It is also the world's 80th largest by area and the world's 51st largest by population. It measures 240 kilometers (149 mi) long from end to end and 100 kilometers (62 mi) wide at its widest point, with Turkey 75 kilometers (47 mi) to the north.
Cyprus has a highly developed system of primary and secondary education offering both public and private education. The high quality of instruction can be attributed in part to the fact that nearly 7% of the GDP is spent on education which makes Cyprus one of the top three spenders of education in the EU along with Denmark and Sweden. Studying in Cyprus you will receive a high-quality international education at an affordable cost. You will make friends from all over the world at whichever of the Cyprian universities you choose to attend.
As Cyprus is located at the crossroad of Africa, Asia, and Europe it has experienced many different cultures through time. Be prepared for a diverse explosion of culture as you enter this beautiful Mediterranean island.
Pre-Primary education in Cyprus is available for children over the age of 3, it lasts for one year and is compulsory before entering primary school. The primary school then lasts for 6 years.
At the age of 12, Cypriots enter Secondary General Education which gives a broad interdisciplinary education with a variety of extracurricular activities. This includes Gymnasio (lower secondary education) and Lykeio (upper secondary education) and lasts for six years. Instead of the three years of Lykeio students may attend Secondary Technical and Vocational Education which will provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to go directly into the working life or proceed to further studies.
Higher education in Cyprus is provided in both public and private institutions and the system is under constant development. The Department of Higher Tertiary Education (DAAE) in Cyprus has taken big measures to increase funding, research and interest for higher education, three state universities have been opened. The DAAE also established a Council of Educational Evaluation-Accreditation which aims to keep a constant level of education in Cyprus and make sure that infrastructure and equipment live up to these standards. Since Cyprus became a member of the EU in 2004 the role of higher education in the country has grown even bigger and the Open University of Cyprus has opened its doors.
As English is the language of instruction in many programs of higher education in Cyprus many abroad students find their education here. In 2005-06 many foreign students came from Europe, India, Bangladesh, and China.
Cyprus has two official languages, Greek and Turkish. Armenian and Cypriot Maronite Arabic are recognized as minority languages. Although without official status, English is widely spoken and it features widely on road signs, public notices, and in advertisements, etc. Depending on the degree type the tuition fees for international students go up to 3500 Euros for undergraduate students. Some specialized courses might go up to 7000 Euros. The tuition fees for masters degree ranges from 2000 to 2500 Euros. The cost of living in Cyprus is between 300 Euros to 650 Euros per month.