Education in Liberia
Liberia, founded in the 19th century by freed American slaves, runs an English-language education system with a US-influenced structure (elementary, junior high, senior high). Literacy is low — a legacy of civil war (1989–2003) and the later Ebola epidemic, which devastated schooling — and the country has been rebuilding its education system with international support.
Structure & stages
The system follows a US-influenced structure:
- Elementary / primary (6 years)Ages ~6–12
- Junior high (3 years)Completing basic education
- Senior high (3 years)Ending with the WASSCE
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is compulsory through primary and junior high and intended to be free. Access and completion remain challenges after years of disruption. The school year runs roughly September to July.
Public schools
Most children attend public and mission (church-run) schools, with instruction in English. The system has been rebuilding after conflict, with support from government reforms and international partners, though quality and resources remain limited.
Private & international schools
Liberia has a private and faith-based school sector, concentrated in Monrovia, alongside public and mission schools.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers English, mathematics, sciences, and social studies, taught in English on a US-influenced model.
Exams & qualifications
Students take the WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination), administered regionally by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), at the end of senior high — the basis for university admission.
Higher education
Higher education centers on the University of Liberia in Monrovia (the main public university), along with Cuttington University and other institutions. Many students also study abroad.
Studying in Liberia from abroad
Liberia is not a major destination for international students; capacity is limited, though the system is English-medium.
- LanguageEnglish is the medium of instruction
- Liberians abroadMany students study abroad, including in the US and West Africa
- PracticalitiesConfirm admission and visa requirements directly
Special education & support
Special-education provision is very limited, delivered mainly through NGO and faith-based programs.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is not an established route; education is school-based.
Costs & funding
Public education is intended to be free, though families bear indirect costs. Private and mission schools charge fees. The currency is the Liberian Dollar (LRD), with the US Dollar also widely used.
Key facts for families
- LanguageEnglish
- Structure6 + 3 + 3 (US-influenced)
- CompulsoryPrimary and junior high
- ExamsWASSCE
- Higher edUniversity of Liberia, Cuttington University
- School yearSeptember to July
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: