Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
As a parent in Cyprus, I can tell you that dealing with school registrations has always felt like a necessary headache. Between gathering all the required documents, figuring out the right forms, and navigating the usual government red tape, it’s a process that can take days—and let’s be honest, sometimes longer. But now, thanks to the Ministry of Education, things are changing in a big way. The government has launched a brand-new online platform that’s designed to make school registration faster, simpler, and completely digital. Finally, it seems like Cyprus is stepping into the future—and I couldn’t be more relieved.
The idea for this system has been floating around since 2008, but like many big projects, it faced a lot of roadblocks. The task was daunting, and, quite frankly, some people didn’t believe it could be done. After a couple of failed attempts, the Ministry revisited the idea in 2018, conducted surveys, and selected Logicom’s NewCyTech to build the system. And now, in 2024, the first phase is live.
And let’s not forget the endless ringing of phones, only to have someone pick up after what feels like an eternity, and then—oops—being accidentally hung up on. Sound familiar?
For me as a parent, this means goodbye to the old days of running from office to office to submit documents, waiting in long lines, and trying to squeeze everything into a workday that doesn’t seem to align with the government’s office hours. And let’s not forget the endless ringing of phones, only to have someone pick up after what feels like an eternity, and then—oops—being accidentally hung up on. Sound familiar?
Now, all I need to do is log onto the new website, and in just a few minutes, I can take care of my child’s school registration. It’s available in both Greek and English, and it’s not just about signing up for school. The system collects all the important information in one place—from health details like allergies to family status and even financial information, which can help me access benefits and subsidies such as the breakfast subsidy for children in need. Everything is tied to other government departments, including the Civil Registry, making sure my info is up to date without me having to chase anyone down. No more filling out the same forms year after year.
What’s even better is that it’s a one-stop shop. I don’t have to call the Ministry (unless I want to test my patience). I don’t need to physically go to different offices to drop off documents. I can do it all from home, in my own time, even late at night while my kid is asleep. The website is available 24/7, so I can upload documents, check school information, and take care of anything that needs attention whenever it suits me. No more trying to match my schedule with those elusive government office hours. Finally, a system that works for me. Hallelujah!!
The best part is how much faster everything will be. What used to take days—getting paperwork together, submitting it, waiting for approval—now happens in minutes. And it’s not just the registration process that’s faster. The system will automatically assign my child to a school based on our address, and it’s linked to various government departments, so all the details are checked and verified quickly. Plus, it tracks everything from school attendance and grades to teacher feedback and disciplinary records, so I can always stay on top of how my child is doing at school.
The system has already launched for primary school registrations, and by January 2025, we’ll be able to register our high schoolers too. By the summer of 2025, the platform will be fully operational, covering all levels of education—from pre-school through to graduation.
And here’s a little bonus: For students heading to university, this system will make applying to colleges a breeze. All their academic history—from grades to extracurricular activities—will be stored in one place. No more hunting for old report cards or certificates. Everything will be there, ready to download when it’s time to apply for higher education.
As a parent, this is a huge relief. Cyprus might not be as far ahead in digital government services as countries like Estonia, but with this new platform, it’s clear that the island is moving in the right direction. For those of us living here, it’s a sign that the government is committed to making life easier for families. And for anyone considering a move to Cyprus, this digital step forward is just one more reason to feel confident about the island’s future.
So, whether you’re a parent in Cyprus already, or someone thinking of relocating with your family, this new system is a game-changer. Cyprus is embracing the future—and I’m personally thrilled that this change is happening now. Finally, a little less paperwork and a lot more time for what really matters: spending time with our kids.
Check out the site here.
