Madagascar School Curriculum: What Children Study from Primary to University

Madagascar's education system follows a 6+6+3/5 structure (primary, secondary, higher) with French and Malagasy as languages of instruction. The curriculum reflects both colonial legacy and local priorities.

Primary School (6 years, ages 6–12)

Core: Malagasy, French, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Civics

Enrichment: Art, Music, Physical Education

Exam: CEPE (Certificat d'Études Primaires Élémentaires) for secondary entry

Secondary School (6 years: 4 + 2)

Collège (4 years, ages 12–16): Adds Economics, Business, optional Foreign Language (English, German, Chinese)

Lycée (3 years, ages 16–19): Streams – Literary (L), Scientific (S), Technical (T)

Exam: Baccalauréat (Bac) – university gateway

Higher Education

Public Universities (6 main: Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliara)

• Agriculture & Veterinary (strong; Madagascar is agri-economy)
• Engineering & Technology
• Medicine & Health Sciences
• Law, Economics, Management
• Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences
• Tourism & Hospitality (growing)

Private Institutes – Business, IT, Tourism, Languages

Teacher Training – ENI (École Normale d'Instituteurs) for primary

Challenges & Context

• Access – Net primary enrollment ~75%; secondary ~30%; rural gaps severe
• Language – French (official) vs. Malagasy (mother tongue) transition difficulties
• Resources – Textbook shortages, overcrowding, teacher absenteeism
• Relevance – Curriculum criticized as too academic; vocational track weak

Reform Efforts

Madagascar Education Sector Plan (2018–2030): bilingual early grades, digital learning, TVET expansion, community schools, teacher training overhaul. UNESCO, World Bank, UNICEF partners.