Cyprus Education

Pre Primary Education - The educational programme of Nursery Schools (kindergartens) retains as many elements of the natural way of living of the family as possible, with emphasis on the free activation of the children, on comfort, on love, on support, on trust, on acceptance, on safety and on respect for their personal uniqueness.

The fundamental objective of the Ministry of Education and Culture is the implementation of compulsory Pre-Primary Education for the children of age 4 8/12-5 8/12 years, from September 2004.

During the school year 2003-2004, the public kindergarten class-units were 416, while the community class-units were 90.

Primary Education - According to the Primary Education educational programme, the aim is to create and secure the necessary learning opportunities for children regardless of age, sex, family and social background and mental abilities so that they will be able to:

• Be harmoniously developed in the cognitive, emotional and psychomotor domains using the means that contemporary technology offers to the maximum.
• Deal successfully with various problems they may face including difficulties in familiarizing with the school and the wider environment.
• Promote socialization, establish their national and ethnic identity and their status as citizens of the Republic of Cyprus who struggle for their national demand of right through legal and generally accepted procedures.
• Acquire positive attitudes towards learning, develop social understanding, combativeness and belief in human values, respect cultural heritage and human rights, appreciate beauty and have a disposition for creativity and love for life and nature in order to become sensitive in preserving and improving the environment.

Primary Education is both free and compulsory. The government pays the salaries of the teachers and hands out annual grants to all local authorities according to the number of pupils in their area. Schools function in every town and village where more than 15 children live. Regional schools serve neighboring communities with less than 15 pupils. Most of the big primary schools in urban areas and in big rural communities are divided into two cycles: cycle A catering for 1st to 3rd grades and cycle B comprising of 4th to 6th grades. The pupil/teacher ratio at national level is 15.2:1 while teachers are allocated in such a way that the biggest class size does not exceed 32 pupils for the 4th to the 6th grades and 30 for the 1st to the 3rd grades.

Schools in the Occupied Area of Cyprus - Despite the fact that the occupation authorities had imposed a series of obstacles and censorship on educational books, three primary schools functioned initially, one in Kormakitis, one in Ayia Triada and one in Rizokarpasso. However, presently, only the school of Rizokarpasso functions, with eight pupils and two teachers.

Until recently, the occupation authorities did not allow the functioning of secondary education schools, therefore, children who graduated from primary schools were compelled to leave their homes and separate from their families to seek further education in the free areas of Cyprus. However, the occupation authorities have recently consented to the opening of a gymnasio in Rizokarpasso.

Education for Children with Special Needs - The State's obligation to provide education and training for children with special needs commences at the age of three years and continues until the completion of the education and training process. This will normally terminate at age 18, unless they attend higher education, though persons attending special schools can have extensions up to the age of 21, where this is deemed educationally appropriate.

Education for the Greeks of Diaspora - In its effort to offer educational help to the Greeks in other countries, the Ministry of Education and Culture:

• Continues the teaching of the Greek language to children and teachers of the Greek Orthodox schools in Jerusalem.
• Provides books and other educational material to all Greek schools and other Greek organizations in other countries.
• Offers hospitality to children from Greek communities and provides programmes related to the Greek language and culture.
• Offers educational help to the repatriated Cypriots, through the school system and the Adult Education Centers.

Innovations in Primary Education

All-Day School - The All-Day Schools operate on a voluntary basis for the 4th, 5th and 6th grades. They function from October to May and for three additional periods four times a week (until 4:00 pm). The afternoon programme includes four teaching periods per week for carrying out assigned homework, four teaching periods for reinforcing teaching and four teaching periods for two of the following optional subjects: Foreign Languages, Information Technology, Music, Physical Education, Art, Design and Technology etc.

The All-Day School concept was experimentally implemented during the academic year 1999-2000 in nine primary schools. Based on the report of the Special Evaluation Committee, the All-Day School institution was considered to be successful and useful socially and educationally.

During the academic year 2003-2004 the number of All-Day Schools further increased to 110 schools for the 4th-6th grades.

Information Technology - Since September 1993, the Department of Primary Education is implementing a pilot programme in using Information Technology and modern technologies. Information Technology is not used as a separate subject through the programme, but as a dynamic tool in the teaching and learning process aiming at a more effective implementation of the school curriculum and promotion of basic skills of information gathering, back up, presentation and processing information .

The basic aims are:

• development of appropriate and modern building structure and efficient technical support
• re-construction of the school curriculum in order to include the use of Information Technology
• in-service education of teachers in using Information Technology in the classroom
• access of schools to the World Wide Web.

During the academic year 2003 - 2004 the programme has been implemented in all the schools in Cyprus including the occupied school in Rizokarpasso. Based on this, a set of one computer and one printer has been installed in every classroom of all the schools. Every computer in each school has access to the Internet. This new tool proved to be very motivating for pupils. Many children develop communication with children in other schools as well as Cypriots who live abroad and foreigners. In this way, two of the main educational aims are achieved at a high degree: the promotion of communication skills and the acknowledgement of other countries' ethics in the context of multi-cultural education.

Multicultural Education - About 5,5% of the pupils attending public primary schools in Cyprus do not speak Greek as their mother language. The Ministry of Education and Culture is promoting the implementation of educational measures and policies that will facilitate the smooth integration of groups from different cultural identities in a creative environment, regardless of background. The Department of Primary Education makes provisions so that bilingual pupils are distributed evenly in the various districts, schools and even classrooms, so that teachers can support their linguistic and cultural needs more effectively.

Educational Programmes - During the past few years, the Department of Primary Education has promoted and implemented a number of innovations, aiming at a qualitative upgrade of education. Among these innovations is the application of the following educational programmes:

Museum Educational Programmes: They aim at the acquisition of experiences in museums and the development of positive attitudes towards the environment and the cultural heritage of Cyprus.

• Mentor: The Drug Prevention Programmes of the MENTOR Mobile Units are being implemented with six different programmes, one for each grade. The programmes are being implemented within the framework of health education. The activities of the programmes are divided into three main categories: activities that provide children with knowledge of human biological functions, activities that aim at enhancing positive self-esteem and activities that help children acquire resistance skills to social pressures and develop their decision-making abilities.
• European Network of Health Promoting Schools: The European Network of Health Promoting Schools was established through the cooperation of the European Commission, the Council of Europe and the World Health Organization Regional Office in 1992. Cyprus is a member since 1995 and all levels of education participate.
• 'Cyprus-Aegean, Myth-History-Art': This educational programme aims to give opportunities to pupils to discover through a 'journey of knowledge, game, search, daydream, sentimental emotions and surprises', the wealth of History, Art, Culture of Cyprus and the Aegean sea and to develop cultural consciousness. It is a cultural programme that is organized by the Youth Board of Cyprus, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture and the General Secretariat of New Generation of Greece. It is addressed to primary school children of the 3rd - 6th grades and each time nearly 60 pupils can take part.
• Educational Programme 'IKADE': The educational programme 'IKADE' aims at developing the spiritual and cultural bonds among pupils attending schools in Greece, Cyprus and young Greek migrants attending schools elsewhere in the world. It is a vision that concentrates on supporting the migrant Greeks in the countries they live and prosper, contributing towards maintaining a bridge of communication among the migrants, Cyprus and Greece. 'IKADE' operates in two levels: the level of the Internet, where a Greek planet is created, which everyone, wherever he/she lives, can visit or navigate, and the level of teleconferences carried out between young Greeks attending Greek speaking colony schools everywhere in the world and their classmates from Cyprus and Greece. The programme is supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture and exclusively sponsored by the Bank of Cyprus.
• Programme 'ODYSSEUS': The programme is considered as the functional extension of the programme 'IKADE'. It is a research educational programme that implements open and distant education. The programme is supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Computer Department of the University of Cyprus and the Bank of Cyprus.
• Aesthetic Education: Aesthetic Education constitutes an objective under emphasis during the last years for all levels of education. For the qualitative upgrade of Art special emphasis is given to the international trends, such as the multicultural and the museum perspective, the aesthetic appreciation of Arts, the use of multimedia in the teaching of Art and the exploratory method.

Cyprus Secondary General Education

Cyprus Gymnasio - The Gymnasio is the first 3-year circle of secondary education. Compulsory education in Cyprus spans the primary and secondary education up to the age of 15, therefore tuition at the Gymnasio is compulsory. The main goal of the Gymnasio is to promote the development of pupils according to their age potentials and the respective requirements of society.

The Gymnasio is a self-contained school unit of general education. It complements the general education offered by primary education and prepares pupils for the further enhanced general humane education, while it also prepares them for further education at the Eniaio Lykeio or the Technical Schools. The subjects at the Gymnasio are common for all the pupils. The teaching periods are 37weekly for all three forms. Almost all subjects are taught at all three forms.

Cyprus Innovations and Reforms

Foreign Languages - One of the essential pylons which support Cypriot Secondary Education is the knowledge of foreign languages. For this reason pupils at the Gymnasio are taught two foreign languages (English and French).

Sex Education - In an effort to update and align schools wish modern needs and trends in society, a pilot programme was established for intersexual relations and sex education which is implemented, at a first stage, in 3 gymnasia. The programme is expected to cater for the psychological, social and emotional aspects of sex education.

Form Teacher - At the B and C forms of the Gymnasio there is the institution of the form teacher who is instrumental in improving the school atmosphere and the relations between educators and pupils as well as in developing the sense of responsibility and creativity of pupils and their involvement in the organization and operation of the class. The form teacher monitors the improvement and progress of the class and the pupils individually and helps create a new school ethos.

Information Communication Technology - The whole issue of the best possible use of new technologies in education is the object of a general policy and orientation of the Ministry of Education and Culture. In addition, the European orientation of Cyprus leads to the need for harmonization of the education policy of the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture with that of the European Union. Special interest is given to the initiative for an electronic Europe through the activities and the goals of the e-Europe programme, adopted by the Cyprus state. As a result, the subject of computer studies and the use of computers has been extended to the Gymnasio following its successful establishment at the Lykeio.

Indicative examples of the whole tendency for reform and modernization are the pupil terminals for anti-drug education (for B form pupils), the mobile units 'mentor' (for A form pupils) and the environmental programmes 'Chrysoprasino Fyllo' (Green-gold Leaf), 'Globe', 'Young journalists and the environment - Ecoschools' and 'SEMER'.

In the school year 2002-2003 there were 63 Gymnasia attended by 28.826 pupils out of a total of 52.056 pupils.

Cyprus Eniaio Lykeio - The Secondary General Education, state and private, constitutes a large part of Cyprus’ education system. As from the school year 2000-2001 Secondary Education is marked by the milestone of the Eniaio Lykeio (Lyceum). This is perhaps the most important reform in Cypriot education in the last two decades. The reform concerns an important change in the structure of the Lykeia on pan Cyprian dimensions following a pilot implementation.

The Lykeio cycle of the state Secondary Education offers a 3-year education programme for pupils aged 15 to 18. The new institution has as its main feature the general education (including both technological and economic education) and the development of an integral personality. The pupils have the options to form the timetable according to interests and talents. The pupil is assisted by the counselors and the committee for the evaluation of choices.

The A form is a form for observation, guidance and orientation. In this form pupils have the opportunity to take calculated decisions for the future forms and how to form the future preparing for further studies or the labor market. In forms B and C the pupil attends common core subjects considered indispensable for all the pupils. The pupil can select those subjects (direction) which will help the preparation for the future career as well as the subjects (interest or/and enrichment) which will satisfy or enrich special interests or talents.

The Eniaio Lykeio is also connected to the following inner reforms which are essential for materializing its main pursuits: upgrading and supporting the form teacher, the programme 'Action, Creativity, Social service', making use of the school library, supporting the in-service training of educators, extending laboratory classes to the A form of the Eniaio Lykeio, lowering the maximum number of pupils per class, supporting and upgrading career guidance and counseling, enriching and supporting teaching material with renewed text books as well as with audiovisual, software and other support material and the new didactic methodology which aims at reducing direct teaching and eliminating memorizing data and mechanical reproduction.

The number of pupils at the Lykeio in the last six years is as follows:

1997-1998 21506
1998-1999 22101
1999-2000 22878
2000-2001 22933
2001-2002 22840
2002-2003 23230

Computer Studies and Computers (ICT) - The syllabuses for computer studies have been upgraded to European standards. The introduction of direction subjects in B and C forms of the Eniaio Lykeio have as main goal to provide pupils with the required knowledge so as to operate computers as tools for problem solving in their pupil and student life, their future employment as well as a base for further study of the subject. Computer Labs are equipped with at least 18 pcs, printers, scanners and multimedia equipment. There is a systematic use of the computer at the Lykeia as a means or/and a tool in subjects such as Typing, Physics, Biology, History and Foreign Languages. There is also the possibility of using computers for the other subjects of the syllabus, with suitable software or equipment.

