European Education Systems 2023/2024 PDF

More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu). Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2023 PRINT ISBN 978-92-9488-534-0 doi:10.2797/721239 EC-AL-23-001-EN-C PDF ISBN 978-92-9...

More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu). Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2023 PRINT ISBN 978-92-9488-534-0 doi:10.2797/721239 EC-AL-23-001-EN-C PDF ISBN 978-92-9488-533-3 doi:10.2797/212303 ISSN 443-5333 EC-AL-23-001-EN-N © European Education and Culture Executive Agency, 2023 The Commission’s reuse policy is implemented by Commission Decision 2011/833/EU of 12 December 2011 on the reuse of Commission documents (OJ L 330, 14.12.2011, p. 39 --- https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2011/833/oj). Unless otherwise noted, the reuse of this document is authorised under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This means that reuse is allowed, provided appropriate credit is given and any changes are indicated. For any use or reproduction of elements that are not owned by the EU, permission may need to be sought directly from the respective rightholders. The EU does not own the copyright in relation to any images which do not carry the copyright indicator © European Union. The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024 Schematic diagrams Eurydice – Facts and Figures European Education and Culture Executive Agency This document is published by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA, Platforms, Studies and Analysis). Please cite this publication as: European Commission / EACEA / Eurydice, 2023. The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams. Eurydice Facts and Figures. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. Text completed in September 2023. © European Education and Culture Executive Agency, 2023 Reproduction is authorized provided the source is acknowledged. European Education and Culture Executive Agency Platforms, Studies and Analysis Avenue du Bourget 1 (J-70 – Unit A6) BE-1049 Brussels E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu CONTENTS Introduction 6 Main organisational models of primary and lower secondary education 7 Guide to reading the diagrams 8 Scope 8 Main elements of the diagrams (and their graphical display) 8 Definitions 9 Key 10 International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) 11 Schematic diagrams 13 Acknowledgements 35 5 INTRODUCTION This report focuses on the structure of education and training systems from pre-primary to tertiary level for the 2023/2024 school/academic year. It covers 39 education systems, which corresponds to 37 countries participating in the EU's Erasmus+ programme (27 EU Member States, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey). This report has three main sections: 1. A brief presentation of the main organisational models of primary and lower secondary education (ISCED levels 1-2) 2. A guide to reading the diagrams 3. The schematic diagrams. 6 MAIN ORGANISATIONAL MODELS OF PRIMARY AND LOWER SECONDARY EDUCATION Three main organisational models of primary and lower secondary education (ISCED levels 1 and 2) can be identified. These education levels are part of compulsory education in all European education systems. Single structure education. From the beginning to the end of compulsory education, all students follow a common curriculum providing general education; in addition, there is no transition between primary and lower secondary education. Common core curriculum provision. After successfully completing primary education (ISCED level 1), all students progress to lower secondary level (ISCED level 2) where they follow the same general common core curriculum. Differentiated lower secondary education. After successfully completing primary education, students follow distinct educational pathways or specific types of education, which start either at the beginning or in the course of lower secondary education. At the end of their studies, they receive different certificates. Main models of primary and lower secondary education (ISCED 1-2) in Europe, 2023/2024 Single structure (ISCED 1 + ISCED 2) Common core curriculum (ISCED 2) Differentiated branches/tracks (ISCED 2) Source: Eurydice. Note. In Czechia, Latvia, Hungary and Slovakia, compulsory education is organised in a single structure up to the age of 14, 15, and 16 depending on the country. However, from the age of 10, 11 and 13 (depending on the country), students can enrol in separate educational institutions providing lower and upper secondary education. 