Cyprus cabinet approves special entry for Rizokarpaso graduates to Forestry College

On August 25, 2026, the Cyprus Council of Ministers approved a proposal from the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Christos Senekis, to facilitate the admission of Rizokarpaso Gymnasium graduates to the Cyprus Forestry College. This decision introduces a new regulation, 7.1, to the 2026 Forestry Apprenticeship Regulations.

Under the new policy, one additional student position will be available per academic year for graduates of the Rizokarpaso school. Applicants will be selected based on their high school diploma grade rather than through written entrance examinations. However, successful candidates must still meet mandatory health requirements and pass physical fitness assessments, identical to those required for standard applicants. The government emphasizes that this extra slot does not reduce or affect the number of positions available to other students via the general admission process.

This initiative is described by the Ministry of Agriculture as a concrete measure of support for enclaved populations. The policy change is an ongoing effort to provide educational opportunities to youth living in specific restricted areas, ensuring they are not disadvantaged by their geographic situation.