Lifelong Learning

The European Union has recognized at an early stage that education and training contribute to the transition to the knowledge society and are essential elements both for personal fulfillment and for the development of skilled, trained and flexible workforce, that has the skills and qualifications needed by the European economy and European society to remain competitive and innovative, while contributing to the promotion of social cohesion and inclusion.
The need for investment in knowledge, skills, and abilities, throughout people’s lifetime and in all areas of education and training is vital. Preschool education and school education lay the foundation. Vocational education and training play a key role in facilitating the transition from the world of education to the world of work. Higher education trains the staff that is needed for the promotion of research, development, and innovation. Upgrading the skills of adults is essential in order to have a productive workforce. 

The State Institutes for Further Education (SIFE)

The State Institutes for Further Education (SIFE), which operate under the auspices of the Department of Secondary General Education offer a wide range of courses and educational programs, addressed to pupils at all levels of education and adults, Cypriots and non-Cypriots, while several of them (English – Levels 4-7 (A2, B1, B2 and B2+), French – Levels 4-6 (B1 - B2 and B2+) and German - Levels 4-6 (B1 - B2 and B2+) lead to certificates that are fully recognized by the Public Service Commission of Cyprus and the Educational Service Commission of Cyprus as formal qualifications for “Good knowledge or Very Good Knowledge of language”, for purposes of promotions or employment.  The SIFE offer full or partial scholarships to students who fulfil special educational, social and economic criteria, after the relevant decisions of the Council of Ministers.

The vision of Cyprus for Lifelong Learning Strategy of 2021-2027 is to assist citizens in pursuing their educational and training needs and goal in all educational settings (formal, nonformal and informal) throughout their life and will guarantee them possibilities for personal development and fulfilment, well-being and successful work and family life.
The priority axes of the National Strategy for Lifelong Learning 2021-2027, which have been decided are the following:
•    Increase of the participation of adults, 
•    reduction of unemployment among young people, 
•    upskilling and reskilling of low qualified and low-skilled adults, 
•    benefiting groups such as early school leavers, NEETS and migrants/refugees, and enrichment of knowledge, skills and competences of the participants.