Structure and Organization of the Education System

Pre-school education

Pre-primary education caters to children aged 3–5. Attendance is not compulsory. In 1997, it was estimated that approximately 7% of children aged 3–5 attended pre-school. Services tend to be concentrated in the major cities and towns, where most of the existing pre-schools are in the private sector.

Primary education

Primary education is the first stage of basic education and, in principle, is compulsory. Primary education lasts five years, including one year of pre-school education (kindergarten); it is organized in two cycles: lower (kindergarten and Standards I and II), and upper primary (Standards III and IV). The admission age is 5+, although it is estimated that around 35% of children entering kindergarten are over the age of 6. At the end of Standard IV, pupils sit an examination.

Secondary education

Secondary education is the second stage of basic education and comprises two cycles: lower secondary or middle school (Standards V–VIII), and upper secondary or high school (Standards IX and X). At the end of lower secondary education, pupils sit the Basic Education Standard VIII examination. The basic education programme culminates in the Basic Education Standard X examination (Matriculation). Technical and vocational education is offered in agricultural institutes and high schools, technical high schools, vocational and trade schools.

Tertiary-level and university education is for those students who have completed basic education and have passed the entrance examination. Institutions of higher education include universities, technical institutes and colleges. Bachelor’s degree courses normally require three years (four years in the case of law); a bachelor’s honours degree is conferred after an additional year of study. A post-graduate diploma requires one or two years, while master’s degree courses usually last two years. A doctoral degree requires at least four years of study and research.

The school year at the basic education level consists of thirty-six weeks and is divided into two semesters.