School curricula and examinations, country by country

PYP, MYP, Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme

Switzerland (worldwide) · Worldwide

Inquiry-led programmes with a core of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and service learning. Widely recognised by universities worldwide.

Levels

Ages 3–19

Language of instruction

English, French, Spanish

Assessment

Internal assessment plus external examinations at DP/CP

Qualification

IB Diploma (out of 45 points) or IB Courses

Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE, AS & A Level

United Kingdom (worldwide) · Worldwide

Modular subject choice with flexible entry, used in more than 160 countries and common in international and private schools.

Levels

Ages 5–19

Language of instruction

English

Assessment

Subject-by-subject external examinations, some coursework

Qualification

Cambridge IGCSE, AS & A Level certificates

International Primary, Lower Secondary, GCSE and A Level

United Kingdom (worldwide) · Worldwide

UK-aligned qualifications adapted for international schools, with two examination sessions each year.

Levels

Ages 5–19

Language of instruction

English

Assessment

External written examinations, January and June series

Qualification

International GCSE, International A Level

College Board Advanced Placement courses and exams

United States (worldwide) · Worldwide

College-level subject courses taken inside a school programme; many universities grant credit or placement for high scores.

Levels

Ages 15–18

Language of instruction

English

Assessment

Single end-of-year exam scored 1–5

Qualification

AP Scholar awards, AP Capstone Diploma

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects

United Kingdom · Europe

Linear alternative to A Levels emphasising depth and independent research; offered by a smaller group of schools.

Levels

Ages 16–19

Language of instruction

English

Assessment

Linear examinations at the end of two years

Qualification

Pre-U Diploma / Principal Subject certificates

Central Board of Secondary Education

India · Asia

India's largest national board, closely aligned with national entrance tests such as JEE and NEET.

Levels

Classes 1–12

Language of instruction

English, Hindi

Assessment

Board examinations in Class 10 and Class 12

Qualification

All India Secondary School Examination (AISSE), AISSCE

Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations

India · Asia

English-medium board known for broad language and literature requirements and internal project work.

Levels

Classes 1–12

Language of instruction

English

Assessment

ICSE at Class 10, ISC at Class 12

Qualification

Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, Indian School Certificate

State boards of secondary and higher secondary education

India · Asia

Each Indian state runs its own board with its own syllabus, regional-language instruction and state quota admissions.

Levels

Classes 1–12

Language of instruction

Regional languages, English

Assessment

State board examinations at Class 10 and 12

Qualification

SSC / HSC certificates (names vary by state)

National Institute of Open Schooling

India · Asia

Open-schooling route for learners outside regular school, including homeschoolers and working students.

Levels

Secondary and Senior Secondary

Language of instruction

English, Hindi, Urdu

Assessment

On-demand and twice-yearly public examinations

Qualification

NIOS Secondary / Senior Secondary certificate

Key Stages 1–4 with GCSE and A Level

United Kingdom · Europe

Subject programmes of study set by the Department for Education; academies have some freedom over content.

Levels

Ages 5–18

Language of instruction

English

Assessment

Key Stage assessments, GCSE at 16, A Level at 18

Qualification

GCSE, AS & A Level

Broad General Education and Senior Phase

Scotland · Europe

Outcome-based curriculum with four capacities; Highers are the main route into Scottish universities.

Levels

Ages 3–18

Language of instruction

English, Gaelic

Assessment

SQA National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher

Qualification

Scottish Qualifications Certificate

Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle

Ireland · Europe

Includes an optional Transition Year and Leaving Certificate Applied/Vocational programmes.

Levels

Ages 4–18

Language of instruction

English, Irish

Assessment

Junior Cycle exams, Leaving Certificate at 18

Qualification

Leaving Certificate (CAO points)

Socle commun, collège and lycée

France · Europe

Centrally set programmes; the reformed Bac combines specialities, a grand oral and continuous assessment. AEFE schools teach it worldwide.

Levels

Ages 3–18

Language of instruction

French

Assessment

Diplôme national du brevet, Baccalauréat

Qualification

Baccalauréat général, technologique or professionnel

Grundschule, Sekundarstufe I and II

Germany · Europe

Each federal state sets its own curriculum; tracks include Gymnasium, Realschule and the dual vocational system.

Levels

Ages 6–18/19

Language of instruction

German

Assessment

Written and oral Abiturprüfung set by each Land

Qualification

Abitur / Fachhochschulreife

Duale Ausbildung (apprenticeship plus Berufsschule)

Germany · Europe

Paid company training combined with school instruction; a main route into skilled employment in Germany.

Levels

Post-secondary, ages 16+

Language of instruction

German

Assessment

Chamber examinations (IHK/HWK)

Qualification

Recognised Ausbildung certificate in 300+ trades

Curriculum of the European Schools

European Union · Europe

Multilingual programme of the European Schools, legally recognised for university entry across EU member states.

Levels

Ages 4–18

Language of instruction

Multilingual by language section

Assessment

Written and oral examinations in the final two years

Qualification

European Baccalaureate

Licei, istituti tecnici and professionali

Italy · Europe

Students choose a liceo (classical, scientific, linguistic, artistic) or a technical/vocational institute at 14.

Levels

Ages 6–19

Language of instruction

Italian

Assessment

Esame di Stato at the end of upper secondary

Qualification

Diploma di istruzione secondaria superiore

Primaria, ESO and Bachillerato

Spain · Europe

Regional communities adapt part of the curriculum; university places depend on the Bachillerato average plus EBAU marks.

Levels

Ages 6–18

Language of instruction

Spanish and co-official languages

Assessment

Continuous assessment plus the EBAU/EvAU university test

Qualification

Título de Bachiller

Tracked secondary education with central exams

Netherlands · Europe

Track chosen around age 12 determines access to research universities (VWO), universities of applied sciences (HAVO) or vocational study (VMBO).

Levels

Ages 4–18

Language of instruction

Dutch, some bilingual streams

Assessment

School exams plus national central examinations

Qualification

VWO, HAVO or VMBO diploma

Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish national curricula

Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark · Europe

Comprehensive schooling with late tracking, broad wellbeing support and strong upper-secondary vocational options.

Levels

Ages 6/7–19

Language of instruction

National languages

Assessment

Teacher assessment, national tests, matriculation exams

Qualification

Matriculation examination / upper secondary diploma

Cantonal curricula with Lehrplan 21 / PER

Switzerland · Europe

Cantons run their own curricula in three language regions; vocational apprenticeships serve about two-thirds of students.

Levels

Ages 4–19

Language of instruction

German, French, Italian

Assessment

Cantonal Matura examinations

Qualification

Swiss Matura / Berufsmaturität

Federal State Educational Standards

Russia · Europe

Standardised federal programmes; EGE results are the single route into most Russian universities.

Levels

Grades 1–11

Language of instruction

Russian

Assessment

OGE at grade 9, Unified State Exam (EGE) at grade 11

Qualification

Certificate of secondary education

MEB curriculum with LGS and YKS examinations

Türkiye · Middle East

Central examinations decide both high school and university placement; Anatolian, science and vocational high schools differ in focus.

Levels

Ages 6–18

Language of instruction

Turkish

Assessment

LGS for high school placement, YKS for university

Qualification

Lise diploması

State academic standards, including Common Core-derived ones

United States · North America

There is no national curriculum; each state and district sets standards, so course names and graduation credits vary.

Levels

K–12

Language of instruction

English, bilingual programmes

Assessment

State tests, GPA and transcripts; SAT/ACT optional

Qualification

High School Diploma

Ministry curricula of the provinces and territories

Canada · North America

Education is fully provincial; Ontario's OSSD and British Columbia's Dogwood Diploma are also taught in offshore schools.

Levels

K–12

Language of instruction

English, French

Assessment

Course credits plus some provincial examinations

Qualification

Provincial secondary school diploma (e.g. OSSD)

Nueva Escuela Mexicana, primaria to bachillerato

Mexico · Latin America & Caribbean

Federal plans with general, technological and vocational bachillerato options; UNAM and IPN run their own entrance tests.

Levels

Ages 3–18

Language of instruction

Spanish, indigenous languages

Assessment

School assessment plus university entrance exams

Qualification

Certificado de bachillerato

Base Nacional Comum Curricular and Novo Ensino Médio

Brazil · Latin America & Caribbean

Common national base with elective itineraries in the new upper secondary; ENEM scores drive federal university admission.

Levels

Ages 4–17

Language of instruction

Portuguese

Assessment

School assessment plus the ENEM national exam

Qualification

Certificado de conclusão do ensino médio

NAP with provincial secondary orientations

Argentina · Latin America & Caribbean

Federal learning cores adapted by provinces; most public universities admit secondary graduates without entrance exams.

Levels

Ages 4–17

Language of instruction

Spanish

Assessment

Continuous school assessment

Qualification

Título de nivel secundario

Bases curriculares with PAES admission test

Chile · Latin America & Caribbean

Scientific-humanistic and technical-professional tracks in upper secondary; PAES results decide university places.

Levels

Ages 4–18

Language of instruction

Spanish

Assessment

SIMCE monitoring and the PAES university test

Qualification

Licencia de Educación Media

Compulsory education curriculum and senior secondary

China · Asia

Nine years compulsory schooling; the Gaokao is the decisive national university entrance examination.

Levels

Grades 1–12

Language of instruction

Mandarin Chinese

Assessment

Zhongkao at grade 9, Gaokao at grade 12

Qualification

Senior secondary graduation certificate

MEXT Course of Study for elementary to upper secondary

Japan · Asia

Revised roughly every decade by MEXT; high school and university entrance exams are set separately by schools and institutions.

Levels

Ages 6–18

Language of instruction

Japanese

Assessment

School exams, entrance exams, the Common Test for university

Qualification

Upper secondary school diploma

National Curriculum with the CSAT (Suneung)

South Korea · Asia

Common curriculum through middle school with electives in high school; admission blends school records, essays and the CSAT.

Levels

Ages 6–18

Language of instruction

Korean

Assessment

School records plus the CSAT university test

Qualification

High school diploma

MOE syllabuses with PSLE, O-Level and A-Level

Singapore · Asia

Bilingual policy, subject-based banding and strong polytechnic and ITE vocational routes alongside junior colleges.

Levels

Ages 7–18

Language of instruction

English plus mother tongue

Assessment

PSLE at 12, Singapore-Cambridge O and A Levels

Qualification

Singapore-Cambridge GCE certificates

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education curriculum

Hong Kong SAR · Asia

Four core subjects with electives and Applied Learning courses; recognised by universities in Hong Kong and abroad.

Levels

Ages 6–18

Language of instruction

Chinese, English

Assessment

Public HKDSE examination plus school-based assessment

Qualification

HKDSE

Merdeka curriculum for SD, SMP and SMA/SMK

Indonesia · Asia

Flexible project-based framework with a strong SMK vocational stream and Pancasila character projects.

Levels

Ages 7–18

Language of instruction

Bahasa Indonesia

Assessment

School assessment plus national university selection (SNBT)

Qualification

Ijazah SMA / SMK

Standard curriculum for primary and secondary school

Malaysia · Asia

Post-SPM options include matriculation, STPM, foundation programmes and polytechnic diplomas.

Levels

Ages 7–17

Language of instruction

Malay, English

Assessment

SPM at the end of secondary school

Qualification

Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)

Prathom and Matthayom levels

Thailand · Asia

Eight learning areas across twelve grades, with vocational certificates offered in parallel from Matthayom 4.

Levels

Ages 6–18

Language of instruction

Thai, English programmes

Assessment

O-NET tests and TCAS university admission

Qualification

Matthayom 6 certificate

2018 General Education Programme

Vietnam · Asia

Competency-based reform with elective clusters in upper secondary; the national exam also serves university admission.

Levels

Grades 1–12

Language of instruction

Vietnamese

Assessment

National High School Graduation Examination

Qualification

High school graduation diploma

National Curriculum with provincial boards

Pakistan · Asia

Provincial boards examine the national curriculum; Cambridge O/A Levels are a common private alternative.

