All children, regardless of their country of origin or nationality, who reside permanently or temporarily in Cyprus have the right to enroll in public kindergartens.
With the amendment of the Primary and Secondary Education (Compulsory Attendance and Provision of Free Education) Laws, in January 2019, and by Decision of the Council of Ministers (No. 84.078, 9/1/2018), compulsory pre-primary education was initially determined in 4 years and 8 months and the mandatory pre-primary class in 5 yearsThe decision was implemented gradually and was completed in September 2020.
With a new amendment (Law 30(I)/2024, March 2024), the age of compulsory pre-primary education is gradually differentiated to begin at 4 years.
Gradual implementation of school age
- School Year 2024–2025: 4 years and 6 months (until 1/9/2024)
- School Year 2025–2026: 4 years and 5 months (until 1/9/2025)
- School Year 2026–2027: 4 years and 4 months (until 1/9/2026)
- School Year 2027–2028: 4 years and 4 months (until 1/9/2027)
- School Year 2028–2029: 4 years and 3 months (until 1/9/2028)
- School Year 2029–2030: 4 years and 2 months (until 1/9/2029)
- School Year 2030–2031: 4 years and 1 month (until 1/9/2030)
- School Year 2031–2032 and onwards: 4 years (until 1/9/2031)
Educational District School
Children in compulsory pre-primary education are registered and accepted at the school of their educational district.
➡️ More information – Citizen Service: Pre-Primary Education
Registration of younger children
Children under the mandatory age are also entitled to apply, provided they have reached the age of 3 years before September 1st of the school year they will attend.
The applications of these children are being considered only if there are vacancies after the registration of children in compulsory pre-primary education. Places are allocated based on specified criteria.
Priority is given to:
- Children with special educational needs aged 3+ years,
- Provided they have been approved by the District Special Education and Training Committees.
➡️ More information – Citizen Service: Pre-Primary Education