Luxembourg is a small European country located between Belgium, France, and Germany. The education system in Luxembourg is highly regarded, and the country invests heavily in education. In this article, we will explore the education system in Luxembourg, including the quality of education, compulsory education, types of schools available, the syllabus, qualifications offered, school hours and holidays, enrollment process, international schools, and higher education options.
Quality of Education in Luxembourg
The education system in Luxembourg is highly regarded and consistently ranks highly in international rankings. The country invests heavily in education, with approximately 12% of its GDP going towards education. The government provides free education for all, including foreigners, and there is no tuition fee for students attending public schools.
Luxembourg has a highly educated population, with a literacy rate of 100%. There is a strong focus on multilingualism, and students are typically fluent in Luxembourgish, German, French, and English.
Compulsory Education in Luxembourg
Education in Luxembourg is compulsory for children between the ages of 4 and 16. Children must attend primary school for at least six years and then attend secondary school for another six years.
Types of Schools in Luxembourg
There are three types of schools in Luxembourg:
École fondamentale (Primary School): Children aged between 4 and 12 attend école fondamentale, which is divided into two cycles. The first cycle is from ages 4-8, and the second cycle is from ages 8-12.
Enseignement secondaire (Secondary School): After completing primary school, students attend enseignement secondaire, which is divided into three cycles:
- First cycle (enseignement secondaire cycle 1): For students aged 12-15
- Second cycle (enseignement secondaire cycle 2): For students aged 15-17
- Third cycle (enseignement secondaire cycle 3): For students aged 17-19
Enseignement supérieur (Higher Education): After completing secondary education, students can continue their studies at universities, vocational schools, or other institutions.
Syllabus and Qualifications
The syllabus in Luxembourg is set by the Ministry of Education and is consistent across all schools. Students are taught Luxembourgish, German, and French, as well as mathematics, science, history, geography, art, music, physical education, and foreign languages. English is commonly taught as a foreign language.
Students are awarded the Diplôme de fin d’études secondaires (Diploma of Secondary Education) after completing secondary school. The diploma is recognized throughout the European Union and allows students to attend universities across Europe.
School Hours and Holidays
School hours in Luxembourg vary depending on the school and the level of education. Primary schools typically operate from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Secondary schools may start earlier and finish later.
The school year runs from September to July, with breaks for Christmas, Easter, and other public holidays.
Enrollment Process
To enroll in a school in Luxembourg, parents must provide the child’s birth certificate, proof of residence, and vaccination records. For non-EU citizens, a valid residence permit is required. There is no significant competition for enrollment in public schools, and students are generally assigned to the school closest to their place of residence.
International Schools
Luxembourg is home to several international schools, catering to the needs of the expat community. The curriculum in international schools typically follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program or the British National Curriculum. Some popular international schools in Luxembourg include:
- International School of Luxembourg: This school offers an IB education for students from pre-school to grade 12. The school has a diverse student body and offers a range of extracurricular activities.
- St. George’s International School: This school offers a British-style education for students aged 3-18. The school has a strong academic program and a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama.
- European School Luxembourg I: This school offers a multilingual education for students from pre-school to grade 12. The school follows the European Baccalaureate program and has a diverse student body.
Parents should expect to pay tuition fees for international schools in Luxembourg. Fees vary depending on the school and the level of education.
Higher Education Options
Luxembourg has several higher education institutions, including the University of Luxembourg, which offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university has a strong focus on research and innovation and is a member of several international research networks.
In addition to the University of Luxembourg, there are several vocational schools and institutions offering specialized education in areas such as business, hospitality, and art.
Education in Luxembourg is highly regarded, with a strong focus on multilingualism and a commitment to providing free education for all. The country’s investment in education is reflected in the quality of its schools and the success of its students.
Luxembourg offers a range of educational options, including primary and secondary education, international schools, and higher education. Parents should be aware of the enrollment process and the documentation required to enroll their child in a school in Luxembourg. International schools offer an excellent option for expat families, while higher education institutions provide opportunities for students to continue their studies at the tertiary level.