Structure of Czech Republic Education System

The Czech school education encompasses primary and secondary education. Primary education is of 9 years that split up into two cycles of 5 years (grades 1-5) and 4 years (grades 6-9) respectively. Secondary education consists of three kinds of schools: general schools (gymnasium), secondary technical schools and conservatories. General secondary schools prepare students for higher education studies and for a particular vocation as well. The technical school is of 4 years in duration and conservatories offer art studies of 6-8 years in duration. There are vocational programmes of 2-3 years that prepare pupils for professional activities. All these studies conclude with passing of the school leaving examination-Maturitni zkouska/Maturita. 

Czech Higher/Tertiary Education

There are three levels of tertiary education:
  • Tertiary professional schools: These schools provide diplomas
  • University-type: These institutions offer bachelor, master and doctoral degrees.
  • Non-university higher education institutions: These institutions offer bachelor degree programmes.
In Czech Republic, there are public, private and state higher education institutions. 

Structure of Czech Republic Education

Period of Compulsory Education

  • Entry Age: 6 years old
  • Exit Age: 15 years old

Primary/Basic Education

  • School Type: Basic School 
  • Stages: Two
  • Duration: 9
  • Age group: 6 to: 15
  • Credential Awarded:  Primary School Leaving Certificate (Vysvědčeni)
First Stage:
  • Age: 6-10
  • Grades: 1-5
Second Stage:
  • Age: 11-15
  • Grades: 6-9

Secondary Education

General Secondary

  • School Type: General School (Gymnasium) (Admittance after 5th year of basic school)
  • Duration: 8 years
  • Age group: 11 to 19
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Credential Awarded:  Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Vysvědčeni o maturitni zkousce)

General Secondary

  • School Type: General school (Gymnasium) (Admittance after 7th year of basic school)
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Age group: 13 to 19
  • Grades: 7-12
  • Credential Awarded:  Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Vysvědčeni o maturitni zkousce)

Academic Secondary Education

  • School Type: General Secondary School (Gymnazium)
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Age group: 15 to 19
  • Credential Awarded:  Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Vysvědčeni o maturitni zkousce)

Technical Secondary Education

  • School Type:  Secondary technical school (Středni odborna skola)
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Ages: 15 to 19
  • Credential Awarded:  Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Vysvědčeni o maturitni zkousce)

Technical Secondary

  • School Type: Conservatory (Konzervatoř) – For dance
  • Duration: 8 years
  • Ages: 11 to 19
  • Credential:  Final certificate "absolutorium" (Vysvědčeni o absolutoriu) Diploma (diplom) or Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Vysvědčeni o maturitni zkousce)

Technical Secondary

  • School Type: Conservatory (Konzervatoř)- For Music, drama
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Ages: 15 to 21
  • Credential:  Final certificate "absolutorium" (Vysvědčeni o absolutoriu) Diploma (diplom) or Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Vysvědčeni o maturitni zkousce)

Vocational Secondary Education

  • School Type: Secondary Vocational Schools (Středni odborne učilistě)
  • Duration: 2-3 years 
  • Ages: 15-17/18
  • Credential:  Vocational Certificate or Certificate of Apprenticeship (Vyučni list)

Tertiary Education

Tertiary Professional Education

  • School Type:  Tertiary Professional Schools (Vyssi odborne skoly) 
  • Duration: 3-3.5 years
  • Ages: 19 to 21/22
  • Credential: Graduates receive graduate examination certificates (vysvědčeni o absolutoriu), a diploma (diplom absolventa vyssi odborne skoly) and the title specialist with a diploma (diplomovany specialista–DiS).

University-Type Higher Education Institution

Type of Education: Bachelor
  • Duration: 3- 4 years
  • Ages: 19 to 22/23
Type of Education: Master
  • Duration: 1-3 years
  • Ages: 22/23 to 23/26
Type of Education: Master (Non-structured study)
  • Duration: 4-6 years
  • Ages: 19-23/25
Type of Education: Doctoral
  • Duration: 3-4 years

Non- University Higher Education Institution

Type of Education: Bachelor
  • Duration: 3- 4 years
  • Ages: 19 to 22/23

Tertiary Education Credentials

  • Associate degree (Absolutorium)
  • Bachelor or Bachelor of Arts (Bakalar)
  • Master's (Magistr)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Doktor Filozofie)
  • Doctorate (Doktor)
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