As in public schools, the studies cover a six-year cycle with the emphasis in the first three years on general education. The schools are fee paying. In the towns of Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca a small number of private foreign language schools are run on a non-profit basis by religious groups or other agencies. Their courses last six to seven years and their language of instruction is English, French or Italian. They also provide general education.
Students enter technical and vocational schools after gymnasium at the age of fifteen.
Technical courses last three years and apart from covering technical theory and practice, lay particular emphasis on sciences and mathematics. The specialisation offered in the technical section are in the areas of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering, computer maintenance, building, graphic and interior design, garment design and construction. Graduates of the technical section may be employed as technicians in industry or follow further studies in college and universities. All vocational programmes are also of a three year duration. In the final year of the vocational courses students attend school for three days a week and follow a practical training programme in industry for the other two days.