Below, you can read about the countries' and regions' education systems listed below. The information helps you to get a comprehensive view and general idea about different types of higher educations and how they are embedded into the whole national school system. The first link covers the newly implemented EU norm concerning higher education in the EU. Click on the flag or the excerpt if you would like to see a short summary of the so called Bologna system which is obligatory to inaugurate until 2010 in all the countries of the European Union.

EU - This section tells you more about the Bologna higher education system. According to this, after high school graduation the higher education will be divided into two levels. Bachelor studies(BA, BSc) and Master's studies (MA, MSc.) . More >>>

American - The educational structure of the United States is a very multi-level one. Students have the choice to go to several types of schools even before high school. Besides attending middle schools, students can go to various grammar schools and high schools, too. The American higher education is more or less similar to the divided education described at the EU section but. More >>>

Canadian - The vast majority of the Canadian system is parallel to the American type, especially in terms of admission processes. The main source of the differences may come from the diverse provincial responsibilities and regulations. But generally, you may find the same private and public schools even from Kindergarten. More >>>

English - The educational system in the United Kingdom follows the Bologna norms. The main difference and characteristics of the region is in its standardized tests. Although, international applicants can cope with different admission requirements because they use the UCAS system at their applications. . More >>>

Hungarian - Due to the inauguration of the Bologna system (March 2006) Hungary undergoes its third large educational reform from the early 90'. First, students went through a general curriculum, then the credit system was implemented and now bologna creeps in suddenly. The big advantage of studying in Hungary is the wide range of financial aid. Most levels of education from Kindergarten to university the tuition of the first degree is covered by the State. . More >>>

German- In Germany it is up to the provinces what type of education system the use. For example, elementary schools last for 4 year, generally. But in Berlin and Brandenburg it is 6 years. The palette of secondary education is very different, too according to various regions and specialties. Still there are four main types of high schools: Haupschule, Realschule, Gymnasium és Gesamtschule. After graduation the higher education now - after the reforms of year 1990 and 1998 - follows the EU norms. More >>>

French - The most characteristic feature of French education is their national language. Knowledge of French is almost a must everywhere in the country. The structure of education follows a standard path. Children from 6 to 11 go to primary schools ( Ecole Primaire) and obligatory studies last until the age of 16 when they finish high school (College). More >>>

Italian - The Italians have a diverse system with a lot of options and vocational opportunities. Students after the age of 11 ( Scuola Elementare) may choose professional trainings and schools. The secondary school that follows is - normally - divided into a 3-year lower level and a 5-year higher level studies. Finishing high school they receive the so called Diploma di Maturita after graduation. This is minimum requirement fot university entrance. More >>>

Spanish - After the educational reform in 1990 the primary school in Spain lasts for 6 years. After the further 2-year obligatory studies (ESO) students can graduate and obtain Graduado en Educación Secundaria Certificate. Once they've received this, they can go for their "Bacchilerato" studies until their age of 18. Without this Bacchilerato and the university entrance exam (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad) they are not allowed to gain admission to higher education . More >>>

The Canadian education system encompasses both publicly-funded and private schools, from kindergarten through to university. Education is a provincial responsibility under the Canadian constitution, which means there are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces. However, standards across the country are uniformly high.

In Canada , education is regulated by each separate provincial government through the individual ministries of education. The ministries of education oversee smaller bodies called boards of education or district school boards (such as the Toronto District School Board) which oversee the individual schools.

There are 10 provinces and three territories, each with their own way of organizing education, but there are some generalizations that one can make about Canadian education.

Most children attend publicly-funded schools which are run by the ministries, though some children do attend private schools. These private schools are run by independent operators who must conform to government guidelines regarding education.

There are some children who are taught at home by their parents or tutors. These children are said to be "home schooled".

Which school children attend most often depends on where they live. In the public school system, a certain school services a certain region; all the children who live within that region will attend that school. In some provinces, students from outside a school's region may apply to go to school there. This generally happens when a school has a reputation for excelling in a certain academic area.

Students attending a private school may come from many different areas. The schools may have dormitories for out-of-town and overseas students to live in.

Elementary (or public) schools and secondary (or high) schools are the first step in Canadian education. The age of children in public school ranges from 3 - 13. The age of children in secondary school ranges from 14 - 18. In order to continue on to university or college, students in Canada must finish secondary school.

Public Secondary School ( Public High School ) - A secondary school funded by the provincial government run public organizations called boards of education or district school boards.

Private Secondary School ( Private High School ) - A secondary school funded through student tuition payments and run as a private organization which conforms to government guidelines and standards.

Undergraduate schools include universities, university colleges, colleges and career colleges. Degrees types granted by these schools include bachelor degrees, certificates and diplomas.

Graduate schools are publicly-funded schools that teach master's and doctorate (PhD) programs. Professional schools prepare people for careers such as doctors, dentists and lawyers.

Online education programs can be taken over the Internet without having to travel to the physical school campus. Continuing education programs are offered by universities, university colleges and colleges to people who want to improve existing skills or develop new ones. Certificates may be handed out for completion of a continuing education program. Corporate training consists of short courses offered often by private companies to train employees of companies in new skills or to help develop new skills.

Visa Information

International students interested in studying in Canada should ensure that they are familiar with the rules and processes involved in coming to Canada to study. The best and most accurate source for information is the Canadian federal government. The federal government runs Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) - which links immigration services with citizenship registration and is responsible for and admitting immigrant, foreign students, visitors and temporary workers.

Study permit: For persons who are outside Canada who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and who wish to study temporarily in Canada at an approved university, college or other institution.

Temporary resident visa: For persons from designated countries who wish to visit Canada for a temporary purpose.

Visa: A visa is permission issued by a country for you to enter that country.

Landed immigrant: A person who has been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by immigration authorities, but who has not acquired Canadian citizenship. Entitled to all the rights of a citizen except the right to vote.

Citizen: A member of a nation, either by birth or through naturalization.