Education in Tunisia
Tunisia, in North Africa, runs an education system with Arabic as the main language and French widely used — especially for mathematics, the sciences, and higher education. Tunisia has long prioritized education (a large share of the national budget), giving it relatively high literacy and enrollment for the region, and the free public system is a point of national pride.
Structure & stages
The system is organized as:
- Basic education (9 years)Primary (6 years) plus a preparatory/lower-secondary stage (3 years)
- Secondary (4 years)General or technical, ending with the Baccalauréat
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is compulsory and free from age 6 to 16 (basic education). The school year runs September to June.
Public schools
Most students attend free public schools, with instruction beginning in Arabic and French increasingly used for scientific subjects. Tunisia's strong, long-standing investment in education is well known in the region.
Private & international schools
Tunisia has a private and international-school sector (including French-curriculum schools), concentrated in Tunis and larger cities.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers Arabic, French, mathematics, the sciences, and social studies, with French prominent in scientific subjects and English increasingly taught.
Exams & qualifications
The key qualification is the Baccalauréat, a national examination (in streams such as mathematics, sciences, letters, and economics) taken at the end of secondary school — the basis for university admission.
Higher education
Higher education is provided by public universities including the University of Tunis, the University of Tunis El Manar, the University of Carthage, and others, alongside a private sector. Public higher education is largely free and competitive.
Studying in Tunisia from abroad
Tunisia attracts some international students, particularly from Francophone and sub-Saharan Africa, and is a significant source of students studying abroad.
- LanguagesStudy is available in Arabic and French; some programs use English
- Regional drawTunisian universities and medical schools enroll students from across Africa
- Tunisians abroadMany students study abroad, especially in France
Special education & support
Tunisia supports inclusive education, integrating students with disabilities into mainstream schools with support, alongside special provision.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is uncommon in Tunisia; education is school-based, across public and private options.
Costs & funding
Public education is free at every level, including university. Private and international schools charge fees. The currency is the Tunisian Dinar (TND).
Key facts for families
- LanguagesArabic (main) and French (sciences/higher ed)
- StructureBasic education (9) + Secondary (4)
- CompulsoryAges 6–16, free
- University entryVia the Baccalauréat
- Higher edUniversity of Tunis, University of Carthage (free public)
- School yearSeptember to June
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: