CURRICULUM GUIDE
A curriculum-by-curriculum guide for Cyprus families comparing A-Levels, the IB Diploma, the Apolytirion and the American track
Maria Ioannou, a working mum and editor at PrivateSchools.cy, explains how each major curriculum works in Cyprus, which students thrive in them, and how to keep both local and international university routes open.
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A curriculum-by-curriculum guide explaining how A-Levels, the IB Diploma, the Apolytirion and the American system work in Cyprus, and how to match each option to your child.
If you are looking at private schools in Cyprus, you are also choosing a set of exams, a leaving certificate, and a pathway to university. The curriculum shapes how your child is taught, how much pressure lands in the final two years, and which qualifications universities understand.
Families in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos usually narrow the choice to A-Levels/British curricula, the IB Diploma, the Apolytirion (sometimes combined with A-Levels), or a US-style track. Each route manages learning, assessment and university recognition differently.
The curriculum influences:
In Cyprus there are extra considerations:
Understanding the main options clearly helps you ignore noise and focus on what fits your child and your long-term plans.
Most private schools in Cyprus build on four main routes: A-Levels, the IB Diploma, the Apolytirion, and in some cases a US-style High School Diploma paired with IB. Browse all options in the private schools in Cyprus and filter by curriculum.
A-Levels follow the British system. Students typically take 8–10 IGCSE subjects and then narrow down to 3 or 4 A-Levels at 16–18. The route focuses on depth, is almost entirely exam based, and is widely recognised by UK and European universities.
Directory tip
Start with the English-medium filter to surface campuses where British exams are most common, then open each listing and check the curriculum tags or summary for “IGCSE” and “A-Levels.”
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a demanding two-year programme taken at 16–19. Students take six subjects (three Higher Level, three Standard Level) plus the core: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity-Activity-Service.
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Filter IB schools via
| Feature | A-Levels | IB Diploma | Apolytirion (Private) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Depth in 3–4 subjects | Breadth with depth in 6 subjects | Overall school performance across many subjects |
| Assessment style | Mostly final exams | Exams plus coursework and the core (TOK, CAS, EE) | Internal exams and continuous assessment |
| Ideal student profile | Specialist with clear strengths | Organised all-rounder | Steady worker who prefers spreading risk |
| Typical university targets | UK, many EU destinations and beyond | US, UK, EU and wider global options | Cyprus & Greek universities plus some EU/UK with planning |
| Stress pattern | Concentrated around exam seasons | High, steady workload all year | Moderate but constant need to keep grades up |
Some long-established schools include “American” in their branding yet deliver a British-style curriculum with IGCSEs and A-Levels plus a local leaving certificate. They can be excellent schools, but they do not automatically run a full US curriculum with AP exams.
A handful of schools - including the American International School in Cyprus - offer a US-accredited High School Diploma alongside the IB Diploma. That combination is powerful for students targeting North American universities because admissions teams understand both diplomas immediately.
If you are specifically aiming for the US, ask each school: “Will my child graduate with a US-accredited High School Diploma, and which advanced programme (IB, AP or A-Levels) runs on top of that?” Clarity matters more than branding.
Cyprus has a strong culture of private afternoon lessons (frontistiria). A-Levels are easiest to combine with subject-specific tutoring because students only sit 3–4 exams. The IB timetable is dense and includes CAS activities and TOK, so a child who relies on external tutoring for every subject can become overwhelmed. Apolytirion students also attend tutoring - especially for key subjects that count heavily towards the final grade.
Think about how your child genuinely studies. Do they thrive with extra structured help, or do they prefer to handle most work themselves?
For boys who will serve in the National Guard, timing matters. Some families prefer to secure A-Level or IB grades before enlistment, then use those results for applications abroad. Others choose the Apolytirion route into local universities, which can feel less pressured if the goal is to study in Cyprus or Greece while managing army obligations. Ask schools directly how their graduates handle this transition.
Whatever curriculum you choose, make sure Greek does not disappear. Apolytirion requires solid Greek because it is part of the main academic load. Many A-Level schools offer Modern Greek at IGCSE or A-Level so students keep formal Greek and add a relatively strong grade to their profile. The IB allows Greek as a first or second language, which works well for bilingual families.
If your home language is not Greek, ask: “What realistic level of Greek will my child have at graduation under this curriculum?” Browse schools that teach Greek and schools that teach English to see how each curriculum balances bilingual expectations.
In many private schools students can follow the Apolytirion track, add one or more A-Levels on top, and then use whichever results turn out stronger when applying later.
When you visit or email admissions, try asking:
Write the answers down. When you compare them side by side (or use our comparison tool), the right option often becomes clearer.
No single curriculum automatically wins. A-Levels are familiar and often the simplest route, the IB is highly respected when scores are strong, and the Apolytirion combined with A-Levels or IB can also work. Focus on grades and subjects, and always check each university's entry requirements.
Sometimes, but the later you leave it the harder it becomes. Moving between British-style schools is usually manageable, starting the IB late is rarely realistic, and switching into or out of Apolytirion streams depends on language level and school policy. Ask schools how internal transfers work before you commit.
Choose a pathway that keeps doors open. The IB keeps many options alive a little longer, a balanced A-Level set also helps, and Apolytirion plus selected A-Levels can allow both local and international routes. It's normal at 15–16 not to know the exact degree yet - avoid closing obvious doors too early.
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The Apolytirion is the official Cypriot/Greek secondary school leaving certificate. Many private schools deliver a recognised Private Apolytirion approved by the Ministry of Education and Culture, often alongside international programmes.
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Use the government-certified filter to highlight schools whose Apolytirion is fully recognised by the Ministry of Education.
Not necessarily. The Apolytirion is the natural route to Cyprus and Greek public universities and is recognised elsewhere when paired with strong English and supporting documents. If you're focused on the UK, US or other competitive systems, ask schools how their Apolytirion graduates reach those destinations and what extra steps they take.
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