| Education System in the Czech Republic |
Education in the Czech Republic is compulsory from age 6 to age 15, and the first phase of this takes place at primary school. The curriculum is general academic. At the end of the period a primary school leaving certificate is awarded.
The second and final phase of basic school education takes place at general school or gymnásium which takes a further 4 years. The general academic curriculum continues. Upon completion a vysvědčení certificate is awarded.
There are 2 main types of secondary schools in the Czech Republic, namely general and technical ones. The 1st category prepares students for university education. The 2nd is more technically focused. Both 6 year programs complete with a maturitní zkouška / maturita.
As an alternative, students may attend secondary vocational / technical school instead for 3 to 4 years, where they may acquire specific professional skills. Depending on the nature of the program, they may be rewarded with a výuční list, after 3 years, or a vysvědčení o maturitní zkoušce after 4.
There are 3 tiers of tertiary education available in the Czech Republic. These are professional schools providing diplomas, non-university higher education institutions presenting undergraduate courses, and research universities educating through to doctoral level.
Charles University in Prague is by far the oldest and most venerable, having been founded in 1348 as the first university in Central Europe. Its faculties include theology, law, medicine, arts & philosophy, science, mathematics & physics, education, social sciences, humanities, and physical education & sport.
