WORLDWIDE CULTUREL
EXCHANGE PROGRAM
High
School

IRISH MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

The Irish education system is compulsory for children aged 6-15. Primary school education consists of 6 years. The secondary education level consists of secondary school (junior cycle) and high school (senior cycle) stages. Secondary school is a 3-year education received by students aged 12-15 and is subject to compulsory education. In the last year of secondary school, students take a central exam and, if successful, complete their compulsory education. High school education is not subject to compulsory education and is 2 years long. If the transition year education, which is applied based on the schools' preference, is also taken, the high school education will be 3 years. In the last year of high school, students complete their education by taking one of three different final exams, which are determined according to the type of education they receive and are also effective in the transition to university.