Education in Madagascar
Madagascar, a large Indian Ocean island nation, runs a French-influenced education system in which both Malagasy (the national language) and French are used in schooling. One of the world's poorest countries, Madagascar has expanded access over time, but literacy, completion, and rural provision remain significant challenges.
Structure & stages
The system follows a French-derived model:
- Primary (5 years)École primaire, ending with the CEPE
- Lower secondary (4 years)Collège, ending with the BEPC
- Upper secondary (3 years)Lycée, ending with the Baccalauréat
Compulsory education & enrolment
Primary education is compulsory and intended to be free, beginning around age 6. Access has expanded, but many children do not complete primary school. The school year runs roughly September to June.
Public schools
Most children attend public schools, with instruction in Malagasy in early grades and French higher up. The system relies partly on international support and contends with teacher shortages and limited resources.
Private & international schools
Madagascar has a large private and religious (largely Christian) school sector, which educates a significant share of students, concentrated in Antananarivo and larger towns.
Curriculum & language of instruction
Instruction moves from Malagasy in early grades to French for later primary and secondary, covering the standard academic subjects on a French-influenced curriculum.
Exams & qualifications
Three national exams mark the path: the CEPE (end of primary), the BEPC (end of lower secondary), and the Baccalauréat (end of lycée) — the gateway to university.
Higher education
Higher education centers on the University of Antananarivo (the largest and most prominent) and regional universities across the country. Many students also study abroad, especially in France.
Studying in Madagascar from abroad
Madagascar is not a major destination for international students; capacity is limited.
- LanguageFrench is the language of higher education
- Malagasy students abroadMany study abroad, especially in France and the region
- PracticalitiesCheck visa and program 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 primary education is, in principle, free, though families bear indirect costs. Private and religious schools charge fees. The currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA).
Key facts for families
- LanguagesMalagasy and French
- Structure5 + 4 + 3 (French-derived)
- CompulsoryFree primary in principle
- ExamsCEPE, BEPC, and the Baccalauréat
- Higher edUniversity of Antananarivo
- School yearSeptember to June
Accreditation & quality assurance in Madagascar
Every country oversees its own schools and universities through its education ministry or a national quality-assurance agency. To confirm that a specific Madagascar institution is recognized — and to understand how a Madagascar qualification is recognized in the U.S. and worldwide — start with the resources below.
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: