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 >>>

School education:

Following the 1990 reform, primary education lasts for six years and compulsory secondary education (ESO) for four years (from 12 to 16) divided into two two-year cycles (from 12 to 14 and from 14 to 16). It leads to the Graduado en Educación Secundaria Certificate. This certificate is required for a) Bachillerato studies (16 to 18) and b) intermediate vocational training (Ciclos Formativos de Grado Medio). Bachillerato students who have completed all subjects successfully are awarded the Título de Bachillerato (before the 1990 reform students had to complete the Curso de Orientación Universitaria as well). To enter university, students must sit for an entrance examination (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad). In intermediate vocational training (Ciclos Formativos de Grado medio) students who successfully complete their training are awarded the Certificado de Técnico in the relevant field. This certificate enables them to work in areas related to their training, to pursue further training or study for a Bachillerato.

Higher education:

Higher education is mainly provided by both public and private universities. Universities are divided into facultades universitarias, escuelas técnicas superiores, escuelas universitarias, institutos universitarios, and other centres, notably the colegios universitarios. The Consejo de Universidades (where the Ministry, the Comunidades Autónomas and the Universidades are represented) coordinates the activities of state and private institutions and propose the main lines of educational policy. It also sets up guidelines for the creation of universities, centres and institutes. It can also propose measures concerning advanced postgraduate studies, the defining of qualifications to be officially recognized throughout the country and standards governing the creation of university departments. The legislation on university autonomy provides for administrative, academic and financial autonomy.A new law on Universities (Ley Orgánica de Universidades n° 121/000045)) was voted on 20 December, 2001 and is being implemented.

University level studies:

University level first stage : Ciclo básico, primer ciclo:

The first cycle of university studies (short term courses), which is taken in Escuelas Técnicas Superiores, Escuelas Universitarias and Facultades lasts for three years and leads to the Diplomado, Ingeniero Técnico or Arquitecto Técnico degrees. These courses lead to long term courses.

University level second stage : Segundo ciclo, ciclo de especialización:

The courses of study leading to Licenciado, Ingeniero and Arquitecto degrees consist of first cycle and second cycle studies (long term studies) but a degree is awarded only when the studies of both cycles have been completed successfully. The Ingeniero and Arquitecto degrees are awarded following an end-of-course project (proyecto fin de carrera). Medical studies last for 6 years but Odontology and Veterinary studies last for five years. These long term courses are taken at Facultades and Escuelas Técnicas Superiores. The former offer courses in Humanities and Science and the latter offer courses in Technology, Engineering and Architecture.

University level third stage : Tercer ciclo, ciclo de especialización para la investigación y docencia:

The third stage is open to holders of Licenciado, Arquitecto or Ingeniero degrees and leads to the Doctor's degree (Título de Doctor) which is awarded after at least four years' further study and research, and after the submission and defence of a thesis. Another postgraduate degree, although it is not officially recognized (Título propio del Centro) is the "Master's" or Maestría degree, awarded after 1 or 2 years of further study.

Distance higher education

The Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED) organizes distance learning courses in Law, History and Geography, Philology, Philosophy and Education, Psychology, Economics and Management, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, Political Sciences and Sociology, and Industrial Engineering. UNED also organizes courses giving direct access to university for adults over 25 who do not hold the required qualifications and distance courses for which no specific qualification is required. In 1992, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports created the Centre for Innovation and Development of Distance Education (CIDEAD). Other educational administrations, amongst which the education Departments for the Communities of Galicia, Navarre and Valencia, have established distance education for adults in their respective regions creating the relevant establishments for distance education. There is also the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya.

GRADING SYSTEM

Usual grading system in secondary school

Full Description: 0-10: 10 sobresaliente (matricula de honor); 8.5-9 sobresaliente; 7-8.4 notable; 6-6.9 bien; 5-6 suficiente; below 5 Insuficiente.

Highest on scale: 10; Lowest on scale: 0

Main grading system used by higher education institutions

Full Description: 10: matrícula de honor; 9-9.9: sobresaliente; 7-8.9: notable; 5-6.9: aprobado; below 5: suspenso

Highest on scale: 10 matrícula de honor; Pass/fail level: 5 aprobado

Lowest on scale: 4-1 suspenso

Other main grading systems: For theses: apto; no apto; cum laude;