Adult learning is crucial for migrants as they may require different skills from those that they used in their countries of origin for their new careers.

The EU, through Erasmus+ and its predecessor Lifelong Learning Programme, has funded adult learning and language learning projects. See some examples of what has been done and how education can play its part in the integration of migrants: Adult education in Cyprus is offered at public, semi-government and private institutions which, according to the type of education or training being offered, can be grouped in three categories:

• Institutions offering formal adult education
• Institutions offering non-formal adult education
• Institutions offering (continuing) vocational training

The five Evening Gymnasia and the two Evening Technical Schools in Nicosia and Limassol, Post-Secondary Institutes of Vocational Education and Training, the Open University of Cyprus, the Mediterranean Institute of Management, Higher Education Institutions (both public and private) offering flexible learning programmes for adults.

The Adult Education Centres, the 41 State Institutes of Further Education, the Pedagogical Institute, Private Institutes registered with the Ministry of Education.

The Cyprus Productivity Centre, the Cyprus Academy of Public Administration, afternoon and evening classes at the technical schools, the Apprenticeship Scheme offered jointly at technical schools and private industries, in-company courses funded by the Human Resource Development Authority.

The Adult Education Centres is a significant programme which provides general adult education in Cyprus within the framework of providing lifelong learning opportunities. The main objective of the Adult Education Centres is the general development of each adult’s personality as well as the social, financial and cultural development of citizens and society in general. Their aims coincide with the state’s developmental policy and the wider aims of the Ministry of Education and Culture regarding the provision of "Lifelong Learning" opportunities for all the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and the combating of educational inequalities so that citizens may be successfully integrated and be enabled to act efficiently in a united Europe.

The Adult Education Centres offer a variety of interdisciplinary courses which focus mainly on the teaching of foreign languages, arts and crafts, cultural programmes, health and other issues of general interest, as well as on teaching professional and vocational skills.

Furthermore, every year the Adult Education Centres organise free of charge learning activities for various target groups, such as people with literacy difficulties, people with special needs, enclaved Cypriots, prisoners, mentally ill and elderly people. They also offer, free of charge, Greek language courses to children of repatriated Cypriots, to political refugees and to Turkish Cypriots. Moreover, Turkish language courses are offered free of charge to Greek Cypriots.

The Adult Education Centres have been acknowledged by the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus as the most important programme of general adult education with the provision of a variety of qualitative courses.

Minor asylum seekers and minor children of applicants have the right to access public education under the same conditions as the citizen children of the Republic of Cyprus. However, due to the fact that Greek is the language of instruction in public schools, it hinders their attendance. Therefore, in some educational institutions, after school hours, Greek language courses are offered in order to assist their integration in the school system.

Moreover, in 2003-2004, the Ministry of Education and Culture established Zones of Educational Priority (ZEPs), as pilot project, however, since then the project has been expanded and now it includes 42 educational establishments. The main aim behind the introduction of ZEPs was the provision of equal opportunities in education, as well as the fight against school failure, social exclusion, educational marginalization, etc.

The Reception Regulations stipulate that all asylum seeking children have access to education under the same conditions that apply to Cypriot citizens, immediately after applying for asylum and no later than 3 months from the date of submission.

The Regulations stipulate that all children whose parents have secured legal stay under employment status have access to education under the same conditions that apply to Cypriot citizens.

All foreign students, non-EU students who apply to higher institutions in Cyprus require a visa to enter Cyprus. Provided that all the required documents and payments have been received, the institution will submit the student’s documents to the Migration Authorities for evaluation.

1. €55 Application fee (application will not be processed without this non-refundable fee).
2. €86 Student Visa fee (application will not be processed without this non-refundable fee).
3. 4x passport sized photos.
4. Attested copy of High School Leaving Certificate (Lower & Higher Secondary) and mark sheets.
5. Attested passport copy (valid for at least two years from the start of the semester to be enrolled).
6. Attested Police Clearance Certificate (6 months validity period).
7. Attested Bank Letter (6 months validity period) stating that the student’s sponsor has the financial ability to support his/her living, tuition and repatriation expenses. Sponsor may only be Father/ Mother/Self. In case of another Sponsor, please supply Court affidavit. The letter must also clearly state the relationship between Sponsor and student.
8. Supporting bank statement (1 month validity).
9. Attested Blood Test reports for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C (4 months validity).
10. Attested chest X-ray report for tuberculosis (4 months validity).