The most established international school options in Nicosia for expat families are The Grammar School, The Falcon School, the American International School of Cyprus (AISC), Pascal English School, The Junior and Senior School (TJSS), and the American Academy Nicosia. Each offers English-medium instruction, internationally recognised qualifications, and a strong expat community. Annual fees range from approximately €4,600 to €18,000 depending on school and year group.
The best schools in Nicosia for expat families are genuinely good — and choosing the right one is the decision that most families make before they choose where to live. If you’re relocating to Cyprus with children, you’re probably doing it the same way most families do: pick the school first, then find the right property nearby.
That’s a smart approach. And it’s exactly why this article exists.
Below you’ll find an honest breakdown of the main international and private English-medium schools in Nicosia — what they offer, what they cost in 2026, what their curriculum looks like, and which neighbourhoods put you closest to each one. No sales pitch for any school. Just what you need to make a decision.
Read this: THE RESIDENCY PROGRAM WITH ALL THE NECESSARY INFORMATION
Why Nicosia Is One of the Best Cities in Cyprus for Expat Families
Nicosia has the broadest concentration of international and private English-medium schools of any city in Cyprus. As the capital, it’s where embassies, government ministries, and the largest university campuses are located, which means the international community here is large, established, and well-served by private education.
What Nicosia offers families that other cities in Cyprus don’t match as consistently:
- More school choice in one city than anywhere else on the island — British, American, IB, and mixed curricula all represented
- A large, long-established expat community, particularly diplomatic and corporate, which means children from abroad are in good company from day one
- Lower cost of living than Limassol, which matters when annual school fees run to €8,000–€18,000 per child
- Quieter, more family-oriented residential neighbourhoods — including Lykavitos, Engomi, and Strovolos — that offer space and calm without distance from schools
The question isn’t whether Nicosia has good schools for expat children. It does. The question is which one fits your family.
Read this: Lycavitos Nicosia Apartments: Why this is the capital’s most underrated address.
The Main International Schools in Nicosia for Expat Families in 2026
Here’s the honest breakdown of each school — what it offers, who it suits, and what it costs.
The Grammar School is one of the oldest and most academically respected private schools in Cyprus, founded in 1963. It follows the British curriculum, offering Cambridge IGCSE, AS and A Levels alongside the Cyprus Apolytirion certificate — a dual qualification that’s useful for students applying to both UK and Cypriot universities.
- Curriculum: British — Cambridge IGCSE, AS Levels, A Levels + Apolytirion
- Ages: Secondary (Classes 1–7, approximately ages 12–18)
- Language: English (with compulsory Modern Greek)
- Location: Anthoupolis Highway, Pano Deftera, Nicosia
- Annual fees (2025–2026): €8,750 to €8,950 (Classes 1–3); €8,850 to €8,950 (Classes 4–5); €8,950 (Classes 6–7). Source: Grammar School official fee schedule 2025–2026
- Notable: Students from over 35 nationalities; Innovation Centre with robotics lab; strong alumni network with access to UK and international universities
- Best for: Families prioritising academic rigour and UK university pathways
The Falcon School is a long-established international day school in Nicosia, founded in 1976, serving students from ages 4 to 18. It holds IB World School status (Middle Years Programme) and offers Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, making it one of the few Nicosia schools with IB at the secondary level.
- Curriculum: British National Curriculum + IB MYP + Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels
- Ages: 4–18 (early years through secondary)
- Language: English (Modern Greek and other languages as part of the curriculum)
- Location: Strovolos, Nicosia (1 Nikos Ierides Street)
- Annual fees: Contact the school directly for the current 2026 fee schedule
- Notable: IB World School status; strong in languages, sciences, arts, and sports; one of Nicosia’s most internationally recognised schools
- Best for: Families wanting IB alongside Cambridge qualifications; children who thrive in a multicultural, activity-rich environment
American International School of Cyprus (AISC)
AISC is Nicosia’s primary American-curriculum school, and one of the few schools in Cyprus offering the full IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma Programme. It serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, with instruction entirely in English.
- Curriculum: American curriculum + IB Diploma Programme (full IB)
- Ages: Kindergarten to Grade 12 (approximately ages 4–18)
- Language: English
- Location: 11 Kasou Street, Lakatamia, Nicosia
- Annual fees (2026): approximately €12,000 to €18,000 per year, depending on grade level. Source: publicly reported fee ranges
- Notable: Full IB Diploma — one of the most comprehensive IB programmes in Cyprus; strong for families planning eventual university in the US, Canada, or internationally; school director with 20+ years running international schools in Hong Kong, China, and Egypt
- Best for: Families following the American system or planning university outside the UK; children who want the full IB experience
Pascal English School — Nicosia Campus
Pascal is one of the largest private English school networks in Cyprus, with a strong reputation, particularly in Mathematics and Sciences. The Nicosia campus is well-suited to families living in the capital who want a reliable, results-focused British-curriculum secondary education.