Cyprus and the European Dimension in Education - The European Dimension in Education was the target topic since the school year 1996-97 and ever since schools respond positively in attaining this target.

Activities undertaken by the Lykeia as regards the European Dimension are, among others:

• Collecting material relevant to the European Dimension, available to both educators and pupils.
• Creating European Clubs which cooperate with counterparts in Cyprus and abroad.
• Publishing special leaflets or articles in the school magazines.
• Undertaking interdisciplinary projects by pupils on topics such as: human rights, xenophobia, racism, the environment, cultural heritage, European identity, common European features, etc.
• Links of Lykeia with European schools either through e-mail and internet or through the programme school links and Exchanges.
• Stress on celebrating Europe Day and establishment of Europe Week with relevant activities.

Special Rooms - One of the innovations of the Eniaio Lykeio is the implementation of the programme Teaching classes in special rooms. The traditional teaching adhered to a classroom for all subjects taught. By establishing special rooms, teaching is updated for each subject and a number of education means and didactic techniques are used for each subject. The use of special rooms is expected to enhance the interest in and effectiveness of teaching.

Private Secondary Education - There are a number of private secondary schools, all registered with the Ministry of Education and Culture and operating according to existing regulations. They offer six or seven-year courses. Some of them apply exactly the syllabuses and timetables of the state schools. The language of teaching in private schools varies, the main ones being Greek, English, French and Russian.

Cyprus Secondary, Technical and Vocational

Students attending public Secondary Technical and Vocational Education (STVE) programmes represent, approximately, 20% of the total students population. STVE programmes include formal Technical and Vocational Education, an Apprenticeship Scheme and Lifelong Learning and Training Programmes.They are offered in two main directions, theoretical and practical, and in various specialties. These programmes have a duration of three years and can be attended by students who have graduated successfully from the Gymnasio.

By offering a balanced curriculum of general and technological education STVE aims to provide students the required knowledge and skills, in order to:

• Prepare them to enter the world of work well equipped, or
• Continue further studies in their chosen area.

STVE Leaving Certificates are equivalent to those of Secondary General Education and, Technical School leavers can compete, in favorable terms, with school leavers from the Lykeio (Lyceum), for places in Tertiary Education by taking the centrally administered entrance examinations.

Apprenticeship Scheme - The Apprenticeship Scheme addresses drop-outs from the formal education system for the ages 15 to 17. Apprentices are employed in industry, where they receive on- the- job training and have the opportunity for general education and school based vocational training on a day release basis for a period of two years. The Scheme is a joint effort of the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance and aims to equip young people with the means to get a job and to supply industry with semiskilled workers.

Life-Long Learning and Training Programmes - Various Vocational Education and Training (VET) programmes are offered in afternoon and evening classes in Technical School. They have a duration of one, two or three years, or can be of shorter duration in modules of 40, 60 and 80 periods per year. They aim to provide individuals with the opportunity to enrich their knowledge and abilities and compete for employment.

An Evening Technical School is currently operating in Nicosia and after the trial period and depending on the findings of the evaluation that is foreseen, the innovation will be expanded to cover the whole of Cyprus. The programmes offered have the same legal status as the formal programmes of the day Technical Schools and it is a second opportunity to young people, and any adult for that matter, to acquire the Secondary and Vocational Education School Leaving Certificate.

Cyprus Higher and Tertiary Education

Higher and Tertiary Education in Cyprus is offered by both public and private institutions.

The Department of Higher and Tertiary Education of the Ministry of Education and Culture was established in 1984 and is the competent department of the Ministry for the following:

• Legislation for the University of Cyprus
• The establishment of the Open University of Cyprus
• The establishment of the Technological University of Cyprus
• The European Programmes in Higher Education
• The Private Schools for Higher and Tertiary Education and the relevant legal framework to establish Private Universities
• The Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KYSATS)
• The Council for the Educational Accreditation of Programmes of Study (SEKAP)
• The Entrance Examinations to Higher Education
• Lifelong Learning
• Student Affairs

During the academic year of 2002-2003, the University of Cyprus and six Public Tertiary Education Institutions were operating. The total number of Cypriot students at home and abroad during the academic year 2002-2003 was 29.090, of which 12.716, forming a percentage of about 44%, were studying in Cyprus.

