Education in Montenegro

The educational system of Montenegro is regulated by its Ministry of Education and Science. Its structure consists of a pre-higher education system and a higher education system. The curricula in both structure is adopted by the Minister of Education and Science with prior approval of the Education Council, and in accordance with a government policy of providing citizens with equal rights to acquire high quality education.

Preparatory schooling for one year is mandatory as primary education is free and compulsory for Montenegrin children. Primary education consists of nine years divided into three cycles of three years each. Children six years of age start the first cycle.

The secondary or high school education is divided into two levels: the general education core, and elective subjects. With four-year curriculum, the high school is for students starting from 15 years old until graduation at 18 years of age.

There are also various types of education available after the primary level. The most popular of these schools are vocational and technical institutions. Graduates of technical schools are qualified to pursue high education at two-year post-secondary schools, which are built to help serve the needs of various industries and of social services sector.

Higher education, or collegiate education, is offered at the University of Montenegro’s 15 faculties, 48 study programs and 4 research institutes. Regulated by laws on higher education, the university’s higher education and post-secondary study programs can be completed in four to six years, with the students provided with certificates of completion or diplomas which can be used by graduates in applying for employment, in getting promotion to higher employment positions, or for other personal or official purposes.