Secondary education is the second stage of basic education and comprises two cycles: lower secondary or middle school (Standards V–VIII), and upper secondary or high school (Standards IX and X). At the end of lower secondary education, pupils sit the Basic Education Standard VIII examination. The basic education programme culminates in the Basic Education Standard X examination (Matriculation). Technical and vocational education is offered in agricultural institutes and high schools, technical high schools, vocational and trade schools.
Tertiary-level and university education is for those students who have completed basic education and have passed the entrance examination. Institutions of higher education include universities, technical institutes and colleges. Bachelor’s degree courses normally require three years (four years in the case of law); a bachelor’s honours degree is conferred after an additional year of study. A post-graduate diploma requires one or two years, while master’s degree courses usually last two years. A doctoral degree requires at least four years of study and research.