Cypriot students abroad were 16.374. They are mainly distributed to Greece (65%), the United Kingdom (17%) and the USA (9%). The total number of students registered at Cyprus third level education institutions during the same academic year was 18.033, out of which 12.716 were Cypriots and 5.317 were international students.

The Universities of Cyprus - The University of Cyprus is an autonomous educational institution and at present is the only university in operation.

In the meantime, the House of Representatives has approved, in December 2003, the Law for the establishment of the Technological University of Cyprus. This new University will cover the educational fields of the existing public schools of higher education with the following initial faculties:

• Faculty of Technological Applications
• Faculty of Health Services
• Faculty of Administration and Finance
• Faculty of Geotechnical Sciences
• Faculty of Applied Arts and Communication
• The Technological University of Cyprus is expected to be in operation in 2-3 years.

In order to realize and strengthen Life Long Learning in Cyprus, the House of Representatives approved on 30 December 2002 the corresponding law for the establishment of the Open University of Cyprus. The Interim Governing Board has been appointed and has made the preliminary preparations for the operation of the University in September 2005 with the following programmes:

• Degree programme in Greek Civilization
• Postgraduate programme in Health Services
• Postgraduate programme in Education

Significant work has also been done for the completion of the legal framework for the establishment and operation of Private Universities in Cyprus. The draft law is being examined by the Law Office for finalization.

The University of Cyprus

Brief Profile - The University of Cyprus was established in 1989 and admitted its first students in 1992. Admission to the University is highly sought, evidenced by the number and caliber of its applicants. The ratio of candidates to admissions is 10 to 1. The main objectives of the University of Cyprus are twofold: the promotion of scholarship and education through teaching and research, and the enhancement of the cultural, social and economic development of Cyprus.

Research is promoted and funded in all departments for its contribution to scholarship in general and for its local and international applications. The research programmes conducted at the University cover a wide range of fields that relate to specializations and departments presently in operation. They are funded either through the University’s budget or by funding agencies in Cyprus or abroad. The University participates in a number of international university organizations and networks. It also cooperates, through inter-state and inter-university agreements, with universities and research centers in Europe and internationally, for the promotion of science and research. Moreover, in its attempt to contribute actively to the development of Cyprus, the University cooperates with various institutions in Cyprus on research programmes that focus on the needs of Cypriot industry, the economy and society at large.

The University's permanent Campus is currently under construction in the Athalassa area, about five kilometers from the Nicosia city centre. On its completion, the University Campus will be able to accommodate a total of 8.000 students.

Programmes - The University of Cyprus currently offers programmes (graduate and postgraduate) through the following faculties and departments:

• Faculty of Humanities, with Departments in English studies, French Studies and Modern Languages, Turkish Studies and Middle Eastern Studies.
• Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, with Departments in Biological Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science, Physics and Chemistry.
• Faculty of Social Sciences and Education, with Departments in Education, Social and Political Sciences and Psychology.
• Faculty of Economics and Management, with Departments in Public and Business Administration and Economics.
• Faculty of Engineering, with Departments in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering.
• Faculty of Letters, with Departments in Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, History and Archaeology and Classics and Philosophy.

The House of Representatives has approved the expansion of the Faculties and the new Department of Law will operate soon.

Cyprus International Relations - The University of Cyprus is a member of the Community of Mediterranean Universities (CMU), the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), and the Association of European Universities (EUA). The University also has established close contacts with numerous international organizations, including UNESCO, CEPES and the Council of Europe. This international cooperation, enhanced by the collaboration of the academic staff with universities and research institutions abroad, positions the University of Cyprus favorably in the international scholarly community.

The University of Cyprus has signed bilateral agreements of cooperation with around 50 universities in Europe, Australia and the USA. There are agreements, both inter-university and inter-department and there are also agreements for student and academic staff exchanges, joint research projects, conferences and exchange of teaching and research material. Further more, the University has a European Collaboration Office in Brussels, which aims to foster collaboration and gather information on EU policies for research, education and culture. In addition, the Office is establishing relationships with key EU players participate in lobbying groups and cooperate with Offices of other EU member countries or regions in formulating funding proposals.

