Overview
Education is officially free and compulsory for all children aged between seven and 16 years of age. Primary education begins at seven years of age and lasts for four years. Secondary education, beginning at 11, lasts for a maximum of seven years, comprising a first cycle of five years and a second of two years. The academic year is September to July.The languages of instruction are Romanian and Russian.
Structure and Organization of the Education System
The educational system is organized in levels, stages and cycles. The structure is as follows:
1) Primary education
2) Secondary education
2a)Gynamisum secondary education
2b)Lyceum secondary education
2c)Vocational secondary education
3) Higher education
4) Post-graduate higher education

Primary Education
Primary education (I-IV forms) is for children from 7 to 11 years of age. It is provided as full-time for four years. There are no tuition fees or school uniforms although books and supplies may cost around 15 EUR a month.
Secondary Education
The first stage of secondary education,Gymnasium, is full-time (V-IX forms) for children from 11 to 16. Children come to gymnasiums after primary school graduation. Gymnasium education finalizes with a graduation exam. The gymnasium issues a Certificate of studies required by the Ministry of Education.
The second stage of Secondary education
Lyceum (High school) education (X-XII forms) is 3 years. Admission to lyceum is only by examination .Only gymnasium graduates or vocational graduates are accepted for admission.Lyceum education finalizes with exams and the graduates receive a Diploma De Bacalaureat upon completion of the Bacalaureat Examination. Books and supplies for secondary school may cost around 25 EUR a month.
Vocational Education
Higher technical/vocational education is provided by colleges and consists of short-cycle specialized courses in agriculture, teacher training, arts, mechanics, energetics, construction, industrial wood-processing, and economics. The duration of the study programme varies from two to three years, depending on the field of study. Courses lead to qualifications at undergraduate degree level.
Tertiary & Higher Education
University
Undergraduate studies
Higher education institutions offer full-time courses in all fields of study. Full-time courses last for four to six years, depending on the field of study. External courses are available in engineering, construction, economics, humanities, agronomy, and sports. Evening courses are available only for engineering. These courses require one additional year of study. The “diploma de studii superioare” or “diploma de doctor-medic” or “diploma de inginer” are awarded at the end of this stage.
University tuition fees are between 300-700 EUR per annum, although not all students pay, as about 30 % of students are exempted, based on academic merits. Books and supplies may cost around 30- 50 EUR a month.
Admissions to university level
A secondary schoo diploma "Diploma De Bacalaureat" is required for entrance into all universities.National admission entrance examination requirements may also be a requirement to enter university level education. Some universities have their own set examinations and guidelines for admission.
Special Education
Special education offers training for children with mental and physical impairment. Generally, the duration of compulsory education is 8 years. Arts and sports education is provided for children with special musical, artistic, sports abilities.
Private Education
There are currently about 163 private educational institutions functioning on the basis of licenses issued by the Ministry of Education. The institutions are of various levels and steps: 25 universities, one post-university institution, 18 colleges, 60 pre-university institutions (kindergartens, primary schools, gymnasiums, and lyceums), 5 vocational schools, 200 training courses for adults.
Approval and verification of foreign diplomas
Recognition of studies, diplomas, and academic degrees as well as the confirmation of doctoral or academic degrees fall under the responsibility of the Higher Commission for Diplomas and Degrees (Comisia Superioara de Atestare).
Ministry of Education. Main Division for Higher Education
Address:
Street: 1, Piata Marii Adunari Nationale
City: Chisinau
Postal code: 277033
Telephone: 373 (22)-23-33-48
Fax: +373 (22)-23-34-74
Funding: Loans and stipends
Merit Scholarships
This program offers, on a competition basis, annual scholarships for the best students all over the country, the value of which varies between 3000 to 8000 MDL.
Eligible candidates for the programme include students from all departments, of the Republic of Moldova Universities, with the grade point average not less than :
9 (nine) - for students from social-humanities studies departments;
8,5 (eight point five) - for real, technical and medical-biological studies;
8 (eight) - for students with disabilities and/or orphans.

For more information please contact
Educational Advising Center
148 Stefan cel Mare si Sfant bd. apt. 22, 3rd Floor
Tel.: 373 (22) 221167, 221172
Fax: 373 (22) 221167
E-mail: eac@eac.md
Contact Details
Ministry of Education. Main Division for Higher Education
Address:
Street: 1, Piata Marii Adunari Nationale
City: Chisinau
Postal code: 277033
Telephone: 373 (22)-23-33-48
Fax: 373 (22)-23-34-74