Cyprus is another warm Mediterranean option in the EU if you are looking at Malta. The local language is Greek, which affects how you practise English outside class. This guide covers what to check on costs, where schools are, who Cyprus may suit and how it compares with other destinations.
What does it cost to study English in Cyprus?
Prices in Cyprus depend on the school, the course, the season and the accommodation. This page does not quote them. Ask each school for an itemised quote for your dates and check what it covers:
- Tuition: lessons per week, group or one-to-one, and class size
- Accommodation: homestay, shared apartment or residence, and the dates it covers
- Food and transport: which meals are included and how you get to school
- Other costs: registration, books, exam fees, insurance and flights
Compare quotes item by item, not by the headline price. If you are also looking at the Philippines, our guide on English in the Philippines explains how English is used there.
Where are the English schools in Cyprus?
Schools in Cyprus are usually in the larger cities:
- Limassol - A coastal city with an expat community.
- Larnaca - A coastal city close to the airport.
- Nicosia - The capital, inland and divided between Greek and Turkish zones. Good for culture, less for beach lifestyle.
Check the school’s address, the distance to your accommodation and the transport links before you book.
What is the student lifestyle like?
Cyprus is an island of sun, sea, and ancient history. Outside class, you can hike the Troodos Mountains, visit archaeological sites like Kourion, or simply enjoy the Mediterranean beaches. The pace of life is relaxed, with a cafe culture. The local language is Greek, and while English is used in tourist areas, you’ll need to be proactive about practising outside class. Limassol has a Russian-speaking community, which some learners find reassuring for settling in - though you might be tempted to speak Russian more than English. It is easier to make friends, but you may get less English practice. If you prefer one-to-one lessons, the Philippines offers a different format: our catalogue has 10 working schools in Cebu City, Mactan and Boracay, and several of them teach one-to-one lessons. See our overview of English schools in the Philippines for comparison.
Is Cyprus a good place for a beginner?
Cyprus can suit beginners, but the class format differs by school. Ask whether lessons are in a group or one-to-one, how many students are in a class and how the school places beginners. In the Philippines, QQ English lists 4-week tuition (without accommodation) of $934 for 4 one-to-one lessons a day and $1,587 for 8.
Who should choose Cyprus?
Cyprus may suit you if you:
- Want to study English in Europe.
- Prefer a warm climate and scenic surroundings.
- Are comfortable with group classes, or have checked the class format with the school.
- Want to stay within the EU.
- Enjoy a relaxed, multicultural environment.
If you are a total beginner, or want as much speaking practice as possible, compare with the Philippines, where several schools in our catalogue teach one-to-one lessons. Ask each school for an itemised quote with the same items.
How does Cyprus compare with Malta?
Malta is another Mediterranean destination for learning English. English is one of Malta’s official languages, while in Cyprus the local language is Greek. If you are choosing between them, ask schools in both countries for an itemised quote for your dates and compare lessons per week, class size, accommodation and what the price includes.
How does it compare with the Philippines?
Cyprus offers a European lifestyle and an EU location. In the Philippines, several schools teach one-to-one lessons, and the prices in our catalogue are listed per 4 weeks. For example, 3D Academy in Cebu City lists $899 for 4 weeks with a six-bed room and three meals a day, and QQ English lists tuition, a capsule room and meals together from $1,545 for 4 weeks (the 4 one-to-one option). Registration, local fees, flights and insurance are charged separately. In Cyprus, ask the school for a quote with the same items so you compare like with like. Our cost guide for the Philippines gives more detail on prices and what they include.
What are the visa requirements for Cyprus?
Entry and study rules for Cyprus depend on your citizenship and the length of your course. Rules and fees change, so confirm them with the school and the official immigration authority before you travel. The same applies to the Philippines: ask the school which permit your course needs. Local fees there are in pesos and are listed by each school.
Which is better for you: Cyprus or the Philippines?
It depends on the experience you want. Cyprus is an EU island with a beach-holiday atmosphere. The Philippines is a country in Asia where the schools in our catalogue teach one-to-one lessons, and at some of them the room and meals are part of the price. If you are an independent learner who enjoys exploring Europe and can manage your own study schedule, Cyprus may fit. If you want a structured programme with one-to-one lessons and a room and meals arranged by the school, look at the Philippines.
Comparing schools alone is hard. We offer free school matching for students, and you pay the school’s own price with no mark-up. If you are considering the Philippines, we can help you choose from the 10 schools in Cebu City, Mactan and Boracay. If you are still deciding between Cyprus and the Philippines, tell us your budget and goals. Get a free school match.