Compulsory education lasts for ten years and 4 months and extends from the age of 4 years and 5 months (pre-primary education) to the age of 15 years (end of lower secondary education). As part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) of the Republic of Cyprus (2021-2026), and specifically under Policy Axis 5.1 concerning the modernization of the education system, Reform 3 was included: Extension of free compulsory pre-school education from the age of four (C5.1R3). According to the national CSP, this Reform began in September 2024 and will be completed in June 2032.

Free education: Public education is free for all students in the age range of 4 years and 5 months to 18 years. Textbooks are given to both students and teachers free of charge. Public tertiary (non-university level) education is also free. Public higher education (undergraduate level) is basically free for Cypriots and EU citizens, as the Government fully pays the fees which the Councils of the universities set. International undergraduate students from outside the EU pay fees. Postgraduate Cypriot and international students pay fees set by the Council of Ministers.

Adult education offered in public institutions is primarily free. After its approval by the Council of Ministers on 30 September 2022, the National Lifelong Learning Strategy for 2021-2027 is being implemented. The CyLLL Strategy for 2021-2027 aims at a holistic development of the skills needed for personal fulfilment and active participation in the society for all citizens. To achieve these goals, 6 basic Strategic Horizontal Pillars are set:

1. Digital transformation
2. Green transition and sustainability
3. Inclusion and equity
4. Validation of non-formal and informal learning
5. Health and prosperity
6. Cultivation of Lifelong learning culture
    

The State Institutes for Further Education (SIFE), which operate under the authority 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.

However, a large number of training courses, mostly offered by private or semi-government organisations, involve fees.

Governance: National legislation sets the aims and principles of education, the regulations for the operation of schools or other educational institutions, examinations, funding and staff related issues.
Education governance is centralized with the following bodies exercising control over education:
The Council of Ministers: This is the highest authority in policy making in education.
The Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth (MESY): 

• Overall responsibility for education rests with the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth. The MESY is responsible for the administration of education, the enforcement of educational laws,the implementation of educational policies, the preparation of the education budget and educational bills, the prescription of syllabi, curricula, and textbooks, the allocation of resources and setting of goals under emphasis each year, the supervision, appraisal, guidance and assessment of the teachers and the construction of school buildings. 
   

The Education Service Commission (ESC): 

• This is an independent, five-member body, appointed by the Council of Ministers for a six-year service. 
• The ESC is responsible for the appointments, secondments, transfers, promotions and disciplinary matters of educational personnel.
   

The Local School Boards: 

• These are responsible for the maintenance and equipment of the school buildings in collaboration with the Department of Technical Services of the Ministry of Education Sports and Youth.
   

Autonomy: As a result of the highly centralized administrative structure in the public educational system in Cyprus, autonomy at school level is very limited. Only a few elements of decentralization can be identified at the school unit level, such as the teachers’ autonomy in regard to the teaching methods they use in their class, or the head-teachers’ right to manage a small budget for extra expenses of the school unit (e.g. light equipment).
At the higher education level, universities are academically autonomous bodies. Public universities are fully self-administered public corporate bodies.
The Council of the universities is responsible for the management and control of their financial affairs.

The Education Service Commission is a five-member body appointed by the President of the Republic for a six-year period. It is responsible for appointments, secondments, transfers, promotions and discipline (including dismissal) of teachers and school inspectors.

Local School Boards are responsible for the maintenance and equipment of the school buildings in collaboration with the Department of Technical Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture.