Cyprus among EU countries with lowest share of teachers under 30

Nicosia, Cyprus. Only 3 per cent of teachers in Cyprus are under 30, the joint-lowest proportion in the European Union alongside Portugal, according to a European Commission report. Cyprus was also identified as the EU’s only member state with a surplus of teachers.

Age profile

The proportion of teachers aged under 30 in Cyprus is below the EU average of 8 per cent.

Malta recorded the highest share, with 17 per cent of teachers under 30, followed by Belgium and Luxembourg at around 15 per cent and Ireland at 13 per cent.

In secondary education, the average age of teachers in Cyprus was 46 in 2024, compared with 45 across member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Only 4 per cent of secondary school teachers in Cyprus were under 30, while 33 per cent were aged 50 or over.

Job satisfaction

The report found that 73 per cent of teachers in Cyprus were satisfied with their salary in 2024, compared with 37.3 per cent across the EU.

Overall, 93 per cent of teachers in Cyprus said they were satisfied with their job, compared with 90 per cent across the bloc.

Teacher evaluation reform

The figures were published as Cyprus prepares for the final stage of its teacher evaluation reform.

Until August next year, vacancies will be divided between the old appointment list and the system introduced in 2015. From next September, first-appointment vacancies will be filled exclusively through the new list.