Structure of Education in Ghana

The Ghanaian education system is divided in three parts: "Basic Education", secondary cycle and tertiary Education.

"Basic Education" lasts 11 years(Age 4-15), is free and compulsory.

It is divided into Kindergarten(2 years), primary school(6 years) and Junior High school(3 years).

The junior high school(JHS) ends on the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Once the BECE achieved, the pupil can pursue into secondary cycle.

Secondary cycle can be either general (assumed by Senior High School) or vocational(assumed by technical Senior High School, Technical and vocational Institutes and a massive private and informal offer). Senior High school lasts three years and ends on the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Other secondary institutions leads to various certifications and diplomas.

Tertiary education is basically divided into university (academic education) and Polytechnics(vocational education).

The WASSCE is needed to join a university Bachelor degree program.

A bachelor degree lasts 4 years and can be followed by a 1 or 2 year Master.

The student is then free to start a Phd, usually completed in 3 years.

Polytechnics are opened to vocational students, from SHS or from TVI.

A Polytechnic curriculum lasts 2 to 3 years.

Ghana also possesses numerous colleges of education.

New tertiary education graduates have to serve one year within the National Service Scheme.

The Ghanaian education system from Kindergarten up to an undergraduate degree level takes 20 years.

The academic year usually goes from August to May inclusive.

The school year lasts 40 weeks in Primary school and SHS, and 45 weeks in JHS.