Private Schools in Northern Cyprus

There are several dozen private schools operating in Northern Cyprus, offering education based on British, American, Turkish and international educational programmes. Most of them accept students from preschool age and support them through to the end of secondary school. Below, we have compiled private schools officially registered with the TRNC Ministry of National Education, along with their main features.

• How private education is structured
• Private schools in Nicosia
• Private schools in Kyrenia
• Private schools in Famagusta
• How to choose a school
• Frequently asked questions

How private education is structured in Northern Cyprus

Private schools in Northern Cyprus operate under licences issued by the TRNC Ministry of National Education. Many educational networks combine several levels of education: kindergarten, primary school, secondary school and college.

Depending on the school, instruction may be provided in English or Turkish. International schools also use Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel, IGCSE, A Level and other international programmes.

Virtually all major schools offer:

• preschool education;
• primary school;
• secondary school;
• preparation for university admission.

Private schools in Nicosia

The capital of Northern Cyprus offers the widest choice of private educational institutions.

Private schools in Kyrenia

Kyrenia is considered the second city in Northern Cyprus by the number of international schools. Many of them cater to international students.

Private schools in Famagusta

There are fewer private schools in the Famagusta region, but modern educational institutions also operate here.

How to choose a private school

When choosing a school, it is worth considering not only the tuition fees, but also the educational programme, the language of instruction and the child's future plans.

Before submitting documents, it is recommended to pay attention to:

• the language of instruction;
• international accreditation;
• the availability of IGCSE, A Level or other international examination programmes;
• class sizes;
• the availability of a school bus;
• the possibility of visiting the school before enrolment.

Most schools hold open days and organise individual tours for parents.

Frequently asked questions

Do all private schools operate in English?

No. Many schools use a bilingual education system — English and Turkish. International schools usually provide their main instruction in English.

Is it possible to enrol during the school year?

In many schools, this is possible if places are available and the entrance testing is successfully completed.

Which school is considered the largest?

One of the largest educational networks in Northern Cyprus is Near East, which brings together kindergartens, primary schools and colleges in several cities.

Are there schools with a British education system?

Yes. British educational programmes are offered, for example, by Levent College, Necat British College and The English School of Kyrenia.

Where can I find the official list of private schools?

The current list of licensed private schools is published by the TRNC Ministry of National Education.