National Education System Overview Schooling in the DRC runs over twelve years.

Primary education is compulsory and lasts for six years (learners aged 6-12), leading to the Certificat dEtudes primaires (CEP). This allows access to secondary education (International Association of Universities (IAU) World Higher Education Database, 2005; World Bank Ed Stats, 2007). Secondary education (in either general or technical education) lasts for five to six years (depending on the cycle). The long cycle (general and technical education) lasts for six years from the age of twelve and only students who have passed the end of primary education may enrol. Those who complete the long cycle in a technical field and pass the Diplme dEtat are eligible for admission to higher education. The short cycle (technical/vocational training) lasts for up to five years in areas such as trade and crafts at the end of which a Brevet is awarded (International Association of Universities (IAU) World Higher Education Database, 2005; World Bank Ed Stats, 2007). Type of Higher Education Institutions Publicly funded universities Publicly funded Polytechnics or specialized colleges Privately funded, accredited universities or colleges Other institutions TOTAL Number of Institutions 4 147 227 2 380

Source: DRC MoHE questionnaire response Policy Context The education system in the DRC is governed by the law 25/95 of 17 November 1995 amending the School Act No. 008/90 of September 6, 1990 and on the reorganization of the education system. This law stipulates the right to education ensuring equal access to education and vocational training. Public education is free. Basic education is compulsory. The right to establish private schools is subject to the approval of the State (Ministere de lenseignement Primaire et Secondaire Charge de lAlphabetisation, 2002). Pacte de Modernisation de lEnseignement Suprieur et Universitaire (PADEM) is the Ministry of Higher Education and Universities reform agenda that started in 2003. The objectives of PADEM are to: Upgrade professional and teaching careers; and Reform and modernize the system of higher education and University; Make the university a true center of excellence (Table Ronde de lEducation en Rpublique Dmocratique du Congo, 2004)

Funding Data Public Expenditure on Education as a % of Gross National Income (GNI) % Education budget allocated to higher education Loan/Grant scheme in place 4.6% No data No data

PROFILE OF THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO The educational system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo consists of four levels: Ecole Maternelle ( Kindergarten) Ecole Primaire (Primary School) Ecole Secondaire (Secondary School) Universit and Instituts Suprieurs (Higher Education) I. The Ecole Maternelle (Kindergarten) A three-year program for children from three to five-years, which is not compulsory II. The Ecole Primaire (Primary School) a six-year program divided into three levels of two years each, namely, an elementary level for children six to seven years old; a middle level for children eight to nine years old, and a terminal level for children ten to eleven years old. The ages must be respected to pass from one level to another.

During the school year, the pupil is subject to constant control through a series of tutorials, quizzes and exams. To pass from one class to another, he must get a minimum overall percentage of 50% on this control and a minimum percentage of 50% in major subjects: French, Calculus, Sciences, Drawing, Reading and Writing. He can repeat the class only once. A Certificat d'Ecole Primaire is awarded upon completion of the six-year program. III. The Ecole Secondaire (Secondary School) The Certificat d'Ecole Primaire serves as the basis for admission to secondary school. This is a six-year program divided into lower level secondary education and upper level secondary education. Lower Level Secondary Education A two-year core program for general secondary education for children twelve to fifteen- years old. Final exams taken in all subjects on the program in one week. Minimum passing overall percentage: 50% (including marks on tutorials, quizzes and final exams) Upper Level Secondary Education A program from the third year of secondary education to the sixth year for children fourteen to seventeen years old who successfully complete the lower level secondary education. From the third year, the student chooses an option (major) which is his intended field of study at the university or an institute of higher education. Upon completion of lower level secondary education, the student is admitted in either the cycle long (long cycle program) or the cycle court (short cycle program). A. The Cycle Long (Long Cycle) A four-year program divided into literary, scientific, commercial, social, artistic, vocational (for women), agricultural, veterinarian, medical, pedagogical and professional/technical sections. Passing percentage from one class to another: minimum overall of 50% (including tutorials, quizzes and exams). At the end of the four-year program, the student sits for the Examen d'Etat ( State Examination) in all the subjects on the program in four days. The Diplome d'Etat (State Diploma) is awarded upon passing the examen d'Etat with 50% or more. B. The Cycle Court (Short Cycle) A two to three-year program in professional/technical fields after completion of lower level secondary education. The Brevet (in area of specialization) is awarded after passing the exams in all subjects on the program with 50% or more. Areas of concentration after the two-year core program of Lower Level Secondary Education Sections: Literary Latin-Philosophy 4yrs Scientific Math-Physics 4yrs Chemistry-Biology Commercial Commerce 4yrs Commerce & 4yrs Administration Social Social Sciences 4yrs Artistic Plastic Art Dramatic Arts 4 yrs Music Vocational Tailoring 2yrs Hostess Training Tailoring 4yrs Hostess Training Agriculture Agriculture 4yrs

Horticulture Food &Nutrition Veterinary 4yrs Professional/Technical Auto-mechanics 3yrs Carpentry Masonry 3yrs Electricity Printing General Mechanics 4yrs Machine-Tools Electricity 4yrs Construction Electronics Medical Health Care 5/6 yrs Education Pedagogical General Pedagogy 4yrs Physical Education * The school year is divided into two semesters and each semester (6 months) into two periods of 3 months each. At the end of a period, the student must have sat for as many quizzes as the hours of a course per week. For example, for a course of 5 hr./week, the student must sit for at least 5 quizzes (plus tutorials) at the end of a period. * At the end of the first semester, the student must sit for examinations in all the subjects taken during the semester in one week for lower classes or four days for upper classes. He/she must get a minimum overall average of 55% in upper classes and 50% in lower classes. Otherwise, he/she must step back to a lower class. * At the end of the second semester, the school organizes its final examinations for four days. The student in the upper sixth must get 55% minimum overall total on these examinations. In case of failure, he/she can only be allowed to sit second time for two subjects not specific to the section in which he/she is enrolled. In lower classes, he/she must get 50% minimum overall total and can sit a second time for four subjects he/she failed. * The final grade at the end of each school year consists of the total marks earned during the first and second semesters. The Brevet (In area of specialization) is awarded at the end of the Cycle Court (Short Cycle) program. The student in the humanities or Cycle Long (Long Cycle) must sit for the Examen d'Etat (State Examination) organized by the State in four days in all the subjects on the program of each section. The Diplome d'Etat (State Diploma) is awarded upon passing the Examen d'Etat with a minimum percentage of 50%.