Hungary has a system of general education to age 16, the take up of which is high. Many students study to their school leaving certificate, which allows them to proceed to university level education.
Secondary schools are split into gymnasiums, which qualify students for the leaving certificate, and more vocational schools. Some schools specialise in foreign languages.
Higher education dates back to the fourteenth century in Hungary. HE institutions are split between colleges (where a degree takes four years to complete) and universities where study takes 4-6 years. Universities also offer postgraduate study. In order to acquire their degrees, students must pass a language exam, choosing between German and English.