Lectures / Cultural Activities in Cyprus - All departments of the University organize public lectures and other events focused on issues of scholarly, scientific and wider interest. In addition, the University sponsors centrally organized lectures, cultural events, exhibitions, concerts and other activities open to the general public. It cooperates with many cultural institutions, local authorities and others in order to promote culture, for the benefit of the academic community and the students as well as for society at large. The University, in cooperation with the Municipality of Aglantzia, organizes a series of lectures open to the public, which is known as 'Free University'. The University has expanded the 'Free University' to cover Limassol, Pafos and the Cypriot Diaspora in London. Other series of lectures are organized on a regular basis by the Archaeological Research Unit, the Economics Research Centre and the Centre for Banking and Financial Research.

Public Schools of Higher Education - All public institutions of higher education operate under the guidance of the appropriate Ministries.

These institutions are:

1. The Cyprus Forestry College

The Cyprus Forestry College is a government international institution of Tertiary Education and operates under the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment. Since its establishment in 1951, the college has trained students from Africa, Europe, Asia, Middle East, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean in the general principles of forestry and forestry practices. The Cyprus Forestry College is participating in the European programmes Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci. The language of instruction is English. The college is a residential institution with its own accommodation, boarding and transportation facilities.

The Cyprus Forestry College offers the following courses:

• The three - year Forestry course, leading to the award of the Diploma in Forestry.
• The six - month Post Diploma course, leading to the award of the Higher Diploma in Forestry, and
• Short training course, leading to the award of the Certificate in Forestry.

2. The Higher Technical Institute

The Higher Technical Institute (HTI) operates under the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance. Its main purpose is the education of high caliber Technician Engineers in order to satisfy the needs of a developing industry in suitably trained personnel to take up middle management technical positions.
The international status of the HTI has been enhanced with an ever increasing number of foreign students, mainly from the Commonwealth and from countries of the region.

Programmes

The Institute offers three-year, full-time courses for the Diploma of Technician Engineer in the following fields:

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical/Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Marine Engineering
• Computer Studies

Electrical/Electronic Engineering graduates can register as Incorporated Engineers with the Engineering Council of UK.

The procedures for analogous accreditation of the respective diplomas of the Mechanical and Marine Engineering courses of HTI were successfully completed in November 2004. It is expected that the relevant bodies will soon confirm that 'the Diplomas of the Mechanical and Marine Engineering Courses of HTI satisfy the full academic requirements for Corporate Membership of IIE and IMarEST, IEng registration with the Engineering Council of UK.' Industrial training is a major component of the studies at HTI and amounts to 1000 hours. In collaboration with the Cyprus Manpower Development Authority, HTI has developed an extensive network of training for its students with a variety of industries, contributing highly to the technological development and upgrading of the economy. Sea training is provided for the Marine Engineering students.

Other Courses - Responding to the rapid changes in technology, HTI has been also hosting short updating courses and seminars on new technology. Since 1994,HTI has been offering evening preparatory courses for the Engineering Council, ECE part II, examinations. Successful candidates satisfy the academic requirements for registration with the Engineering Council of UK and the Cyprus Technical Chamber. They can also proceed for post graduate studies.

The Institute provides services for testing and consultancy which can be offered to both the public and the private sectors.

Research - Special concern is placed in the area of research. Over the last years there has been an extensive activity on applied research both at national and European levels. Various projects are running in the fields of solar energy, computer assisted applications, solutions to engineering problems, desalination of water, sludge as a soil conditioner, e-manufacturing, optical fiber sensing and telecommunications, rapid prototyping, 3D-reconstruction and reproduction, robotics, seismic repairs due to earthquakes, noise models for highways and other.

International and European Programmes - Since 1992 HTI has been participating in various European programmes which include activities like student and staff exchanges in Tertiary Education and intensive courses between Institutions. The Institute was the contractor of the projects CEMENTC AND HERMES within the European programme LEONARDO and since 1998 is being involved in the programme Socrates/Erasmus. A number of students participate in the IAESTE programme and take their industrial training abroad.

In 1978 a joint project between the World Health Organization and the Government of Cyprus was signed, for the purpose of training in the repair and maintenance of medical equipment.

Prospects for Degree Studies - About 70% of HTI graduates pursue further education abroad by being admitted to degree courses, notably in the United Kingdom and the United States. HTI graduates are given transfer student status with numerous accredited Universities and gain a University degree in Engineering, by studying for further two years.

