Education System of Andorra
Andorra is in southwestern Europe situated in the eastern part of the Pyrenees Mountains. The country is bordered by France and Spain. The Ministry of Education is responsible for the education system in Andorra. The education system in Andorra was established in 1982. In Andorra, education is compulsory for all children aged 6 to 16. Primary/elementary and secondary education is free for Andorran citizens.
Education in Andorra has three different types of schooling systems:
Parents can choose the schooling system for their children- Andorran, Spanish or French systems. All the school systems are managed by the Andorran authorities. All the three educational systems are similar, comprising of the compulsory primary and secondary education.
Common curriculum taught in all systems of education: Languages, mathematics, social studies, information and technology (IT), science, arts, and history.
Andorran School System
Language of instruction: Catalan
Elementary/primary schools are found in all districts. Secondary education schools are found only at big centres. Students who successful complete secondary education receive the certificate of undergraduate studies that enables them to continue education at the universities in France, Spain and EU countries. In Andorra, the University of Andorra is the only public university available that offers bachelor, master and doctorate level study programmes. The University also provides higher professional education courses. The University has two higher schools: school of computer science and school of nurse.
French School System
Language of instruction: French
In Andorra, there are 13 French education centres. The public French schools do not charge any tuition fees. At the age of 6, students are taught subjects, such as literature, music, mathematics, written French language and arts. Every year, new subjects are included in the curriculum: additional language (English or Spanish), history or geography.
French schooling system has following names:
- 6 years- CP
- 7 years- CE 1 (basic course 1)
- 8 years- CE 2 (basic course 2)
- 9 years- CM1 (mid-course 1)
- 10 years- CM2 (mid-course 2)
Students after completion of the elementary education attend secondary level education. Upon successful completion of the secondary education, a high school diploma (Brevet d'etudes professionelles, or BEP) is awarded. Students who receive this qualification are eligible for tertiary education.
Spanish School System
Language of instruction: Spanish
In Andorra, there are 9 Spanish education centres manages by the government of Spain under the Andorra-Spain convention. The Spanish school system promotes the Spanish language and culture. Spanish schools in Andorra comprise of primary education for children aged 3 to 6 years, and basic education (EGB) for children aged 6 to 12. Education in bachillerato is also available in Andorra for students aged 12 to 18. After completion of this programme, students can go for higher education in Spain.
Higher Education
The University of Andorra is a public higher education in Andorra that provides tertiary education courses. Most of the students who want to pursue higher education go to Spain or France.
The University of Andorra (Universitat d’Andorra) offers undergraduate and graduate level study programmes. It also offers online courses through its virtual studies centre.
Private Universities in Andorra
- The Universitat de les Valls is Andorra’s first private university which specializes in the dentistry field.
- The Universitat Oberta la Salle is a private, long-distance university which provides masters degree programmes in computing studies and business.
Academic Year
The academic year in Andorra commences in September and ends in June.
Language of Instruction
The official language of instruction in Andorra is Catalan. English, French and Spanish are also commonly spoken.
Grading System
A 10-point grading scale is used by the educational institutions in Andorra. 5 is the passing score.
Adult Basic Education
Adult education in Andorra is offered in 3 main areas:
- Communication: French, Catalan and Spanish
- History, humanities, geography, computer science and arts
- Mathematics, science, nature and physical sciences
Each area is divided into 2 modules-basic module and optional module. These courses are conducted at the adult basic education training centre Aixovall.
Admission Requirements
Students must have completed high school in order to gain admittance to the higher education in Andorra.
Language Requirements:
Catalan language exam: This exam is offered at six levels that correspond to the levels on the scale of CEFR (Common European Framework of References for Languages). The Catalan language exam-level A2, B1, B2 and C1 is required for entry into the educational institutions in Andorra.
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