Levels

Classes 1–12

Language of instruction

Urdu, English, regional languages

Assessment

Board exams at Class 9–10 (Matric) and 11–12 (Intermediate)

Qualification

SSC (Matric) and HSSC (FSc/FA)

NCTB curriculum with SSC and HSC

Bangladesh · Asia

General, madrasah and technical streams are examined by separate boards under the national framework.

Levels

Classes 1–12

Language of instruction

Bengali, English

Assessment

SSC at Class 10, HSC at Class 12

Qualification

Secondary and Higher Secondary Certificates

GCE O/L and A/L under the NIE curriculum

Sri Lanka · Asia

A/L streams (science, commerce, arts, technology) and Z-score ranking determine state university admission.

Levels

Grades 1–13

Language of instruction

Sinhala, Tamil, English

Assessment

GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations

Qualification

GCE O/L and A/L certificates

Basic and secondary education with SEE and NEB

Nepal · Asia

Curriculum Development Centre framework with science, management, humanities and technical streams.

Levels

Grades 1–12

Language of instruction

Nepali, English

Assessment

SEE at grade 10, NEB examinations at grade 12

Qualification

NEB Grade 12 certificate

K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum with senior high tracks

Philippines · Asia

Senior high tracks include academic, technical-vocational, sports and arts, with TESDA certificates available.

Levels

Kindergarten to Grade 12

Language of instruction

Filipino, English, mother tongue

Assessment

School assessment plus university entrance tests

Qualification

Senior High School Diploma

F–10 Australian Curriculum with state senior certificates

Australia · Oceania

National curriculum to Year 10; each state or territory awards its own senior secondary certificate feeding the ATAR.

Levels

Foundation to Year 12

Language of instruction

English

Assessment

NAPLAN monitoring, state Year 12 assessment, ATAR ranking

Qualification

HSC, VCE, QCE and other state certificates

The New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa

New Zealand · Oceania

Credit-based qualification allowing a mix of academic and vocational standards within one certificate.

Levels

Years 1–13

Language of instruction

English, te reo Māori

Assessment

Standards-based internal and external NCEA assessment

Qualification

NCEA Levels 1–3, University Entrance

Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements

South Africa · Africa

Detailed subject statements per grade; the IEB offers an independently examined alternative to the same NSC.

Levels

Grades R–12

Language of instruction

11 official languages

Assessment

National Senior Certificate examinations in Grade 12

Qualification

National Senior Certificate (matric)

Basic education plus senior secondary with WAEC/NECO

Nigeria · Africa

9-3-4 structure; WASSCE grades plus the JAMB score determine admission to Nigerian universities.

Levels

Ages 6–18

Language of instruction

English, national languages

Assessment

BECE, WASSCE/NECO and the JAMB UTME for university

Qualification

WASSCE / SSCE

CBC: pre-primary, primary, junior and senior school

Kenya · Africa

Replaces the 8-4-4 system with a 2-6-3-3-3 structure and senior-school pathways in arts, sports, STEM and social sciences.

Levels

Ages 4–18

Language of instruction

English, Kiswahili

Assessment

Continuous assessment plus national summative exams

Qualification

KCSE (transitioning under CBC pathways)

Basic and senior high school curriculum with WASSCE

Ghana · Africa

Free senior high policy with general, technical, vocational and agricultural programmes.

Levels

KG to SHS 3

Language of instruction

English, Ghanaian languages

Assessment

BECE at basic level, WASSCE at senior high

Qualification

WASSCE

Basic education and the Thanaweya Amma

Egypt · Middle East

Egypt 2.0 reform introduces competency assessment; Thanaweya Amma totals decide university faculty placement.

Levels

Grades 1–12

Language of instruction

Arabic, English/French streams

Assessment

Thanaweya Amma examinations

Qualification

General Secondary Education Certificate

Ministry of Education curriculum with Qudurat/Tahsili

Saudi Arabia · Middle East

Vision 2030 reforms expanded English, digital skills and vocational pathways alongside the national certificate.