HTI within the Technological University of Cyprus - The House of Representatives has recently passed a bill of law, establishing a new academic institution, the Technical University of Cyprus. According to the above law, HTI will be integrated within the new University. This important development will no doubt enhance its role as a key regional training and research engineering institution and facilitate further institutional links with academic and research establishments in the European Union.

3. The Higher Hotel Institute

The Higher Hotel Institute, Cyprus (HHIC) is a government institution of Tertiary Education bunching under the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance. Its main purpose is to supply the Hotel and Catering Industry of Cyprus with specialized and well trained personnel as well to contribute to the development of the industry in general.

The HHIC offers the following full time educational programmes:

• Hotel and Catering Management (3 years)
• Culinary Arts (3 years)
• Front Office (1 year)
• Housekeeping (1 year)

It offers its students full education combined with theoretical education and practical training. The language of instruction is English. Industrial placement at the end of each academic year supplements theoretical education and practical training. On the basis of the needs of the Hotel and Catering Industry, the Institute yearly organizes special ab initio accelerated training programmes as well as upgrades programmes for Hotel and Catering employees. At the same time, HHIC carries out research on various subjects concerning the Hotel and Catering Industry.

The Institute adapts its educational programmes so that these comply with the European standards. Modern views, such as sustainability of tourism and protection of the environment, are incorporated into the curricula, thus enriching the programmes of the Institute. To this purpose, the Institute cooperates closely with corresponding European educational Institutes, and participates in the activities of International Boards such as the World Tourism Organization, the International Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Hotel and Catering International Management Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Leonardo and Socrates programmes of the European Union, etc.

Today, the HHIC faces a new challenge, probably the biggest in its history and its future operation within the Technical University of Cyprus to be established in two years’ time. The School of Management and Economics of the Technical University of Cyprus will include the department of Tourism and Hotel Management which will offer courses of Hotel and Catering Management, presently offered by HHIC.

4. The School of Nursing

The School of Nursing of the Ministry of Health offers basic courses of a three-year and three-month duration in General Nursing and in Psychiatric Nursing (Registered Nurses) and a post-diploma course of a twelve-month duration in Nursing Administration, Midwifery, Intensive Care and other specialized fields. The language of instruction is Greek.

5. The Mediterranean Institute of Management (M.I.M.)

The Mediterranean Institute of Management (M.I.M.) of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance, operating under the Cyprus Productivity Centre, provides high quality Management Education to University graduates through the morning Post Graduate Management Diploma Programme conducted in English and the evening Post-Graduate Programme in Management and Public Administration conducted in Greek.

Post Graduate Management Diploma Programme - The overall objective is to provide the participants with a sound framework of concepts and analytical methods and techniques which, coupled with company visits and on-the-job training, offered also as part of the programme, will equip them to execute effectively the usual duties of 'Assistant General Manager' or 'Functional Manager'.

Post-Graduate Management and Public Administration Programme - This programme offers the opportunity to graduates working in the private and the wider public sector to prepare for a Managerial career. Its main objective is to provide the participants with a sound framework of concepts and analytical methods and techniques which will equip them to execute effectively their Managerial duties.

International Programmes Component

a) International seminars in cooperation with the International Labor Office

MIM in close cooperation with the International Labor Office organizes seminars related to the fields of competence of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance.

b) Government Scheme for providing technical assistance to foreign countries

Since 1994, the MIM has undertaken the management and practical implementation of the government scheme for technical assistance to foreign countries, with special emphasis on Central and Eastern European countries.

6. The Public Health Inspectors School

The Public Health Inspectors School functions under the Ministry of Health, whenever a need arises to train public health inspectors. Its medium of instruction is the English language. The School offers a three-year course which leads to the award of the \Diploma of Public Health Inspector.

7. The Tourist Guides School

The Tourist Guides School functions under the Cyprus Tourism Organization whenever arises a need to train guides. Its medium of instruction is the Greek language. The School offers a one-year course, which leads to the award of the Diploma of Tourist Guide.

8. The Cyprus Police Academy

The Cyprus Police Academy functions under the Ministry of Law and Public Order. Its medium of instruction is the Greek language. The Academy offers a three-year course, which leads to the award to the Diploma of Probationary Policeman.

Private Schools of Higher Education - The Private Schools of Higher Education were founded mainly during the last two decades. They offer a wide variety of programmes of study in professional and academic levels. At present, there are twenty three private schools of higher education which offer 1 to 4 years programmes of study in various fields together with a number of courses at Masters level. The Department of Higher and Tertiary Education provides all the necessary administrative support and helps them to register new programmes of study which are in demand by the students.

