Types of institutions

Upper Secondary Technical and Vocational Education programmes address pupils aged between 15 and 18 years who are graduates of lower secondary education (gymnasium graduates) and are offered at Technical and Vocational Schools of Education and Training free of charge.

STVE programmes are offered in two directions, the theoretical and the practical direction The duration of studies is three years for each direction. Upon completion, graduates are awarded a School Leaving Certificate (Apolyterion – ISCED level 3, EQF level 4), which is equivalent to that awarded by Secondary General Education Schools (Lykeia), providing access to the labour market or to Institutions of Higher Education in Cyprus or abroad.

The programmes are offered at eleven (11) public Technical and Vocational Schools of Education and Training and at five (5) public Schools that combine both Lyceum and Technical School provision. There are three (3) Schools in Nicosia, three (3) in Limassol, two (2) in Larnaka, two (2) in the free area of the Famagusta district, and three (3) in Paphos. There are also a Hotel and Catering Department operating at Apeitio Gymnasium in Agros, an Agriculture Department at Solea Lyceum, and a Viticulture – Oenology Department at Omodos School.

The ultimate objective of formal STVE, as outlined in official documents of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, is to provide pupils with sound knowledge and skills, which will prepare them to enter the world of work or continue with further studies at the university or the non-university level of higher education. STVE also provides pupils with the opportunity to develop personal knowledge, skills and aptitudes, communication and learning skills, professionalism and the attitudes and values needed for their successful employment and seamless integration into society.

Participation in STVE is 17.9% of the whole upper secondary education population in Cyprus and about 24% of public upper secondary education. 

Geographical accessibility

There are Technical schools in all the towns of Cyprus as well as at more remote areas, such as Polis and Agros. Because of the small size of Cyprus, no schools are considered as ‘remote’, therefore no special arrangements, such as flexible hours, are provided. However, students from rural areas that are transported to schools from their villages are entitled to a subsidy.

Admission requirements and choice of school

Admission to a Technical and Vocational School of Education and Training requires only a Gymnasium School-Leaving Certificate.

Pupils are expected to enroll in the Technical and Vocational School of Education and Training closest to their residence. However, if the required field of studies/specialisations are not offered there, they may choose to register at an alternative Technical School.

Age levels and grouping of pupils

STVE pupils are in the age range of 15-18 years old. Pupils are usually placed in a class with pupils of the same age. Classes of theoretical subjects have a maximum size of twenty-five (25) pupils, while laboratories have a maximum size of sixteen (16) pupils.

Organization of the school year

The school calendar and weekly and daily timetables for technical schools are determined by the Ministry of Education and Culture and approved by the Council of Ministers. The school year for technical schools begins on the second week of September and ends around the third week of May.

According to regulations (ΚΔΠ 338/2010), the school year is divided into two four-month terms, as follows:
● First term: middle of September to the middle of January;

● Second term: mIddle of January January to end of May.

During the academic year there are the following holidays:
● Two weeks for Christmas;
● Two weeks for Easter;
● Eleven days for public, national or religious holidays.

Students of technical schools attend classes approximately 152 working days. 

Organization of the school day and week

Classes in Technical Schools take place on a five-day week, from Monday to Friday. Each week consists of thirty-five periods, made up of seven 45-minute periods per day. The school day starts at 07.40 a.m. and finishes at 1.35 p.m. In the framework of the foreseen General Lyceum and Technological Lyceum, the school week is expected to have twenty 80-minute periods.