Education in Montenegro


Education in Montenegro is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Science of Government of Montenegro.
Education starts in either pre-schools or elementary schools. Children enroll in elementary schools at the age of 6 and elementary education lasts for nine years.

History

Before 1868, there were only a few elementary schools in Montenegro, but between 1868 and 1875, 72 new schools opened, serving approximately 3000 students. Elementary education became mandatory and was provided for free. In 1869, a teachers' seminary school and the Girls' Institute were opened in Cetinje. The Girls' Institute was a specialized school for teachers of elementary schools. In 1875, an agricultural school was opened in the newly developed town of Danilovgrad, but the school closed two years later due to the war with Turkey. Subsequently, a similar school opened in Podgorica in 1893. Increasingly, younger, educated Montenegrins took key positions in the growing government administration. In 1880, the first 'lower classical gymnasium' was opened. In 1902, it developed into a 'higher classical gymnasium'. In 1899, Montenegro had 75 public and 26 private schools.

Educational System

The educational system is uniformed. The school curriculum includes the history and culture of all ethnic groups. The language of instruction is Montenegrin, and so is Albanian in some elementary and secondary schools where there is a significant presence of Albanians. All students up to Secondary schools are enrolled in public schools, which are financed from the republic's budget. In December 2008, Montenegrin Education Minister Sreten Škuletić said that, in 2009, all school text books will be printed in the Montenegrin language as part of an educational reform. This will also include Dictionaries and grammar books.

Elementary education

Elementary education in Montenegro is free and compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 14, when children attend the nine-year school.

Secondary education

Secondary schools are divided into three types, and children attend one depending on their choice and their elementary school grades:
Tertiary level institutions are divided into Higher education and High education level faculties. Study programmes at universities and art academies last between 4 and 6 years and award diplomas equivalent to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. Higher school lasts between two and four years.

Post-graduate education

Post-graduate education is offered after tertiary level and offers Masters' degrees, Ph.D. and specialization education.

Qualifications