7 GUIDE TO READING THE DIAGRAMS This short guide provides the necessary information to understand the diagrams. More specifically, it defines the scope; it presents the main elements of the diagrams and how they are graphically displayed; it provides the definitions as well as the key. Finally, it includes a short description of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011). Scope The diagrams show the most representative mainstream education programmes in each education system. They encompass: Early childhood education and care provided in publicly subsidised and accredited centre-based settings for children from the youngest age of enrolment Primary and secondary education programmes Post-secondary non-tertiary programmes Main tertiary level programmes. The diagrams do not show: Education provision intended exclusively to adults with low formal educational attainment and/or a low level of basic skills. The diagrams cover only the courses allowing adults to go back to school or to gain further qualifications that are part of mainstream education programmes. Usually, these courses are integrated in the programmes providing competence- based qualifications at secondary education level or allowing access to tertiary education (i.e., post-secondary non-tertiary education level) ( 1) Separate provision outside mainstream education for children and young people with special educational needs At tertiary level, doctoral studies as well as the specialised studies for regulated professions such as medicine and architecture. Main elements of the diagrams (and their graphical display) Age of students and programme duration: two different scales The schematic diagrams have two distinct graphic areas: The left-side coloured bars show the main education programmes from pre-primary to post- secondary non-tertiary levels (ISCED levels 0 to 4) in relation to the age of students when they start a particular programme. The ages are notional, i.e. they indicate the theoretical age at which students are supposed to enter an education level or begin a study programme. Early or late entry, grade retention or other interruptions to schooling are not taken into account. The right-side coloured bars present the main education programmes at tertiary level in relation to the standard number of years necessary to complete these programmes on a full- time basis. The duration of part-time studies or individualised study patterns are not shown. (1) For more information on main type of educational provision for adults, see European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice, 2021. Adult education and training in Europe: Building inclusive pathways to skills and qualifications [pdf]. Available Online at: Adult education and training in Europe: Building inclusive pathways to skills and qualifications | Eurydice (europa.eu) [Accessed 18 July 2023]. 8  The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Education programmes The thick coloured bars show education programmes ( 2); the colours refer to the levels and types of education. Within coloured bars, short vertical lines either show the division into cycles/key stages/education levels, or entry to or leaving ages for study programmes. The thin bars with coloured stripes indicate the corresponding levels of education as defined by the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) (see description below). In few cases, the diagrams also show transition points between ISCED levels or education programmes. Long vertical lines linking coloured bars (education programmes) show these transition points. Educational institutions The terms under the coloured bars refer to the names of the schools or educational institutions providing the education programmes shown. In some cases, however, they might refer to education programmes or types of teaching. In that case, the terms are put in brackets. All terms are provided in the national language(s) of the country. Definitions Full-time compulsory education/training refers to a period of full-time education/training that is compulsory for all students. This period is regulated by law and often determined by students' age. Usually, full-time compulsory education/training is provided in formal institutions/schools. However, in some education systems, certain compulsory education/training programmes can combine part-time school-based and part-time workplace courses. In such cases, students are assessed for the work they do in both places (workplace and school). In some countries, under certain conditions, compulsory education/training can be provided at home. Part-time compulsory education/training may take two forms: before or after full-time compulsory education. Before: early childhood education and care programs of 250 or less hours per year After: until a certain age, students are required to participate in additional part-time school-based or workplace education/training. Possible additional year: part of an education programme that is not necessary to complete in order to end an education cycle or level but may be necessary to access a higher education level or move to a different education pathway. (2) ECEC services outside ISCED classification are also shown. 9  The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Key Levels and types of education Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are not responsible) Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are responsible) Primary education Single structure Secondary general education Secondary vocational education Post-secondary non-tertiary education Tertiary education (full-time) Allocation to the ISCED 2011 levels (see definitions below) ISCED 0 ISCED 2 ISCED 4 ISCED 6 ISCED 1 ISCED 3 ISCED 5 ISCED 7 Other keys Compulsory full-time education/training Compulsory part-time education/training Combined school based and workplace courses Possible additional year Study abroad year Programme being phased out in (year) Compulsory work experience + its duration (in years) Compulsory work experience and its duration Compulsory work experience is shown when it is required to move to the next education level or to begin a particular education programme; when applicable, its minimum required duration is indicated (-/n/-). Education programmes being phased out When reforms change education programmes, new and old programmes are concurrently shown. The year during which the old education programmes are being phased out is indicated ( year). 10  The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) The International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) is an instrument suitable for compiling statistics on education internationally. It covers two cross-classification variables: levels and fields of education with the complementary dimensions of general/vocational/pre-vocational orientation and education-labour market destination. The last version, ISCED 2011, distinguishes eight levels of education. Empirically, ISCED assumes that several criteria exist which can help allocate education programmes to levels of education. Depending on the level and type of education concerned, there is a need to establish a hierarchical ranking system between main and subsidiary criteria (typical entrance qualification, minimum entrance requirement, minimum age, staff qualification, etc.). For the full details on each ISCED level, please consult: UNESCO, Institute for Statistics, 2012. International Standard Classification of Education. ISCED 2011. Available at: international-standard-classification-of-education-isced-2011-en.pdf (unesco.org) ISCED 0: Early childhood education Programmes at this level are typically designed with a holistic approach to support children's early cognitive, physical, social and emotional development and introduce young children to organised instruction outside of the family context. ISCED level 0 refers to early childhood programmes that have an intentional education component. ISCED 1: Primary education Programmes at this level are typically designed to provide students with fundamental skills in reading, writing and mathematics (i.e. literacy and numeracy) and establish a solid foundation for learning and understanding core areas of knowledge, personal and social development, in preparation for lower secondary education. Age is typically the only entry requirement at this level. The customary or legal age of entry is usually not below 5 years old or above 7 years old. This level typically lasts six years, although its duration can range between four and seven years. ISCED 2: Lower secondary education Programmes at this level are typically designed to build on the learning outcomes from ISCED level 1. Students enter ISCED level 2 typically between ages 10 and 13 (age 12 being the most common). ISCED 3: Upper secondary education Programmes at this level are typically designed to complete secondary education in preparation for tertiary education or provide skills relevant to employment, or both. Students enter this level typically between ages 14 and 16. ISCED 4: Post-secondary non-tertiary education Post-secondary non-tertiary education provides learning experiences building on secondary education, preparing for labour market entry as well as tertiary education. Programmes at ISCED level 4, or post-secondary non-tertiary education, are typically designed to provide individuals who completed ISCED level 3 with non-tertiary qualifications required for progression to tertiary education or for employment when their ISCED level 3 qualifications do not grant such access. The completion of an ISCED level 3 programme is required to enter ISCED level 4 programmes. 11  The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams ISCED 5: Short-cycle tertiary education Programmes at this level are often designed to provide participants with professional knowledge, skills and competencies. Typically, they are practically based, occupationally-specific and prepare students to enter the labour market. However, these programmes may also provide a pathway to other tertiary education programmes. Entry into ISCED level 5 programmes requires the successful completion of ISCED level 3 or 4 with access to tertiary education. ISCED 6: Bachelors' or equivalent level Programmes at this level are often designed to provide participants with intermediate academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies, leading to a first degree or equivalent qualification. Entry into these programmes normally requires the successful completion of an ISCED level 3 or 4 programme with access to tertiary education. Entry may depend on subject choice and/or grades achieved at ISCED levels 3 and/or 4. Additionally, it may be required to take and succeed in entry examinations. Entry or transfer into ISCED level 6 is also sometimes possible after the successful completion of ISCED level 5. ISCED 7: Master's or equivalent level Programmes at this level, are often designed to provide participants with advanced academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies, leading to a second degree or equivalent qualification. Typically, programmes at this level are theoretically-based but may include practical components and are informed by state of the art research and/or best professional practice. They are traditionally offered by universities and other tertiary educational institutions. Entry into ISCED level 7 programmes preparing for a second or further degree normally requires the successful completion of an ISCED level 6 or 7 programme. In the case of long programmes that prepare for a first degree equivalent to a Master’s degree, entry requires the successful completion of an ISCED level 3 or 4 programme with access to tertiary education. Entry into such programmes may depend on subject choice and/or grades achieved at ISCED levels 3 and/or 4. Additionally, it may be required to take and succeed in entry examinations. 12 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS Belgium – French Community 14 Netherlands 24 Belgium – German-speaking Community 14 Austria 25 Belgium – Flemish Community 15 Poland 26 Bulgaria 15 Portugal 26 Czechia 15 Romania 27 Denmark 16 Slovenia 27 Germany 17 Slovakia 28 Estonia 17 Finland 28 Ireland 18 Sweden 29 Greece 18 Spain 19 Albania 30 France 20 Bosnia and Herzegovina 30 Croatia 20 Switzerland 31 Italy 21 Iceland 32 Cyprus 21 Liechtenstein 32 Latvia 22 Montenegro 32 Lithuania 22 North Macedonia 33 Luxembourg 22 Norway 33 Hungary 23 Serbia 33 Malta 24 Turkey 34 13  Belgium – French Community Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 École maternelle École primaire Établissement d’enseignement secondaire Université / Haute école / École supérieure des arts The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Milieu d’accueil collectif Haute école / École supérieure des arts BE fr Établissement d’enseignement secondaire Établissement d’enseignement secondaire Belgium – German-speaking Community Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 Krippen Kindergarten Primarschule Sekundarschule Hochschule (allgemeinbildender/technischer Übergangsunterricht) Sekundarschule (technischer Befähigungsunterricht) Sekundarschule (berufsbildender Unterricht) BE de Ergänzender Berufsbildender Sekundarunterricht Note. Krippen starts from 3 months.  Belgium – Flemish Community Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (Kinderopvang) (Kleuteronderwijs) (Lager onderwijs) (Eerste (Algemeen secundair onderwijs) Universiteit graad The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams secundair Onderwijs) Hogeschool (Kunstsecundair onderwijs) (Graduaatsopleidingen van het hoger (Technisch secundair onderwijs) beroepsonderwijs) (Beroepssecundair onderwijs) (Deeltijds beroepssecundair onderwijs (DBSO) / Syntra leertijd)/ Duaal leren) BE nl (Zevende jaar Technisch secundair onderwijs (TSO)/ Kunstsecundair Onderwijs (KSO)) 15 Bulgaria Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Detska yasla Detska gradina Natchalno utchilishte Оsnovno Gimnazia Universiteti, Specializirani vischi utchilishta Uchilishte Grupa za preduchilishtno Profilirana gimnazia obrazovanie Professionalna gimnazia BG Kolej Koleji Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are not responsible) Secondary vocational education Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are responsible) Post-secondary non-tertiary education Primary education Single structure Secondary general education Tertiary education (full-time) Allocation to the ISCED levels: ISCED 0 ISCED 1 ISCED 2 ISCED 3 ISCED 4 ISCED 5 ISCED 6 ISCED 7 Compulsory full-time education/training Possible additional year Combined school and workplace courses Programme being Years Compulsory part-time education/training Study abroad Compulsory work experience + its duration phased out in (year)  Czechia Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 První stupeň Druhý stupeň Mateřská škola Základní škola Vysoká škola Střední škola The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Dětská skupina (Všeobecné obory) Vyšší odborná škola (Odborné obory) (Nástavbové studium) CZ Konzervatoř Konzervatoř Denmark Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 16 Vuggestuer Børnehaver Folkeskole / Grundskole Universitet Aldersintegrerede Institutioner Professionshøjskole VUC / Gymnasium Erhvervsakademi Institutioner for DK erhvervsrettet uddannelse  Germany Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Orientierungsstufe Krippe Kindergarten Grundschule Gymnasium Universität Gymnasiale Oberstufe The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams (Kinder-)Tageseinrichtung für Schularten mit Kunsthochschule / Musikhochschule Kinder aller Altersgruppen drei Bildungsgängen Fachoberschule Fachhochschule Realschule Berufsoberschule Berufsakademie Schularten mit Abendgymnasium / Kolleg zwei Bildungsgängen Verwaltungsfachhochschule Berufsfachschule Hauptschule Fachschule / Fachakademie Note. full-time compulsory education/training ends DE at the age of 18 or 19 depending on the Länder. (Duale Berufsausbildung) Berufsschule/Betrieb Estonia 17 Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Koolieelne lasteasutus Põhikool Gümnaasium (Lapsehoiuteenus) Ülikool Kutseõppeasutus EE Kutseõppeasutus / Rakenduskõrgkool Rakenduskõrgkool Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are not responsible) Secondary vocational education Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are responsible) Post-secondary