on ethiopia

the education system

The development of a modern education system in Ethiopia is in its early stage. The literacy rate is one of the lowest in Africa and is estimated to be around 38.5 % (World Bank).

Primary Education
Primary education lasts for eight years (Grade 1-8 – age of entry: 6).

The eight years of primary education culminates in the sitting of the Grade 8 National Examination in the month of June. Subjects covered are; Amharic (local language), English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Social Studies
It is estimated that enrolment for primary education is below 50%.

Secondary Education
Secondary education lasts for four years (Grade 9-12) and is divided into two cycles

First Cycle Secondary (Grade 9- 10 – age of entry 14)
At the end of Grade 10 students sit the Ethiopian General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (EGSECE), in the month of June. This examination is also called the Grade 10 National Examination. Subjects covered are; Amharic (local language), English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History and Civics.

Second Cycle Secondary Education (Grade 11-12 – age of entry 16)
The second cycle of secondary education prepares students for university entrance.
At the beginning of Grade 11 students select to follow either a Science or an Art Stream.
Both streams include the core subjects of; Amharic (local language), English and Mathematics.

The Science Stream develops knowledge in the subjects of Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Technical Drawing.
The Art Stream develops knowledge in the subjects of Geography, History, Economics, Business and Civics.

At the end of Grade 12 students sit two examinations:-
1. The Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination (ESLCE). This is taken in March / April with results published in August/ September.
2. The Ethiopian Higher Education Entrance Examination (EHEEE).

The later examination is a basic requirement for University entrance.

It is estimated that enrolment for secondary school education is approximately 12%

Higher Education
The first higher Education institute, The University of Addis Ababa, was established in 1950. At present, in Ethiopia, there are six Universities and twenty colleges accredited by the Ministry of Education.

The Government has taken the initiative in opening new universities and colleges and expanding and upgrading already existing colleges of Engineering, Education and Health Sciences in various regions of the country.
Tertiary enrolment is about 1 %

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