| 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 >>>
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School education:
Elementary educa lasts for five years leading to the Diploma di Licenza della Scuola Elementare. Secondary education covers eight years, divided into three years' lower secondary, followed by five years' upper secondary education. The upper secondary courses consist of classical, scientific, artistic, technical, vocational and teacher training options. Classical secondary school/Liceo Classico is a five-year course, with emphasis on the Humanities, but with scientific subjects in the second cycle. Scientific secondary school/Liceo Scientifico, also a five-year course, provides more specialized preparation in scientific subjects. The Liceo Linguistico focuses on the study of foreign languages together with the corresponding literature and civilization. The technical upper secondary programmes are offered by the Istituti Tecnici and last for five years. Vocational secondary education is provided by the Istituto Professionale, Liceo Artistico, and Istituto di Arte. All these programmes used to lead to different types of Diploma di Maturita (Maturita Classica, Scientifica, Linguistica, Artistica, Magistrale, Tecnica, etc). A Maturita was the minimum admission requirement to university studies, as well as to most programmes at non-university institutions of higher education. Since 1998-1999 the school leaving qualification has been called Diploma di Esame di Stato conclusivo del corso di. (see examples above). The options are the same as those listed for the Maturita.
Higher education:
Higher education is provided by universities, technical universities, university institutes, as well as by a wide range of academies, higher institutes/schools, especially, but not exclusively, in the artistic sector, and by a number of professional training institutions in a variety of fields related to commerce, e-technologies, fashion, industry, etc.. The majority of the existing university institutions were established directly by the State, while a limited number, originally set up by private entities, were later recognised by the relevant Ministry. At present (2001-2002) the university system includes 776 university institutions (52 state universities, 3 technical universities, 13 non-state legally-recognized universities, 3 state university institutes, 14 non-state legally-recognized university institutes, 2 universities for foreigners, 3 higher schools regulated by special legislation). From 1989 to 1999 MURST was responsible for university education, some sectors of non-university education (interpretation and translation, psychotherapy), as well as for the allocation of funds to the state universities and the private universities that had conformed with the structure of the public sector (i.e. legally-recognized university institutions). The main advisory body for university education are the National University Council (CUN), the University Student National Council (CNSU) in which the representatives of the various categories of university staff and students participate, and the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI). In the same decade (1989-99), the supervision and development of primary and secondary education was entrusted to the Ministero della Pubblica Istruzione (MPI) (Ministry of Education), whereas responsibility for the non-university sector of higher education was shared between the Ministry for the National Cultural Heritage (institutions and programmes in conservation and restoration) and MPI (institutions for fine and applied arts, dance, drama, and music, as well as since 1998-99 all FIS programmes (higher integrated technical education). In 1999, the reform of the artistic sector (drama, dance and music) was entrusted to MURST (Law 508/99). More recently, the new Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR) was established to which all financial resources, staff and functions of the former MPI and MURST were transferred. The merging of the two ministries took place in 2001.Degree programmes are structured in credits (crediti formativi universitari-CFU). A university credit corresponds to 25 hours of work per students, time for personal study included. The average annual workload of a full-time student is conventionally fixed at 60 credits.
University level studies:
University level first stage : First Cycle:
TRADITIONAL UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: First level studies include Corsi di Diploma Universitario (DU), courses run by the Scuole Dirette a Fini Speciali (SDFAFS) (schools for special purposes),Corsi di Diploma Universitario (DU), both leading to the award of a Diploma Universitario and Scuole di Ostretricia (schools for midewives' training).The main purpose of SDAFS courses is to prepare students for specific professions. Most courses are in Health, Agriculture, Technology and Economics. They last between two and three years. A period of practical training is compulsory. University Faculties of Medicine and Surgery provide courses that train midwives in their teaching hospitals. Since 1992, most SDAFS courses have been transformed into DU courses. DU courses cover almost all the basic disciplines and last for three years. Each DU course comprises compulsory disciplines and a number of optional ones. A period of practical training (tirocinio) is often included in the curriculum studorium. NEW UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: In 2001-2002, the new teaching regulations as provided for in DM 509/99 have been implemented with reference to the first cycle of university education. For some years, two main different types of programmes and degrees will co-exist in Italian universities, the traditional one based on the former regulations which is gradually disappearing and the new ones based on the above mentioned regulations and the subsequent ministerial decrees. Independently of the latest reform, the Italian university tuition fees and additional contributions to be paid by students are calculated on the basis of individual students' income and may vary from one degree programme to the other according to course level, typology and subject area. The same regulations are applied to both Italian and foreign students. In the new system, undergraduate studies consist in Corsi di Laurea (CL) (first degree courses) aimed at guaranteeing students an adequate command of general scientific methods and contents as well as specific professional skills. The general access requirement is the Italian school leaving qualification, the Diploma di Superamento dell'Esame di Stato conclusivo dei Corsi di Istruzione Secondaria Superiore. Equivalent foreign qualifications may also be accepted. Admission to individual degree courses may be subject to specific requirements. First degree courses last for three years. The Laurea-L (first degree) is awarded to undergraduates who have obtained 180 credits.
