The educational system in Bulgaria is based on national education laws and rules. Education is compulsory until age 16 and consists of primary and secondary levels. Primary education has two stages from grades 1-4 and 5-8, while secondary education is from grades 9-12 and is certified by a diploma. Higher education options include universities and professional colleges.

2.  The contemporary educational system in Bulgaria
develops at the base on national education low,
Rules for attachment the educational Act, together
with the amendments and additions of this Rule.
The educational Act itself is passed in 1991. The
Rules of the educational Act was passed in 1992
and since then many amendments and additions
have been made. At the moment there is a
discussion and at hand is a vote from the
Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria of a new law,
conformable to European requirements.

3. The education in Bulgaria
is obligatory till age of 16
years. The school year
consists of two terms, it
begins on the 15 of
September and ends in
May or June.

4. STRUCTURE
PRE – SCHOOL
EDICATION
SECONDARY
EDICATION
PRIMARY
EDICATION
HIGHER
EDICATION

5. It includes the children from 3 to
6/7 years of age. The pre – school
preparation of the children is
obligatory 2 years before entering
1st grade, but not earlier then 5
years of age.

6. The school education starts at the age of 7. The
1st class children at the age of 6 can enter if
their physical end mental development allows,
in the opinion of the parents, or the guardians.
The school education according to the degree
is primary and secondary, and according to the
content of preparation it is universally and
vocational training.

7.  The primary education realizes on 2 stages:
Opening stage, from 1 to 4 class, and secondary stage, from 5
to 8 class.
 The students who have finished the opening stage of the
primary education get a certificate for finished 4 grade.
 The gaining of primary education is certified with a certificate
for finished primary education, which is got after finished 8
grade end gives the right from the continuing education.

8. Secondary education is gaining after a
successfully finished 12 grade, and taken
school leaving examinations and it is
certificated by a diploma for finished
secondary education, in which the common
success is written. The diploma is final, and
gives the right for continuing education or
professional education.

10. The universally education insures
the acquiring of the universally
education minimum, and a profile
preparation according to the civil
educational requirements.

11. The vocational training insures the
acquiring of the universally
education minimum, and gaining a
qualification according to the civil
educational requirements.

12.  The schools are:
 1. Starting – from 1 to 4 grade including.
 2. Middle - from 5 to 8 grade including.
 3. Primary - from 1 to 8 grade including.
 4. Secondary - from 9 to 12 grade including.
 5. Specialized secondary schools.
 6. Universally secondary – from 1 to 12 grade.
 7. Professional secondary – from 8 or 9 to 12 grade.
 8. Professional – from 7 or 8 with a 3 years lasting of education or 4
years, and professional colleges after finishing secondary school 2
years lasting.
 9. Sports schools (schools of sport).
 10. Art schools (school of art).
 11. Special schools.
 12. Schools of culture.