Education system of DR Congo

Generally the education system of DR Congo can be classified in four ways: 1. Kindergarten, 2. Primary School, 3. Secondary School and, 4. University and Higher Institution.

 Normally Kindergarten schooling starts from very early age of a child. One can go for it at age of 3 and can continue up to five years. It is not obligatory, without formal kindergarten schooling, it is possible to get admitted directly to primary school. Primary school education is divided into 3 parts: 1) an elementary level for 6 to 7 years old children, 2) a mid level which is considered for 8 to nine years old children and 3) a terminal level for ten to eleven years youngsters

 

For the secondary schooling one must have the certificate of completion of primary schooling. Secondary school system has two parts: 1) lower level and 2) upper level secondary education.

Students from 12 to 15 years old can complete a two year core program as a general secondary education as lower level secondary education. There is a final after two years course and student must secure 50% marks including tutorials, quizzes, final exam.

After successful completion of lower level secondary education, students are eligible to carry on the upper secondary level education. In this level students are generally 14 to 17 years old. From third year student has to choose a field of study as major subject which they will apply for further study at their university education or higher study institution.

After the ending of lower level secondary education in two ways they can proceed in the upper level secondary education:  one is called 1) long cycle study and other is 2) short cycle study.

Long cycle study lasts for four years. One can study in various field, e. g. science, arts, commerce, vocational, agriculture, veterinary, pedagogy, medicine etc in terms of professional and technical division. Each year student has to pass for promoting to the following year obtaining minimum 50% marks.  At the end of fourth year, they have to sit for the Sate Examination (Examen d’Etat). The subjects they have been taught in the previous years will be the exam subjects. The exam will be ended within four days and students who secure 50% marks will be awarded a certificate called Diploma d’Etat or State Diploma.

After the lower level secondary education one can be eligible for short cycle study. It takes 2 to 3 years to complete the program.  After passing the exam with 50 marks in all subjects The Brevet (in the area of specialization) is awarded to the successful participants. 

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