In Northern Cyprus, as in many other regions, parents have the opportunity to choose between public and private schools to educate their children.
Public Schools in Northern Cyprus
Education in public schools in Northern Cyprus begins with a five-year course in Turkish, which also includes English lessons. After this period, the educational process switches to a bilingual system. Despite free education in public schools, families are faced with the need to pay for school uniforms, stationery and textbooks.
Private schools in Northern Cyprus
Private schools offer educational programs entirely in English and based on the British system. This provides a strong foundation for further education. After completing their studies in private schools, students take A-levels exams, which opens the way to leading universities in Europe, the UK and the USA.
List of private schools and colleges:
- Near East College in Yenibogazici
- Necat British College
- Eastern Mediterranean College
- TED Kuzey Kıbrıs Koleji
- The English School of Kyrenia (ESK)
- Girne American College
- Levent College
State educational institutions:
- Turk Maarif Koleji
- Guzelyurt Turk Maarif Koleji
- Gazimağusa Turk Maarif Koleji
- 19 Mayıs Turk Maarif Koleji
- Bülent Ecevit Anadolu Lisesi
School admission process in Northern Cyprus
Admission begins with choosing a school and contacting its administration to receive an application form and a list of required documents. Required documents include: proof of parental residence in Northern Cyprus, notarized birth certificate of the child, copies of passports, photographs, transcript of grades, certificate of residence and a completed application form with payment of the registration fee.
After reviewing the documents by the Ministry of Education, a decision is made to enroll the child in a certain class. If the student was educated in a system where English was not emphasized enough, relegation to a lower grade may be possible. Some schools conduct their own entrance exams, which include testing knowledge of the English language and specialized subjects.
Conclusion
The choice between a public and private school in Northern Cyprus depends on many factors, including language preferences, financial capabilities and long-term academic goals. In every case, Northern Cyprus offers quality educational options that can prepare your child for a successful future.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ):
- Do I need to know Turkish to enter public schools in Northern Cyprus? Yes, a basic level of proficiency in Turkish is required to study in public schools.
- Can foreign students enroll in private schools in Northern Cyprus? Yes, private schools are open to international students and often have programs tailored to international students.
- What documents are needed to enroll in a school in Northern Cyprus? Basic documents required include birth certificate, copies of parents' passports, photographs, transcript of grades and proof of residence.
- Is there a difference in tuition fees between public and private schools? Yes, public schools are free of charge except for additional costs, while private schools require tuition fees which can range from €3,000 to €10,000 depending on the school and programs provided.
- What are the benefits of A-levels exams taken in private schools in Northern Cyprus? By successfully passing A-levels, students receive qualifications recognized by universities around the world, especially in Europe and the United States, expanding their opportunities for international education and careers.
