Overview
The Kingdom of Eswatini (Umbuso weSwatini), formerly known as Swaziland, is a land-locked country located in southern Africa and is bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. The population is 1,128,814 and the literacy rate is 81.6%. English and Swazi are the official languages.
There is evidence of human settlement in the area of present-day Eswatini dating back to the Stone Age. In the early 19th century, King Sobhuza I established the Swazi kingdom. In 1902, after the Second Boer War, Swaziland became a British protectorate and was awarded independence on September 6, 1968.
Education
Education in Eswatini is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Training.
Primary and Secondary Education
Education is free and compulsory from ages 6 to 13. Primary school is 7 years beginning at age 6. Upon completion, students are awarded a Swaziland Primary School Certificate. Students also sit for an external examination to determine admission to junior secondary school upon completion of primary school. Junior secondary school is 3 years, and at the end of the 3rd year, students sit for an examination leading to the Junior Certificate. Upper secondary school is 2 years. At the end of the 2nd year, students sit for the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level Certificate examination.
Post-Secondary Education
Post-secondary education is offered at the Swaziland College of Technology and the University of Swaziland. Both institutions require the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level Certificate for admission. The Swaziland College of Technology offers 2-year programs in engineering that lead to a Diploma.
First Cycle
The University of Swaziland offers 3-year Diploma and 4-5-year bachelors programs.
Second and Third Cycles
Graduate programs are 2 years and require a bachelor's degree in the appropriate field for admission. Upon successful defense of a dissertation, students are awarded a Masters degree. The University of Swaziland does not offer doctoral programs.
Teacher Training
Primary and lower secondary school teachers are trained at one of the 3 secondary-level teacher training colleges. Primary school teachers are trained in a 3-year program leading to the Primary Teacher's Certificate. This program requires a Junior Certificate for admission.
Lower secondary teachers are trained in a 3-year program leading to the Secondary Teacher's Certificate. This program requires a General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level Certificate for admission.
Upper secondary school teachers must hold a Bachelor of Education.