- Curriculum: British — Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels
- Ages: Primary through secondary
- Language: English
- Location: Multiple Nicosia campuses
- Annual fees: approximately €6,500–€8,300 depending on year group (Gymnasium/Lyceum level). Source: DOM.cy lifehacks guide, March 2026
- Notable: Consistently high exam pass rates; strong Science and Maths preparation; pathway to top UK universities, particularly for natural sciences and law degrees; approximately 80% Cypriot students, with a growing expat proportion
- Best for: Families prioritising academic results and UK university admission; children who want structured, curriculum-focused schooling
The Junior and Senior School (TJSS) Nicosia
TJSS is a private not-for-profit school in Nicosia that became an IB World School from September 2025, authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12 and 13. It operates on two campuses — Junior in Nicosia, Senior in Latsia — and follows the English National Curriculum through Years 7–11.
- Curriculum: English National Curriculum (Years 7–11); IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13, from September 2025); IGCSE and A Levels
- Ages: 3–19
- Language: English
- Location: Junior campus in Nicosia; Senior campus in Latsia (near Nicosia)
- Annual fees: Contact the school directly for the current 2026 fees
- Notable: Not-for-profit governance with parent-elected Board; Independent Schools Inspectorate accreditation; libraries of approximately 26,000 books; pool and sports complex; Microsoft Showcase School since 2018
- Best for: Families wanting a well-rounded, nurturing environment with IB available at sixth form; children who benefit from a community-focused school structure
American Academy Nicosia is a private English-medium school founded in 1922, one of the oldest in Cyprus. Despite the name, it follows the English National Curriculum, leading to Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels rather than the American system.
- Curriculum: English National Curriculum — Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels + Apolytirion
- Ages: Pre-school to 18 (Grade 12)
- Language: English
- Location: Ayios Andreas, Nicosia (3A Michael Parides Street)
- Annual fees: Contact the school directly for the current 2026 fees
- Notable: Accredited by Middle States Association (MSA); long-established reputation; strong community feel; well-known among local and expat families
- Best for: Families wanting an established all-through school with a long track record in Nicosia
Side-by-Side: Nicosia International Schools at a Glance
|
School |
Ages |
Curriculum |
Fee Range (Annual) |
IB Available? |
Best Known For |
|
The Grammar School |
~12–18 |
British / Cambridge + Apolytirion |
€8,750–€8,950 |
No |
Academic rigour, UK uni pathways |
|
The Falcon School |
4–18 |
British + IB MYP + Cambridge |
Contact school |
Yes (MYP) |
IB + Cambridge combination |
|
AISC |
4–18 |
American + Full IB Diploma |
€12,000–€18,000 |
Yes (full IB) |
Full IB, US/international uni pathway |
|
Pascal English School |
Primary–Secondary |
British / Cambridge |
€6,500–€8,300 |
No |
Science/Maths, exam results |
|
TJSS Nicosia |
3–19 |
British + IB Diploma (from 2025) |
Contact school |
Yes (from 2025) |
Not-for-profit, pastoral care, IB |
|
American Academy |
Pre-school–18 |
British / Cambridge + Apolytirion |
Contact school |
No |
Long-established, all-through |
Note: fee data is for the 2025–2026 academic year, where published. Schools that do not publish fees publicly should be contacted directly for current pricing. All fees are subject to annual revision.
How to Choose the Right School for Your Family
The right school depends on where you’re coming from, where your children are headed, and how long you plan to stay in Cyprus. Here’s a straightforward way to think through it:
- Start with the qualification you need. If your children will eventually apply to universities in the UK, Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels are the most direct pathway — Grammar School, Falcon, Pascal, or American Academy. If you’re targeting US universities or want the widest international recognition, IB is the better route — AISC or TJSS.
- Consider the age of your children. The Grammar School is secondary only. If you have young children, you need an all-through school like AISC, Falcon, or American Academy.
- Think about how long you’ll be in Cyprus. If you’re here for 2–3 years, curriculum continuity with your home country matters most. If you’re relocating permanently, the dual qualification offered by some schools (Cambridge + Apolytirion) gives more options.
- Visit before you decide. School atmospheres are impossible to assess from a website. Every school on this list has a different feel. Arrange visits and speak with other expat parents who currently have children there.
Practical tip: Most Nicosia international schools have waiting lists, particularly for popular year groups. If you’re planning a move to Cyprus, contact schools before you finalise your property decision — not after. Some families have had to adjust their timeline or year group entry because a preferred school had no places.