Council of Educational Evaluation - Accreditation

The Council of Educational Evaluation - Accreditation is the competent authority responsible for the Educational Evaluation-Accreditation of Programmes of Study of Private Institutions of Tertiary Education of the Republic of Cyprus. It is appointed by the Council of Ministers, upon the recommendation of the Minister of Education and Culture, for a five-year term of office that can be renewed only once. The Council insures quality control by overseeing the process of evaluating programmes of study offered by Private Institutions of Higher Education. This process culminates in the accreditation of those programmes judged as satisfying the minimum internationally accepted requirements.

Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications - The Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KY.S.A.T.S.) is the competent authority for the recognition of Titles (or Degrees) which were awarded from institutions of Higher Education recognized in the country they operate. It serves the role of the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) for Cyprus. The recognition of academic Titles (or Degrees) is based on the Directives of UNESCO and the Council of Europe.

KY.S.A.T.S evaluates academic qualifications granting them recognition of equivalence or equivalence and correspondence only in the case when the academic title is awarded by an accredited education establishment recognized in the country it operates or if the academic title (degree) has been conferred by an evaluated - accredited programme of study. It must be noted that an evaluated - accredited programme of study means the one which has been evaluated and accredited by the competent National Authority responsible for the evaluation - accreditation in the country where the programme is offered.

Cyprus Institute of Education

The Institute of Education, Cyprus (Pedagogical Institute of Cyprus), which was founded in 1972, is an institute of teacher education. The Institute’s main activities are professional teacher training, educational research and evaluation, educational documentation, educational technology, and curriculum development.

Cyprus Teacher Education - The Institute of Education offers teacher education programmes for all Cypriot nationals, with emphasis on active learning, meta cognitive skills, intercultural education and technology.

The programmes designed to offer professional training for teachers and administrators are the following:

• Pre-service and in-service professional education for teachers and administrators.
• In-service training programme for secondary school assistant principals.
• In-service training programme for secondary school principals.
• In-service training programme for elementary school principals.
• Optional seminars.
• School-based seminars.
• Training programme for Greek teachers of pre-primary and primary education.
• Special seminars.

Cyprus Research and Evaluation

The research and evaluation activities of the Institute of Education deal with the following:

• Educational research and evaluation.
• Guidance and statistical data processing of research and evaluation projects undertaken by educators from primary and secondary education.
• Seminars on educational research - evaluation and Information Technology.

Cyprus Publications - The Institute of Education has published over a hundred education books and offers help to all seminar participants through the publication of books authored by faculty members. These books are either used as textbooks or as research and reference sources.

Cyprus Technology Services

The Institute of Education provides technological support for its teacher education programmes. Technological support is provided in the following forms:

• Production of sight and sound programmes
• Production of short-length films
• Video taping and photographing
• Production and multiplication of new teaching materials
• Multiplication of sound and visual programmes

The Lemithou Centre of Environmental Education - The Lemithou Centre for Environmental Education is under the supervision of the Institute. The Centre is situated in the village of Lemithou and offers one-day and three-day programmes for students and teachers. The Center aims at sensitizing people in environmental matters.

The Curriculum Development Unit - The main activity of the Curriculum Development Unit has been the production of textbooks for primary and secondary education schools.

European Programmes in Cyprus

The Institute is involved in the following European programmes:

• PROJECT L.I.P.P.S.(Curriculum Continuity Between the Primary and Secondary Education)
• PROJECT EDIPED(The development of a European Digital portfolio for the Evaluation of Educators).
• LeAF (Learning About Forests).
• Fresh Water Program.
• Forest net - Nature trails
• MINERVA.

Socrates National Coordination Unit: The Socrates Programme is the community action programme founded by the European Commission in 1995 to act as the connecting link among the European countries in the field of education.

Cyprus joined the Socrates Programme on 1 November 1997. The Cyprus Socrates National Coordination Unit, which functions within the structure of the Ministry of Education and Culture, has been established to facilitate the co-coordinated management of the programme's actions at national level.

In view of promoting cooperation between institutions of pre-primary, primary, secondary, tertiary education and institutions working in the field of adult education with respective European institutions, the Socrates programme initiates activities involving the full range of education bodies, in order to establish the European dimension and improve quality in education.