This intensive course is designed for candidates preparing for the Cyprus exam on Politics, History and Contemporary Realities that is needed to apply for CY citizenship or a long-term residence permit. It will give a structured, English-language overview of the country combined with exam-style practice.

FORMAT

8 live online lectures in English. Joint work on exam-style tests. Q&A during each session. Total workload: 12 academic hours. There are no pre-recorded lectures. All sessions are live and practice-oriented. The recordings of the session will stay available until the date of the exam – the 7th of March.

SCHEDULE

Classes take place online, in Zoom, on weekends, from 15:00 to 16:00:
• 3 & 4 January
• 10 & 11 January
• 17 & 18 January
• 24 & 25 January

Course start: 3 January 2026

COURSE CONTENT (8 LECTURES)

1. Geography of Cyprus
Location, regions and borders, the Green Line, major cities, mountains, climate, natural phenomena and risks.
2. History of Cyprus: from antiquity to the present day
From early settlements and Ancient Greece to Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and British periods, independence, EU accession, euro adoption and modern crises.
3–4. The Cyprus Problem
Origins of the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities, colonial period, independence, intercommunal conflict, 1974 events, the Green Line, UN plans, the 2004 referendum, current status and prospects.
5. Politics and Economy
Political system, elections, government structure, ministries, parliament, political parties, key international relations, economy, taxation, budget, security forces.
6–7. Contemporary Realities
Current political and social issues, migration, refugees, GESY healthcare system, municipal reform, upcoming Parliament elections, Cyprus as the President of EU Council, education, culture, religion, infrastructure, environment and sustainability.
8. Traditions and Culture
Public holidays, customs, cuisine, regional crafts, museums, literature, media, science and innovation.

COURSE AUTHOR

The course is taught by Natalia Kardash, a PhD in Political Science with 26 years of professional experience in Cyprus. She is the author of five books on Cyprus and has published more than 3,000 analytical articles on the island’s politics, history, economy and society. Over the years, she has conducted over 1,000 interviews with key figures in Cypriot public life, including presidents, ministers, diplomats, business leaders, academics, artists and cultural leaders. This long-term, first-hand engagement with Cyprus allows her to explain complex topics clearly, place events in context, and focus on what is truly essential for exam preparation.

FEES

• €150 – standard fee
• €120 – early payment until 24 December

If you can not follow live classes schedule, you can watch recordings of these lectures at any time convenient for you - fee: €90, if paid until 24 December - €80.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

• Candidates preparing for the Cyprus exam in English
• Professionals who want a clear, structured understanding of Cyprus in a short timeframe
• Those who value live interaction, explanations and exam-focused practice

HOW TO REGISTER?

Please complete the form below. Upon registration, Natalia’s assistant will contact you to connect with the group and provide you with links to group session and some additional materials that you can read and watch before starting the course.