The first Post-Secondary Institutes of Vocational Education and Training (Μεταλυκειακά Ινστιτούτα Επαγγελματικής Εκπαίδευσης και Κατάρτισης) commenced operating in November 2012 as public schools of post-secondary non-tertiary education in Cyprus.
Types of institutions
Post-Secondary Non-Tertiary Education is provided through the Post Secondary Institutions of Vocational Education and Training (Μεταλυκειακά Ινστιτούτα Επαγγελματικής Εκπαίδευσης και Κατάρτισης- ΜΙΕΕΚ), which commenced operating as public institutions on November the 8th, 2012. There are seven institutions in operation, with 200 students enrolled, in the current academic year.
The MIEEK aims to offer modern and flexible programs of study that will satisfy the needs of secondary education graduates for further vocational education and training. Attendance is free of charge.
Geographical accessibility
The MIEEK operate in the afternoons, in the premises of Technical and Vocational Schools in the major provincial areas of Cyprus. There are currently seven MIEEK in operation - 2 in Lefkosia, 2 in Lemesos, 2 in Larnaka and 1 in Pafos.
Admission requirements and choice of school
The Post-Secondary Institutes of Vocational Education and Training are open to graduates of secondary education, either the Lyceums or the Technical/Vocational Schools. Admission is based on predetermined selection criteria, as the demand for enrolment is very high, exceeding the number of the places available.
Age levels and grouping of pupils
Since the MIEEK are open to graduates of secondary education, their students may be of any age over eighteen. Classes are organized by the subject of specialization. There are currently eight subjects of specialization available.
There are not any legal restrictions as to the maximum/minimum class size, but there is a concern that the number of students in any class is between 12 and 16.
Organization of the school year
The duration of studies in Post-Secondary Institutes of Vocational Education and Training is two academic years, on a 5-day basis. Each year is organized in two semesters, each semester lasting for 14 weeks. Practical experience of 6 weeks duration in industry or enterprises is also provided at the end of the second and the fourth semester.
Organization of the school day and week
The Post Secondary Institutes of Vocational Education and Training operate on a 5-day school week basis, with lessons starting at 4.00 p.m., and ending at 9.00 p.m., every day. Each day is organized in 5 teaching periods and two brakes of 15 minutes each.