Levels

Grades 1–12

Language of instruction

Arabic, English

Assessment

School exams plus ETEC standardised tests

Qualification

General Secondary Education Certificate

MOE curriculum alongside many international curricula

United Arab Emirates · Middle East

Public schools follow the MOE curriculum while private schools offer 17+ curricula inspected by KHDA and ADEK.

Levels

KG to Grade 12

Language of instruction

Arabic, English

Assessment

EmSAT tests and school assessment

Qualification

UAE Secondary School Certificate

Ministry of Education curriculum and Bagrut examinations

Israel · Middle East

Students take subjects at 3–5 study units; the Bagrut plus the psychometric test governs university admission.

Levels

Grades 1–12

Language of instruction

Hebrew, Arabic

Assessment

Bagrut examinations at several study-unit levels

Qualification

Bagrut certificate

International Primary and Middle Years Curriculum

United Kingdom (worldwide) · Worldwide

Thematic unit-based programmes often used before IGCSE or IB Middle Years in international schools.

Levels

Ages 3–14

Language of instruction

English

Assessment

Teacher assessment against learning goals

Qualification

No external certificate

Montessori prepared-environment pedagogy

Italy origin (worldwide) · Worldwide

Mixed-age classes, long uninterrupted work periods and self-chosen activity with specialised materials.

Levels

Ages 0–18, strongest 0–12

Language of instruction

Any

Assessment

Observation and portfolios, no ranking

Qualification

No external certificate

Waldorf education curriculum

Germany origin (worldwide) · Worldwide

Arts-integrated, developmental curriculum with main-lesson blocks and delayed formal academics.

Levels

Ages 3–18

Language of instruction

Any

Assessment

Narrative reports; national exams taken where required

Qualification

Varies by country

Reggio Emilia early childhood approach

Italy origin (worldwide) · Worldwide

Project-led early years practice built on documentation, the environment and the hundred languages of children.

Levels

Ages 0–6

Language of instruction

Any

Assessment

Documentation of children's projects

Qualification

Not applicable

National curriculum with Qur'an, Arabic and Islamic studies

Worldwide · Worldwide

Madrasah and Islamic day schools combine the national academic curriculum with religious study; recognition varies by country.

Levels

Primary to secondary

Language of instruction

Arabic plus local language

Assessment

National examinations plus religious assessment

Qualification

National certificates; madrasah certificates in some systems

National curriculum with religious education

Worldwide · Worldwide

One of the largest school networks worldwide, following each country's curriculum plus a faith and service dimension.

Levels

Early years to secondary

Language of instruction

Local languages

Assessment

National examinations plus religious education

Qualification

National certificates

Dual curriculum: general studies and Judaic studies

Worldwide · Worldwide

Combines the local national curriculum with Hebrew, Torah and Jewish history in a dual timetable.

Levels

Early years to secondary

Language of instruction

Local language, Hebrew

Assessment

National examinations plus Judaic assessment

Qualification

National certificates

Pearson BTEC vocational qualifications

United Kingdom (worldwide) · Worldwide

Applied qualifications in areas such as business, engineering, health and IT, accepted by many universities via UCAS points.

Levels

Levels 1–7, ages 14+

Language of instruction

English

Assessment

Mostly coursework units with some external assessment

Qualification

BTEC First, National, Higher National

Technical qualifications for ages 16–19 in England

England · Europe

Two-year technical programmes co-designed with employers, including a 45-day industry placement.

Levels

Ages 16–19

Language of instruction

English

Assessment

Core exams, employer-set project, industry placement

Qualification

T Level certificate (equivalent to 3 A Levels)

Vocational education and training with Berufsmaturität

Switzerland · Europe

Company apprenticeships with part-time school; the Berufsmaturität adds access to universities of applied sciences.

Levels

Ages 15+

Language of instruction

German, French, Italian

Assessment

Federal qualification procedure

Qualification

Federal VET Diploma / Certificate

National Skills Qualifications Framework

India · Asia

Competency levels linking school vocational subjects, ITIs, polytechnics and apprenticeships under Skill India.

Levels

NSQF levels 1–8

Language of instruction

English, Hindi, regional languages

Assessment

Sector Skill Council assessments

Qualification

NSQF-aligned skill certificates, ITI trade certificates