EDUCATION STRUCTURE IN TANZANIA.

The Tanzanian system of education is closely aligned with the European system. Instruction can be divided into four sub-categories:

Pre-primary spans 2 years. The typical age of a pre-primary student is 5-6. As pre-primary is not compulsory, it most closely aligns with the American concept of preschool.

Primary spans 7 years. This level of education is compulsory. The default language of instruction is Kiswahili. The typical age of a primary student is 7-13. Individual years of primary education are called Standards. Standards are classified by Roman numerals, ranging from Standard I to Standard VII. Any child that reaches the age of 7 is required to enroll in primary school. Primary education is technically free of charge, but most schools implement fees for uniforms, testing materials, and supplies.

There are two national exams that fall within this period: one between Standard IV and Standard V, and one upon completion of Standard VII. Passage of the first is not required for advancement. Passage of the second is required to receive a primary certificate and advance to public Ordinary Level (secondary school). If a student fails, a private O-Level school is their only option.

Ordinary Level spans 4 years. O-Level is not compulsory and students are required to pay school fees. The default language of instruction is English. The typical age of an O-Level student is 14-17. Individual years of O-Level education are called Forms. Like Standards, Forms are classified by Roman numerals, ranging from Form I to Form IV.

There are two national exams that fall in this period: one between Form II and Form III, and one upon completion of Form IV. Passage of the first is required for advancement, though students who do not pass may retake Form II. Passage of the second is required to receive a Certificate of Secondary Education Examination, in addition to an academic certificate from the National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA). A student must pass this exam to advance to Advanced Level (high school).

Advanced Level spans 2 years. A-Level students must have passed their Form IV examinations. The default language of instruction is English. The typical age of an A-Level student is 18 and up. Like O-Level, individual years of A-Level education are called Forms. A-Level is Form V and Form VI.

There is one examination upon completion of Form VI. It is called the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination. A student must pass this exam to receive a diploma and be eligible for advancement into a public university.

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