Programmes outside the bachelor–master structure in Cyprus refer to higher education offerings that do not follow the standard Bologna three cycle model (Bachelor → Master → Doctorate). Cyprus does have such programmes, but they are limited and tied to specific professional or institutional needs.
These are programs that:

• Do not award a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Sit outside the Bologna cycles.
• Often serve professional, vocational, or continuing education purposes.
• May be shorter, specialized, or non-degree.
   

According to the Eurydice description of Cyprus’s higher education system, Cyprus includes a category specifically called “Programs outside the bachelor and master structure.”
These programs vary by institution but generally fall into the following categories:

1. Higher Vocational or Professional Programs
   Offered mainly by:

• Public tertiary vocational institutions (e.g., Higher Hotel Institute of Cyprus, Police Academy, Fire Academy).
• Private colleges offering accredited diplomas or higher diplomas.

These programs typically:

• Last 1–3 years.
• Lead to Diploma, Higher Diploma, or Certificate.
• Prepare students for specific professions (hospitality, culinary arts, policing, technical fields).

The public schools of Higher VET - MIEEK were established in 2012 as Post-Secondary Institutes of VET (initially at ISCED level 454) and were formally accredited in 2017 by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Higher Education. Following accreditation, their programmes are classified at ISCED level 554 / EQF level 5 and lead to a Diploma of Higher Vocational Education and Training (120 ECTS). The Schools address adult people of all ages who are graduates of secondary education, including both Upper Secondary General Education graduates, and Upper Secondary Technical and Vocational Education graduates. Attendance is free of charge. 

The operation of the public schools of Higher VET - MIEEK is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) of the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus, within the framework of the project “Development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training”.

The main objective of the public schools of Higher VET is to combat skills mismatches and youth unemployment. The programmes offered are specifically designed to be labour-market relevant, addressing the needs of emerging economic sectors and responding to the rapid pace of technological development. Through this targeted approach, the schools contribute to strengthening the link between education and employment in Cyprus.

The programmes have a two-year duration and are delivered on a five-day-per-week basis. A core component of the curriculum is practical training in industry and enterprises, directly related to the field of study. Practical training lasts for six weeks per academic year (total of twelve weeks of in-company training per programme). This structure ensures strong integration of theoretical learning with real-world professional experience.

Geographical accessibility
Currently there are seven MIEEK schools located in all major towns of Cyprus, improving geographical accessibility and enabling learners from different regions to participate.
Six out of the seven MIEEK schools operate within the premises of the Technical and Vocational schools of Education and Training, while one of them, the Absolute Institute of Technical Education (AITE), operates in an independent building in Limassol, offering classes both during the morning hours and afternoon/evening hours.

Admission requirements

The schools address people of all ages who are graduates of secondary education, including both Upper Secondary General Education graduates, and Upper Secondary Technical and Vocational Education graduates.
Access to the public schools of Higher Vocational Education and Training - MIEEK is based on a points-based selection system that ensures transparency and equity. The system considers multiple criteria, including the grades achieved in the School Leaving Certificate (academic performance), the candidate’s socioeconomic background, employment status (with additional weighting for unemployed applicants), and the age of the applicant.
By attending the Public Schools of Higher VET, learners are able to acquire, enhance, and update their technical and vocational knowledge, skills, and competences, thereby improving their employability and competitiveness in the labour market.
Attendance is free of charge, which significantly facilitates access for adults and unemployed individuals wishing to obtain an accredited Higher VET Diploma. 
 

2. Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning  

Universities and colleges offer:

• Professional certificates
• Executive education
• Short courses
• Language programs
• Teacher training modules

• These do not lead to academic degrees but may be recognized for professional development.

  3. Preparatory or Foundation Programs
   Designed for:

• Students who need academic preparation before entering a bachelor’s degree.
• International students needing language or subject readiness.
  These programs:
• Do not award a degree.

• Serve as entry pathways into higher education. 

  4. Specialized Professional Training
   Examples include

• Accounting certifications (ACCA, ACA)
• Maritime certifications
• Health and safety qualifications
• IT certifications (Cisco, Microsoft, etc.)
   

These are offered by universities, colleges, or private training centers.