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Jordan – Education and Schools

Education in Jordan is regarded as one of the best in the Middle East, with a focus on providing quality education to all students. In this article, we will explore the quality of education in Jordan, compulsory education ages, types of schools, syllabus and qualifications, school hours and holidays, enrollment process, international schools, and higher education options.

Quality of Education in Jordan

Jordan has made significant progress in improving its education system in recent years, with a focus on increasing access to education and improving the quality of teaching. According to the Global Competitiveness Report, Jordan ranks 63rd in the world for the quality of its education system.

Compulsory Education Ages in Jordan

In Jordan, education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 16 years old. This means that every child residing in Jordan must receive an education from primary school to secondary school, regardless of their nationality or background.

Types of Schools in Jordan

There are several types of schools in Jordan, catering to different age groups and needs of students. The types of schools in Jordan are as follows:

Primary Education

Primary education in Jordan is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 12 years old. The primary school curriculum focuses on developing students’ literacy, numeracy, and social skills.


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Secondary Education

Secondary education in Jordan is divided into two stages: basic education and secondary education. Basic education is compulsory for students between the ages of 12 and 16 years old, while secondary education is optional for students between the ages of 16 and 18 years old.

Secondary education is divided into three types of schools: academic schools, vocational schools, and technical schools. Academic schools prepare students for higher education, while vocational and technical schools provide students with practical skills and training for a specific career.

Syllabus and Qualifications

The curriculum in Jordan is based on the National Education and Training Strategy (NETS), which is divided into several subject areas, including Arabic language, English language, mathematics, science, social studies, and Islamic education.

Students who complete secondary education can earn a variety of qualifications, including the Tawjihi diploma, which is a requirement for admission to higher education institutions in Jordan.

School Hours and Holidays

School hours in Jordan typically run from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, with some schools having extended hours until 4:00 pm. Students in secondary education may have longer hours, depending on their program of study.

The academic year in Jordan starts in September and ends in June of the following year, with a summer break from mid-June to mid-September and a winter break from mid-December to early January.

Enrollment Process

To enroll in a school in Jordan, students need to provide a range of documentation, including proof of identity, proof of residency, and academic records. Parents or guardians can apply for enrollment at the local education authority or directly at the school.

Competition for enrollment can be significant in Jordan, particularly for prestigious schools or schools located in urban areas. The enrollment process for some of these schools may require additional steps, such as entrance exams or interviews.

International Schools

Jordan has several international schools that cater to the needs of expatriate families and non-local students. These schools offer a range of curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, the British curriculum, and the American curriculum.

Some of the most popular international schools in Jordan include the International School of Choueifat, the American Community School, and the International Community School.

Higher Education Options

Jordan has a range of higher education options, including universities, colleges, and vocational training institutions. The higher education system in Jordan is highly regarded, with many universities ranking among the top in the region.

There are both public and private universities in Jordan, with the University of Jordan being the oldest and most prestigious university in the country. Other notable universities include the Jordan University of Science and Technology, the Hashemite University, and the Princess Sumaya University for Technology.

Jordan also has several vocational training institutions that offer practical training and skills development in a range of fields, such as the Al-Balqa Applied University and the Vocational Training Corporation.

Education in Jordan is regarded as one of the best in the Middle East, with a focus on providing quality education to all students. Compulsory education is available for children between the ages of six and 16 years old, with several types of schools available, including primary education, basic education, and secondary education.

The curriculum in Jordan is based on the National Education and Training Strategy and prepares students for a range of qualifications, including the Tawjihi diploma. School hours in Jordan are typically from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, with a summer break and a winter break.

Enrolling in a school in Jordan requires providing proof of identity, residency, and academic records, and competition for enrollment can be significant for prestigious schools or schools located in urban areas. Jordan also has several international schools that cater to non-local students, as well as a range of higher education options, including universities, colleges, and vocational training institutions.