Very important – Read it: Buying property in Cyprus with 5% VAT in Nicosia
Where to Live in Nicosia to Be Close to the Best Schools
School proximity is the single biggest practical factor in choosing where to live in Nicosia — and the good news is that most of the city’s international schools are in or near well-established, quality residential neighbourhoods.
|
School |
Location |
Close Residential Neighbourhoods |
|
The Grammar School |
Anthoupolis Highway, Pano Deftera |
Engomi, Aglandjia, Strovolos |
|
The Falcon School |
Strovolos |
Strovolos, Engomi, Lykavitos |
|
AISC |
Lakatamia |
Strovolos, Aglandjia, Lakatamia |
|
Pascal English School |
Multiple Nicosia campuses |
Depends on campus — check specific location |
|
TJSS (Junior) |
Central Nicosia |
Lykavitos, Engomi, Ayios Andreas |
|
American Academy |
Ayios Andreas |
Lykavitos, Ayios Andreas, central Nicosia |
Lykavitos — where GPA Homes’ SAPPHIRE I development is located — sits within easy reach of multiple Nicosia international schools, including the American Academy (Ayios Andreas), TJSS Junior School, and The Falcon School in Strovolos. Families who choose Lykavitos for their property are placing themselves in one of Nicosia’s most school-accessible central neighbourhoods.
How Much Does International Schooling Actually Cost in Nicosia?
Realistically, budget €6,500 to €18,000 per child per year for private English-medium education in Nicosia, depending on school and year group. This is a high cost, but it sits notably below equivalent international school fees in many Western European capitals.
Additional costs to factor in:
- Registration and application fees: typically €130–€320 per application, per school
- Annual down payment/deposit: typically €1,725–€2,100 (part of total tuition, not additional)
- Uniforms: purchased separately — typically €200–€400 depending on the school
- Extracurricular activities: some included, many charged separately
- School bus: available at most schools, charged separately — typically €800–€1,500 per year
- Lunch: where available, typically charged per term
For a family with two school-age children at a mid-range school like Pascal or Grammar School, realistic annual school costs run to approximately €16,000–€18,000 per year for both children (before sibling discounts, which most schools offer at 5–10%).
IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US HERE
Frequently asked questions with our answers
Do I need to speak Greek to enrol my child at an international school in Nicosia?
No. All the schools listed in this article offer English-medium instruction. Modern Greek is taught as a subject at most of them — compulsory at some, optional at others — but it is not a prerequisite for enrolment. English is the language of all lessons and school communication.
How early should I apply to international schools in Nicosia?
As early as possible — ideally 6 to 12 months before your planned start date. The Grammar School, AISC, and The Falcon School, in particular, can have waiting lists for popular year groups. Contact schools as soon as you have a target arrival date, even if your move is not yet confirmed.
Are Cyprus international school qualifications accepted by universities abroad?
Yes. Cambridge IGCSE, A Levels, and the IB Diploma — all offered by multiple Nicosia schools — are internationally recognised and accepted by universities in the UK, EU, US, Canada, and beyond. The Grammar School’s own alumni network includes students admitted to Oxford and Ivy League institutions.
What curriculum should I choose for my child?
If your child may return to the UK or apply to UK universities, the British curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE + A Levels) is the most direct pathway. If you’re planning a US or broad international university entry, IB (AISC or TJSS) is the stronger choice. For families planning to stay in Cyprus long-term, the dual Cambridge + Apolytirion qualification offered by schools like Grammar School gives the most flexibility.
Is there a French-language school option in Nicosia?
Yes. Ecole Franco-Chypriote de Nicosie offers a French-language curriculum from junior kindergarten (age 2) through to baccalaureate level. It operates under the joint supervision of the French Ministry of National Education. Annual fees range from approximately €2,530 to €5,400 per year. It’s a strong option for French-speaking families relocating to Cyprus.
Choosing a School Is Step One. Finding the Right Home Near It Is Step Two.
Most expat families who move to Nicosia tell us the same thing: the school decision came first, and the property search happened around it. That’s the right order.
Once you know which school or schools you’re targeting, the neighbourhood question becomes much simpler. And that’s where we come in.
GPA Homes’ SAPPHIRE I development is in Lykavitos — one of Nicosia’s most central residential neighbourhoods, within reach of multiple international schools and with the quality of build and finish that families who care about where they live actually want. New build apartments starting at a qualifying investment level for Cyprus permanent residency.
If you’re in the process of planning your move to Nicosia with children, get in touch. We can talk you through which areas work best for the schools you’re considering — and show you what SAPPHIRE I looks like in practice. No sales pressure, just useful conversation.