Education in Cameroon is more than just acquiring knowledge; it’s a transformative experience that opens doors to endless possibilities.
Embark on a transformative educational journey in Cameroon, a captivating African nation that offers academic excellence, cultural immersion, breathtaking natural beauty, warm hospitality, and a gateway to explore the diverse continent. With renowned universities and quality programs, you’ll receive a world-class education while embracing the rich cultural tapestry of over 250 ethnic groups.
The education system in Cameroon is predominantly based on the French model, with eight out of the ten regions in the country following the French education system. However, the remaining two English-speaking regions have adopted the British or English model for their education system.
In the Anglophone part of Cameroon, the General Certificate of Education (GCE) for both ordinary and advanced levels is the most qualifying exam, while in French Cameroon, the qualifying exams include BEPC, Probatoire, and Baccalauréat.
The academic calendar commences in September and concludes in June.
The education system in Cameroon is divided into three levels: primary education, secondary education, and higher education.
Primary Education in Cameroon
Primary education in Cameroon is free and compulsory for six years (class 1 to class 6) and is intended to provide students with basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Primary schools in Cameroon, both public and private, are widely available across the country and aim to provide a comprehensive and balanced curriculum that fosters the holistic development of children. The curriculum encompasses various subjects, including mathematics, languages (such as French and English), science, social studies, physical education, arts, and moral education. Qualified teachers play a vital role in delivering a high standard of primary education, focusing on imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking skills, and supporting students’ social and emotional development. Regular assessments, including tests and examinations, evaluate students’ progress and understanding.
At the end of primary education, students typically take the First School Leaving Certificate examination (FSLC in the Anglophone section)/ Certificat d’Etudes Primaires (CEP in the Francophone section), which serves as a transition point to secondary education.
Secondary Education in Cameroon
Secondary education in Cameroon is a crucial phase that follows primary education and strives to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary for their future endeavors. It plays a crucial role in shaping their academic and professional paths, enabling them to contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation.
Secondary education in Cameroon is divided into two cycles: the first cycle (lower secondary education) lasts for five years from (Form 1 to Form), and the second cycle (upper secondary education) lasts for two years (lower-sixth, upper-sixth).
Lower secondary school is known as the Collège d’Enseignement Secondaire (CES) in the Francophone regions and the General Secondary School (GSS) in the Anglophone regions. Students are admitted to lower secondary school on the basis of their performance on the CEP or FSLC examination
During lower secondary education, students receive a broad range of subjects such as mathematics, science, languages, social sciences, history, geography, civics, and arts. The curriculum aims to provide a well-rounded education and foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
At the end of lower secondary education, students usually take a national examination called the Brevet d’Etudes du Premier Cycle (BEPC in the Francophone section in form) or the General Certificate of Education examination (GCE O Level for the Anglophone section in form).
Upper secondary school is known as the Lycée in the Francophone regions and the High School (HS) in the Anglophone regions. Students are admitted to upper secondary school on the basis of their performance on the BEPC/ GCE O Level examination.
The curriculum for upper secondary education in Cameroon is designed to prepare students for university or vocational tracks. Students can choose to study either an academic or a technical track.
The academic track leads to the (probatoire in the lower sixth and Baccalauréat in the upper sixth in the francophone section) and (the General Certificate of Education (GCE A level) Advanced Level in the upper sixth in the Anglophone section), which is the national examination for university admission. Students can choose from various streams such as sciences, social science, arts, economics, and technology, tailoring their education to their interests and career aspirations.
In addition to the academic track, vocational education and training (VET) programs are available in upper secondary education. These programs equip students with practical skills and knowledge for specific trades or professions, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce.
Higher Education in Cameroon
Higher education in Cameroon encompasses universities, institutes, and professional schools that offer a wide range of academic and vocational programs. The country has several public and private institutions that provide opportunities for students to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Some of the popular universities in Cameroon include the University of Dschang, the University of Yaoundé I, the University of Douala, and the University of Buea. The country also has several technical schools that provide vocational training in fields such as agriculture, business, and engineering.
Cameroon’s higher education system is influenced by both the French and English models. The educational programs are structured into three cycles: the License (undergraduate), Master’s(postgraduate), and Doctorate (PhD). Universities offer diverse fields of study, including sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, law, medicine, and more.
Students are admitted to undergraduate programs on the basis of their performance on the GCE A Level or Baccalauréat examination or based on a competitive entrance examination. The duration of undergraduate programs varies depending on the field of study. However, most undergraduate programs last for four years.
Postgraduate education is offered by universities and other research institutions. Students are admitted to postgraduate programs on the basis of their performance on the basis of their transcripts from undergraduate programs. The duration of postgraduate programs varies depending on the field of study. However, most postgraduate programs last for two years.
The quality of higher education in Cameroon varies across institutions, with some universities recognized for their academic excellence and research output. Efforts have been made to enhance the quality and relevance of programs through curriculum development, faculty training, and infrastructure improvements. Higher education institutions in Cameroon also prioritize research and innovation. Faculties and research centers engage in scientific research, contributing to advancements in various fields. Graduates from higher education institutions in Cameroon contribute to various sectors of the economy, including academia, industry, government, and entrepreneurship. They play a vital role in driving innovation, economic growth, and societal development in the country.
