How is the school system structured in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

The school system in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) follows a French-influenced education system with influences from the colonial era. It is structured as follows:

📘 1. Pre-school education (Enseignement Préscolaire)

• Ages: 3–5 years
• Not yet compulsory
• Preparatory for primary school

📗 2. Primary school (École Primaire)

• Duration: 6 years (CP1 to CP6)
• Ages: approx. 6–11 years
• Compulsory school
• Subjects: Reading, writing, mathematics, religion, social studies, science

📙 3. Secondary school (École Secondaire)

Consists of two cycles:

A. Lower secondary school (Tronc Commun)

• Duration: 2 years (S1–S2)
• General education, the same for everyone

B. Upper secondary school (options)

• Duration: 4 years (S3–S6)
• Specialisation in subject areas such as:
  • General education (e.g. mathematics, biology)
  • Technology (e.g. electronics, construction)
  • Pedagogy
  • Trade / administration

➡️ Degree: Diplôme d’État (State Diploma)

🎓 4. Higher education (Enseignement Supérieur et Universitaire)

• Universities & technical institutes
• Degree programmes take 3–5 years
• Entry only with Diplôme d’État

🧾 Key characteristics

• Compulsory education officially: 6–16 years
• French is the language of instruction
• There are major differences between public and private schools
• Many children do not attend school regularly – partly due to poverty, conflict or school fees