Cyprus to launch new applied learning track at six lyceums

Starting in September 2026, the Cyprus Ministry of Education will implement a new pilot educational stream, designated as 5b, at six lyceums across the country. The initiative, part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, is designed to provide students with practical knowledge and skills that directly align with the demands of the modern labour market. The participating schools include Idaliou Lyceum, Laniteio Lyceum, Livadion Lyceum, Lefkaron Lyceum, Paralimniou Lyceum, and Archbishop Makarios III A’ Lyceum in Paphos.

According to Deputy Director of Secondary Education Giorgos Koutsidis, the 5b stream is integrated into the existing 'Commerce and Services' track. It offers specialized subjects, including Office Management, Applied Informatics, Marketing and Sales, Life and Health Education, Green Transition, and Applied Technology. This program is aimed at students seeking immediate employment upon graduation, as well as those desiring a more applied learning environment, including students with migrant backgrounds. Notably, participants will retain their eligibility to pursue tertiary education.

While the initiative has been welcomed by Chrysanthos Savvides, President of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, he emphasized the importance of transparency and continuous evaluation. Savvides has moved to include the program's oversight in the parliamentary committee's agenda to ensure it effectively addresses student needs.