non-tertiary education Primary education Single structure Secondary general education Tertiary education (full-time) Allocation to the ISCED levels: ISCED 0 ISCED 1 ISCED 2 ISCED 3 ISCED 4 ISCED 5 ISCED 6 ISCED 7 Compulsory full-time education/training Possible additional year Combined school and workplace courses Programme being Years Compulsory part-time education/training Study abroad Compulsory work experience + its duration phased out in (year)  Ireland Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Transition year (Infant classes) Primary schools Secondary / Vocational / Comprehensive / Universities The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Community Schools and Community Colleges Early learning and care settings Settings in ECCE scheme Teacher Training Colleges Further Education and Training Providers IE Institutes of Technology and Other third-level Colleges Apprenticeship Apprenticeship Greece Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 18 Nipiagogeio Dimotiko scholeio Gymnasio Geniko lykeio / Esperino geniko lykeio Anotato Ekpaideftiko Idryma (AEI) Paidikos stathmos Esperino gymnasio Vrefonipiakos stathmos Epangelmatikes Sxoles Katartisis (ESK) / Epangelmatikes Sxoles Mathitias (DYPA) Vrefikos stathmos Epangelmatiko lykeio (EPAL) / Esperino epangelmatiko lykeio EL Institouto epangelmatikis katartisis (IEK)  Spain Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Escuelas Infantiles y Colegios de Educación Colegios de Educación Infantil y Primaria (CEP) y (CEIP) Institutos de Educación Secundaria (IES) Facultades y escuelas universitarias The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Primaria (CEIP) IES e Institutos de Formación Profesional IES e Institutos de Formación Profesional Escuelas de arte Escuelas de arte Centros de enseñanzas deportivas Centros de enseñanzas deportivas Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas Conservatorios de Música y Danza 19 Conservatorios superiores y escuelas ES superiores de enseñanzas artísticas Note. Escuelas oficiales de idiomas offer language courses that may last for 11 years. Some of the education provision of Conservatorios can be recognised/validated in full-time mainstream education programmes and contribute to obtaining the Bachillerato certificate, Bachiller artístico. Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are not responsible) Secondary vocational education Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are responsible) Post-secondary non-tertiary education Primary education Single structure Secondary general education Tertiary education (full-time) Allocation to the ISCED levels: ISCED 0 ISCED 1 ISCED 2 ISCED 3 ISCED 4 ISCED 5 ISCED 6 ISCED 7 Compulsory full-time education/training Possible additional year Combined school and workplace courses Programme being Years Compulsory part-time education/training Study abroad Compulsory work experience + its duration phased out in (year)  France Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 cycle 1 cycle 2 cycle 3 cycle 4 École maternelle École élémentaire Collège Lycée général et technologique Universités The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Crèche Lycée professionnel CPGE (1) Grandes Écoles Centre de formation d’apprentis Sections de Techniciens Supérieurs - STS FR (1) CPGE: Classes préparatoires aux Grandes Écoles Instituts Universitaires de Technologie - IUT Note. ISCED 4 education covers less than 2 % of the total number of students (all levels). Young people aged between 16 and 18 can fulfil the obligation for compulsory training in different ways: schooling, apprenticeship, training courses, civic service, and support system or social and professional integration measures. Croatia Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 20 Dječji vrtić Osnovna škola Gimnazija Sveučilište (sveučilišni studij) Ustanova za strukovno obrazovanje Ustanova za Sveučilište / veleučilište (stručni studij) obrazovanje odraslih HR Note. Start of primary education (ISCED 1) depends on child's birthday. Children born between January and April start primary school in calendar year in which they turn 6; those born from April to December when they are 7 years old.  Italy Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Nido d’infanzia Scuola Scuola primaria Scuola Liceo dell'infanzia secondaria di Università The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams primo grado Istituto tecnico / Istituto professionale (Istruzione e formazione professionale - IFP) (Alta formazione artistica / musicale / coreutica - AFAM) (Istruzione e formazione tecnica superiore - IFTS) Scuola superiore per mediatori linguistici Note: In 2022, the law no. 99 has reformed the Istituto tecnico superiore (ITS). IT The name was changed to Istituto tecnologico superiore (ITS Academy). In addition to 2-year ISCED 5 courses, it now offers 3-year ISCED 6 programmes. Istituto tecnologico superiore Implementation decrees are still under development. (ITS Academy) Cyprus Age of students Programme duration (years) 21 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Nipiagogeio Dimotiko Scholeio Gymnasio Lykeio Panepistimia Vrefopaidokomikoi Stathmoi Techniki / Dimosies Scholes Tritovathmias Ekpaidefsis Epaggelmatiki Scholi Metalykeiaka Instituta Epaggelmatikis Ekpaidefsis kai Katartisis CY Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are not responsible) Secondary vocational education Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are responsible) Post-secondary non-tertiary education Primary education Single structure Secondary general education Tertiary education (full-time) Allocation to the ISCED levels: ISCED 0 ISCED 1 ISCED 2 ISCED 3 ISCED 4 ISCED 5 ISCED 6 ISCED 7 Compulsory full-time education/training Possible additional year Combined school and workplace courses Programme being Years Compulsory part-time education/training Study abroad Compulsory work experience + its duration phased out in (year)  Latvia Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sākumskola Pirmsskolas izglītības iestāde / Pamatskola Vidusskola Augstskola Pirmsskolas izglītības grupas pie skolām The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Ģimnāzija Pirmsskolas izglītības iestāde (bērnudārzs) Augstskola / Koledža LV Profesionālās izglītības iestāde Lithuania Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Ikimokyklinio ugdymo mokykla Pradinė mokykla / Progimnazija Gimnazija 22 Progimnazija / Universitetas Pagrindinė mokykla Pagrindinė mokykla Note: Gimnazija might cover primary education programme (ISCED 1) Kolegija and basic education programmes. LT Profesinė mokykla Luxembourg Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4 École fondamentale Lycée classique (Enseignement supérieur / universitaire) Services d’éducation et d’accueil pour Lycée général (Brevet de technicien supérieur) enfants Note: Luxembourg also has three international schools streams: Enseignement germano-luxembourgeois, Enseignement européen and (Formation professionnelle) Enseignement britannique. LU A new law voted on July 13 June 2023 extended compulsory education to the age of 18 years. This law will come into force at the start of the 2026 school year. This will give the education and training sector time to develop new education provision (Brevet de maîtrise) for the students who currently leave schools at 16.  Hungary Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Alsó tagozat Felső tagozat Bölcsőde Óvoda Általános Iskola Gimnázium Gimnázium The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Egyetem / Főiskola Technikum / Szakgimnázium (Duális képzés) Szakképző iskola (Orientációs évfolyam) (Dobbantó) HU 23 (Műhelyiskola) Note. Every student under 18 who has completed compulsory education, but dropped out afterwards without completing any other courses has to continue her/his education and training until the acquisition of at least one partial VET qualification. Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are not responsible) Secondary vocational education Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are responsible) Post-secondary non-tertiary education Primary education Single structure Secondary general education Tertiary education (full-time) Allocation to the ISCED levels: ISCED 0 ISCED 1 ISCED 2 ISCED 3 ISCED 4 ISCED 5 ISCED 6 ISCED 7 Compulsory full-time education/training Possible additional year Combined school and workplace courses Programme being Years Compulsory part-time education/training Study abroad Compulsory work experience + its duration phased out in (year)  Malta Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Childcare Kindergarten Primary schools Middle Junior College / Centres schools Secondary Higher secondary schools The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams schools University of Malta 0.25 0.25 0.25 Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) Malta College of Arts, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) Science and Technology (MCAST) MT Netherlands Age of students Programme duration (years) 24 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Voorschoolse Basisonderwijs Voorgezet onderwijs (VWO) WO (bachelor) (master) educatie en kinderopvang Voorgezet onderwijs (HAVO) HBO (bachelor) (master) Voorgezet onderwijs HBO (associate degree) (VMBO) (Specialistenopleiding) MBO (Middenkaderopleiding) (Specialistenopleiding) MBO (Vakopleiding) MBO (Basisberoepsopleiding) NL MBO (Entreeopleiding) Praktijkonderwijs Note. At 16, students who have not obtained a basic qualification (Startkwalificatie) have to continue their education/training until they turn 18 or get a senior general secondary (HAVO) or pre-university (VWO) or VET (at least MBO 2) diploma.  Austria Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kindergarten / Alterserweiterte Volksschule Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schule Bildungseinrichtung Universität The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Oberstufenrealgymnasium Kinderkrippe Fachhochschule Mittelschule Polytechnische Schule Berufsschule und Lehre Pädagogische Hochschule Berufsbildende Mittlere Schule (Postgradualer Lehrgang) Berufsbildende Höhere Schule Berufsbildende Höhere Schule Werkmeister-, Meister-, Bauhandwerkerschulen (Ausbildungen des Gesundheitswesens) Kollegs 25 (Lehrgang an AT (tertiärer) Bildungseinrichtung) Note. Berufsbildende Höhere Schulen offer education programmes lasting 5 years: the first three years are classified as ISCED level 3 while the last two years belong to ISCED level 5. Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are not responsible) Secondary vocational education Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are responsible) Post-secondary non-tertiary education Primary education Single structure Secondary general education Tertiary education (full-time) Allocation to the ISCED levels: ISCED 0 ISCED 1 ISCED 2 ISCED 3 ISCED 4 ISCED 5 ISCED 6 ISCED 7 Compulsory full-time education/training Possible additional year Combined school and workplace courses Programme being Years Compulsory part-time education/training Study abroad Compulsory work experience + its duration phased out in (year)  Poland Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Żłobek / Przedszkole / Szkoła podstawowa Liceum ogólnokształcące Klub dziecięcy Oddział przedszkolny The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams w szkole podstawowej / Punkt przedszkolny / Technikum Uczelnia Zespół wychowania przedszkolnego Branżowa szkoła I stopnia Kolegium Pracowników Służb Społecznych (KPSS)  2024 Branżowa szkoła II stopnia PL Szkoły policealne Portugal 26 Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1.° ciclo 2.° ciclo 3.° ciclo Creche Jardim de (Ensino básico) (Ensino básico) (Ensino secundário) infância (Cursos científico-humanísticos) Escolas Secundárias (Ensino universitário) Agrupamentos de Escolas Universidades / Faculdades / Institutos Superiores Universitários (Cursos artísticos especializados) Escolas Artísticas / Escolas Secundárias / Agrupamentos de Escolas (Ensino politécnico) Institutos Politécnicos / Escolas Superiores (Cursos profissionais) Escolas Profissionais / Escolas Secundárias / Agrupamentos de Escolas PT (Cursos de especialização tecnológica) Escolas Secundárias / Centros de Formação Profissional Note. Agrupamentos de Escolas (School clusters) are organisational units that can encompass several schools and learning cycles, from kindergarten to upper secondary education. The institutions in the diagram are examples of some of the learning spaces where each type of education is offered; the diagram does not indicate all educational institutions existing in the Portuguese system.  Romania Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Creșă Grădiniță Școală primară Școală Gimnazială Liceu The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Liceu filiera Teoretică / Universitate Liceu filiera Vocațională / Liceu filiera Tehnologică / Școală profesională / Școală profesională în sistem dual RO Școală postliceală Școală posticeală în sistem dual Școală de maiștri Slovenia Age of students Programme duration (years) 27 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Vrtec Osnovna šola Gimnazija Univerza / Visokošolski zavod Višja strokovna šola SI Srednja poklicna in strokovna šola Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are not responsible) Secondary vocational education Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are responsible) Post-secondary non-tertiary education Primary education Single structure Secondary general education Tertiary education (full-time) Allocation to the ISCED levels: ISCED 0 ISCED 1 ISCED 2 ISCED 3 ISCED 4 ISCED 5 ISCED 6 ISCED 7 Compulsory full-time education/training Possible additional year Combined school and workplace courses Programme being Years Compulsory part-time education/training Study abroad Compulsory work experience + its duration phased out in (year)  Slovakia Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1. stupeň 2. stupeň Zariadenie Materská škola Základná škola starostlivosti The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams o deti do troch Gymnázium rokov veku Univerzita / Vysoká škola dieťaťa Stredná odborná škola Stredná odborná škola Stredná športová škola SK Konzervatórium Konzervatórium Škola umeleckého priemyslu Škola umeleckého priemyslu 28 Finland Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Päiväkoti – Daghem (*) Peruskoulu - Grundskola Yliopisto / Korkeakoulu – Universitet / Högskola (*) Esikoulu - Förskola Lukio - Gymnasium ≥2 Ammattikorkeakoulu – Yrkeshögskola Ammattikoulu – Yrkesskola (Ammattitutkinto – Yrkesexamen) FI (Erikoisammattitutkinto – Specialyrkesexamen) Note. Students can join ISCED 3 and 4 programmes at different ages.  Sweden Age of students Programme duration (years) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Förskola För- Grundskola skole- Gymnasieskola Universitet / Högskola The structure of the European education systems 2023/2024: schematic diagrams Klass SE Kommunal vuxenutbildning / folkhögskola Yrkeshögskola 29 Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are not responsible) Secondary vocational education Early childhood education and care (for which public education authorities are responsible) Post-secondary non-tertiary education Primary education Single structure Secondary general education Tertiary education (full-time) Allocation to the ISCED levels: ISCED 0 ISCED 1 ISCED 2 ISCED 3 ISCED 4 ISCED 5 ISCED 6 ISCED 7 Compulsory full-time education/training Possible additional year Combined school and workplace courses Programme being Years Compulsory part-time education/training Study abroad Compulsory work experience + its duration phased out in (year)  Albania Age of students