University level second stage : Second Cycle:
TRADITIONAL UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: Second level studies consist exclusively in Laurea Degree courses (Curso di Laurea, CL) which last from four to five years, depending on the faculty and the course. Only the Laurea degree course In Medicine and Surgery lasts for six years. The curricula of certain CLs are divided into two phases: a first two-year period which is considered as a preliminary stage with basic theoretical disciplines and a second three-year stage consisting in specialized application and generally articulated in groups of more specific disciplines selected for specialization.NEW UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: In the new system, graduate studies include Corsi di Laurea Specialistica (CLS), Corsi di Specializziazione di 1° livello (CS1) and Corsi di Master Universitario di 1° livello (CMU1). 1) CLS provide graduates with an advanced level of education to exercise highly qualified activities in specific areas. Access to CLS is through the Italian first degree (L) or an equivalent foreign degree and the course lasts for two years. The final degree, the Laurea Specialistica- LS (second degree) is awarded to graduates who have obtained a total of 300 credits, including those of the first degree that have been recognized for access to the CLS (maximum 180). The writing of an original dissertation is also compulsory. A limited number of CLS regulated by specific EU directives (in Dentistry, Human Medicine, Veterinary Medicine) share the following features: access is through the Italian school leaving certificate or an equivalent foreign qualification, admission is always subject to an entrance examination; the course lasts for 5 years ( 6 in Human Medicine). 2) CS1 provide the knowledge and abilities needed for the practice of highly qualified professions. They may be established exclusively in application of specific Italian laws or EU directives. Access is based on the Laurea (first degree) or an equivalent foreign qualification and is subject to the passing of a competitive examination. The length of the courses varies between two and three years. The final degree, the Diploma di Specializzazione di 1°livello (DS1) (first level specialization degree) is conferred to graduates who have obtained 300-360 credits, including those of the first degree that have been recognized for access to the CS1. 3) CMU1 consist in advanced scientific courses or higher continuing education studies that are open to holders of a Laurea-L or an equivalent foreign degree. Admission may be subject to additional conditions. The length of the course is a minimum of one year. The degree of Master Universitario di 1° livello -MU1 (first level university Master's) is awarded to graduates who have obtained at least 60 credits.
University level third stage : Third Cycle:
TRADITIONAL UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: Third level studies (Post-Lauream) consist in courses offered by Scuole di Specializzazione (specialization schools), Corsi di Dottorato di Ricerca (DR) (research doctorate programmes) and Corsi di Perfezionamento. The former aim at professional training and academic education in specialized disciplines and the latter at advanced training in research. The duration of studies at specialized schools is two to five years, depending on the field of specialization. A period of practical training is usually included, as well as some research activities. These courses are subject to a numerus clausus. They lead to the award of the Diploma di Specializzazione, that gives the right to the title of Specialista in the field concerned. Entrance to DR programmes is based on very competitive examinations. The length of studies varies between three and four years as minimum law requirement. Since the latest DR reform (Art. 4 of Law 210/1998), the evaluation of candidates' performance, once carried out by national examination boards, while the final titles were attributed by MURST, has become the responsibility of locally-appointed boards at individual university institutions; the DR title is now conferred by the Rector. Disciplinary areas include Agriculture, Architecture, Economics, Pharmacy, Law, Engineering, Humanities, Modern Languages and Education, Biomedicine, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Natural Sciences, Physics and Mathematics and Political Science. Corsi di Perfezionamento (CP) form a special branch of university studies. They should be classified as Post-Lauream (postgraduate) courses but sometimes their admission requirements may be an academic qualification below a Laurea degree. They also offer opportunities for professional retraining and for continuing education. The maximum duration of studies should not exceed one year. Attendance in Corsi di Perfezionamento leads to an Attestato di Corso di Perfezionamento. This category used to include a considerable number of Master's programmes derived from the UK and US systems. The Italian Master's degrees have been adapted to the Italian system by making them third level university qualifications which, thanks to their problem-orientated approach and professional character, prove complementary to the theoretical contents of the long Laurea programmes.NEW UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: In the new system, postgraduate studies include Corsi di Dottorato di Ricerca-CDR (research doctorate programmes), Corsi di Specializzazione di 2° livello-CS2 (second level specialization courses) and Corsi di Master Universitario di 2° livello-CMU2 (second level university Master's degree courses). 1) CDR train postgraduates for very advanced scientific research or professional appointments at the highest level: they use suitable teaching methodologies such as updated technologies, study periods abroad, internships in specialized research centres. Access is based on an Italian second degree (LS) or an equivalent foreign qualification, admission is subject to the passing of very competitive examinations. The official length of the course is a minimum of three years. Students must write an original dissertation to be awarded the Dottorato du Ricerca-DR. 2) CS2 provide postgraduates with the knowledge and skills required for the practice of highly qualified professions. They may only be established in application of specific Italian laws or EU directives. Access is based on the LS (second degree) or an equivalent foreign qualification and is subject to the passing of a competitive entrance examination. Couses last for one year except CS2 in the health sector which may take up to a maximum of 5 years. 3) CMUs consist in advanced scientific courses or higher continuing education courses which are open to holders of an LS or an equivalent foreign qualification. Admission may be subject to additional conditions. Studies last for a minimum of one year. The Master Universitario di 2° livello-MU2 is awarded to postgraduates who have obtained a minimum of 60 credits.
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