Education System in Burkina Faso


 EducationSchool/LevelGradesAgeYearsNotes
PrimaryPrimary1–67–136The six years are actually subdivided into three courses of two years each.
MiddleJunior High School7–1014–184Leads to senior high school or vocational studies
SecondarySenior High School11–1319–213 
VocationalVocational/Technical2A number of vocational diplomas and certificates are offered post-secondary
TertiaryUniversity First Stage2DEUG (Diploma of General University Studies), UT(University Diploma of Technology), DUEL (University Diploma of Literary Studies), DUES (University Diploma of Scientific Studies)
TertiaryUniversity Second Stage1Licence (License)
TertiaryBachelor1"Maîtrise" diploma is equivalent to 4 years of post-secondary education
TertiaryMaster1Diplôme d’Études Supérieures Spécialisées/ DESS (Diploma of Higher Specialized Studies), Diplôme d’Études Approfondies/ DEA (Diploma of Advanced Studies), Maîtrise Professionnelle
TertiaryDoctorate2–5Doctorat duTroisième Cycle(Third Cycle Doctorate), Doctorat d’État (State Doctorate)

Primary Education

Although education in landlocked Burkina Faso in West Africa is compulsory for children aged between 7 and 14, this is not enforced. It is based mainly on the French model and the teaching language is French. Children enter primary school at the age of seven and, after 6 years, they write an elementary school completion examination that allows them to register at high school.

Middle Education

Only a very small proportion of young people study further. Junior high school takes 4 years during which time the curriculum includes languages, geography, history, mathematics, and sciences. The junior high school diploma on offer at the end of this allows students to either register for senior high school, or to enroll for a course at junior high vocational school instead.

Secondary Education

The academic trend continues for students who proceed on to senior high school (and who are among the very few). Their final examination is for their baccalaureate, that will admit them to university.



Vocational Education

Junior high level vocational schools offer 2 to 3 year professional training for occupations including primary schoolmaster, nurse, midwife, police person, customs officer, and public administration clerk.

Tertiary Education

Burkina Faso EducationThere are three institutions of higher learning in Burkina Faso, namely the Polytechnic University of Bobo-Dioulasso, the Teachers Training College of Koudougou, and the University of Ouagadougou.


The latter, which is illustrated here, was established in 1974, and has faculties of languages arts & communication, human sciences, legal and politic sciences, economic sciences & management, applied sciences, health sciences, life & earth sciences, and an institute of arts & crafts.




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