Střední průmyslová škola strojní a elektrotechnická a Vyšší odborná škola, Liberec

The system of education in the Czech Republic

The 9-year compulsory school attendance at the basic school starts at the age of 6. There are also many kindergartens which provide pre-school education.

Secondary education lasts usually 3-4 years. There are 3 types of secondary schools: grammar schools, secondary special schools (technical, agriculture, medical, schools of economics etc.) and vocational schools (also called apprentice schools) which prepare young people for practical professions. After 4 years at grammar or special schools students do school leaving exam in 5 subjects, called "maturita" in Czech. Czech language, foreign language or maths are compulsory at all schools, the other 3 subjects depend on the type of school the students study.

Tertiary education lasts from 3 to 6 years. Students may attend various univesities or colleges and study for Bachalor or Master degree. For those who do not want to study at a university there are many kinds of 2-3 years courses.