Cyprus, gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, with the Uk, Greece and Turkey retaining limited rights to intervene in internal affairs. The Cypriot economy is Prosperous and has diversified in recent years. Cyprus has been sought as a basis for several offshore businesses, due to its highly developed infrastructure. Economic policy of the Cyprus government has focused on meeting the criteria for admission to the European Union. Recently, oil has been discovered in the sea South of Cyprus (between Cyprus and Egypt) and talks are under way with Egypt to reach an agreement as to the exploitation of these resources. Cyprus has a well developed system of primary and secondary education. State school are generally seen as equivalent in quality of education to private sector institutions. Although they don't offer A-level examination, their end of year reports are partly recognized by the British Universities. Graduates of public schools are required to take an entrance examination in order to enroll to the University of Cyprus or other Universities in Greece. Private school students usually study in Britain and the USA although some of them go to the university of Cyprus or Greek universities. The educational system in Cyprus has made many strides. Now students have different opportunities to study on Cyprus or abroad.