Primary Education
In Nicaragua, the school year runs from February to November and elementary education is free and compulsory. However facilities are inaccessible to tribes in remote areas where it is still customary for children to work for their parents from a young age. Of those children that do enrol, only 30% make it through grade 6. Some say the government has a policy of forced drop-our rates owing to the paucity of facilities down the line.
Secondary Education
A secondary school education is a luxury of which many poorer Nicaraguans can only dream, because the country is still harshly divided along language and ethnic lines, and the wealthy minority rule. Those fortunate enough to make it though grade 12, qualify to study further at local universities only, such is the world’s evaluation of the quality of their school education.
Vocational Education
Vocational training as it exists in a country still battling with poverty and illiteracy is largely in the hands of private colleges in larger centers. As a result, the most that the majority can anticipate is a lowly paid, menial job especially in rural areas. Where they exist, vocational colleges offer 2 to 3 year courses in technical and vocational education. The main qualification is a
technico superior.
Tertiary Education
Entrance hurdles to a Nicaraguan University include a secondary school qualification, an entrance examination, and the ability to afford fees. The primary undergraduate degree is a 4 – 5 year
licenciado which may confer a title. Further study opportunities include a 2 year graduate
maestria.
The oldest university, illustrated here is the
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Nicaragua, dating from 1812 and founded during the Spanish colonial period.
