The conditions of entry to, and residence in, of third-country nationals who are admitted to the territory of Cyprus to follow a recognized, state or regional program of secondary education, in the context of a pupil exchange scheme or educational project operated by an education establishment for a period exceeding 90 days in, are based on the current legislation, i.e. the European Directive (EU) 2016/801, which was transposed in national law, the Aliens and Immigration (Conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects) Law L. 7(I)/2019.

The European Legislation has established conditions for the admission of third country national school pupils that are common to all EU Member States. Therefore, the national legislation, which was based on the European one, determines, among other things, the general and specific conditions for the admission of school pupils, the type and the validity of their residence permit and the reasons for rejection, withdrawal or non-renewal of their permits.

Regarding the admission of a third-country national as a school pupil, there are specific age limits. The third-country national must not be under twelve (12) years old nor over nineteen (19) years old. If, however, an exchange scheme or an educational project is also provided to people of older age, then the upper age limit is not applicable. In cases where the third-country national is a minor, a parental authorization or an equivalent document for the intended stay is required.

The Civil Registry and Migration Department also grants residence permits to third-country nationals as  school pupils, who wish to study at a private secondary education institution, recognized by the national law or the administrative practice of the Cypriot authorities, for a level of education equivalent to Gymnasium and Lyceum and will reside at the school's boarding house provided that their parents do not reside in Cyprus.