives.
Typical ages
Ages 3–18 (Pre-K → High School)
University pathways
Optimised for US universities; accepted worldwide
Assessment
GPA + SAT/ACT + AP courses
Best suited for
Families returning to the US or wanting curriculum breadth over specialisation.

IB

Teaching style
Inquiry-based, international, holistic.
Typical ages
Ages 3–19 (PYP → MYP → DP)
University pathways
Recognised globally, valued across EU/US/UK
Assessment
IB Diploma at 18 (6 subjects + core)
Best suited for
Globally mobile families and students targeting international universities.

Schools by city

Where your family will actually live

The school landscape differs across Cyprus's four main cities. Use this to shape your shortlist before you visit.

Limassol

8+ international schools

Common curricula
British, IB, American, Russian
Best suited for
International professionals, tech & finance families
Read the Limassol guide

Nicosia

6+ international schools

Common curricula
British, American, IB, French
Best suited for
Diplomatic & academic families, long-term residents
Read the Nicosia guide

Larnaca

3+ international schools

Common curricula
British, IB
Best suited for
Remote workers, young families near the airport
Read the Larnaca guide

Paphos

4+ international schools

Common curricula
British, IB
Best suited for
British expat families, lifestyle-driven movers
Read the Paphos guide

Typical tuition fees

What to budget per year

Indicative annual tuition ranges. Actual fees vary by school and year and usually exclude registration, exams, uniforms and buses.

CityPreschoolPrimarySecondary
Limassol€5,500, €8,000€7,500, €13,000€10,000, €18,000
Nicosia€4,800, €7,500€6,500, €11,500€9,000, €15,000
Larnaca€4,500, €6,500€6,000, €10,000€8,000, €12,000
Paphos€4,000, €6,000€5,500, €9,500€7,500, €12,000

Placeholder ranges, verify with each school for the current academic year.

Things parents should consider

Eight questions worth asking before you enrol

Curriculum

British, American or IB, matched to your next country.

Location

How close is the school to home, work and everyday errands?

Commute

Traffic patterns, school-bus routes and total time in transit.

Class size

Smaller classes usually mean more individual attention.

Language support

EAL provision for non-native English speakers.

Extracurriculars

Sports, arts, music, coding, what is included vs extra.

Waiting lists

Especially in Limassol; apply well ahead of your move.

University destinations

Where alumni actually go on to study.

Frequently asked

International schools in Cyprus, FAQs

Limassol has the largest concentration of international schools, followed by Nicosia. Larnaca and Paphos have fewer options but strong British-curriculum schools and growing choice year on year.

Planning your family's move?

Compare cities, estimate your monthly budget and explore your relocation options before making your decision.