Cyprus teaching unions push to extend controversial waiting list appointment system beyond 2027
The long-standing 'waiting list appointment system' for public school teachers in Cyprus is nearing the end of its mandated transition period, but teaching unions are demanding an extension. Originally set to be phased out over 12 years starting from a 2015 law, the system allows graduates to be appointed as teachers solely based on their registration on the waiting list and possession of a university degree, without any merit-based selection process.
Critics argue that the system has compromised educational standards by enabling the indiscriminate hiring of underqualified and unmotivated graduates, contributing to Cyprus students’ historically low performance in international tests. Despite plans for half of new appointments post-2027 to be merit-based through state exams, unions want to negotiate maintaining the waiting list system and allow direct hiring of teachers with open-ended or fixed-term contracts without exams.
The education minister faces pressure from unions but insists on enforcing the law to prioritize student interests over those of graduates seeking job security. The ongoing dispute highlights tensions between quality education reforms and union demands, with no sign yet of a compromise.
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