Age-Wise Education System in Cameroon (2025 Guide for Parents & Students)

Cameroon’s bilingual education system—rooted in French and British colonial legacies—guides learners from optional nursery (ages 3-5) through compulsory, officially free six-year primary school (gross enrollment ≈113 %, completion ≈71 %), a two-cycle secondary track whose exams diverge into GCE/BEPC then A-Level/Baccalauréat, and a growing higher-education sector of eight public universities and 200-plus private institutes (tertiary enrollment ≈16 %).

Literacy has climbed to 78 % (adult) and 86 % (youth), yet stark urban-rural gaps, overcrowded classes, dropout pressures, under-resourced facilities, and corruption hamper quality—challenges the government tackles with teacher-training drives, infrastructure upgrades, and results-based financing pilots. Technical-vocational pathways and the push for functional bilingualism are expanding, but sustained investment and equity-focused reforms remain vital to translate rising access into meaningful learning and workforce readiness for Cameroon’s diverse, rapidly developing society.

Education in Cameroon: A Dual System Navigating Progress and Persistent Challenges

Cameroon’s education system, a unique blend of French and British colonial legacies, is structured to cater to its bilingual population while aiming for universal access and improved quality. This article delves into the age-wise progression of education, key statistics, and the challenges and ongoing efforts to enhance the learning landscape in the country.

A Structured Progression: From Nursery to Higher Education

Education in Cameroon generally follows a clear, age-based progression, mirroring international standards but with distinct Anglophone and Francophone subsystems.

1. Pre-Primary (Nursery/Kindergarten): The Foundation of Learning

Age: 3-5 years

Duration: 2-3 years

Purpose: This stage focuses on basic socialization, introducing children to foundational concepts like letters, numbers, and developing motor skills.

School Types: Both public and private nursery schools are available, though it’s important to note that pre-primary education is not compulsory but is increasingly encouraged.

Enrollment: In 2019, the gross enrollment rate for pre-primary education was approximately 35.62%.

2. Primary Education: Building Core Literacies

Age: 6-11 years (official primary school entrance age is 6)

Duration: 6 years

Grades:

• Anglophone: Class 1 to Class 6
• Francophone: SIL (Section d’Initiation au Langage) to CM2 (Cours Moyen 2)

End-of-Cycle Examinations:

• Anglophone: First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC)
• Francophone: Certificat d’Études Primaires (CEP)

Compulsory and Officially Free: Education is officially free and compulsory up to the age of 14, encompassing primary education.

Enrollment: In 2023, the gross primary school enrollment rate was 112.64%, indicating some over-age enrollment or repetition. Primary education had 5,155,547 pupils in 2023.

Completion Rate: The primary school completion rate was 71.08% in 2023.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio: As of 2018, the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools was approximately 44.83:1.

Persistence: In 2022, approximately 80.50% of students persisted to Grade 5, and 65.96% persisted to the last grade of primary school.

Private Schools: In 2023, about 26.86% of primary enrollment was in private schools.

3. Secondary Education: Specialization and Pre-University Studies

Secondary education is divided into two cycles, reflecting the varying structures of the two subsystems.

a) First Cycle (Lower Secondary)

Age: 12-14 years

Duration: 4 years (Anglophone), 3-4 years (Francophone)

Grades:

• Anglophone: Form 1 to Form 5
• Francophone: Sixième (6e) to Troisième (3e)

End-of-Cycle Examinations:

• Anglophone: General Certificate of Education – Ordinary Level (GCE O-Level)
• Francophone: Brevet d’Études du Premier Cycle (BEPC)

Enrollment: The secondary school enrollment rate for 2023 was 44.39%.

Completion Rate: The lower secondary completion rate in 2023 was 34.67%.

b) Second Cycle (Upper Secondary)

Age: 15-17/18 years

Duration: 2 years (Anglophone), 3 years (Francophone)

Grades:

• Anglophone: Lower Sixth & Upper Sixth
• Francophone: Seconde to Terminale

End-of-Cycle Examinations:

• Anglophone: General Certificate of Education – Advanced Level (GCE A-Level)
• Francophone: Baccalauréat (BAC)

Enrollment: As of 2016-2017, there were 666,000 pupils in upper secondary education.

4. Higher Education: Tertiary and Professional Training

Age: 18+ years

Institutions: Universities, technical schools, teacher training colleges, and medical schools.

Structure (typically):

• Bachelor’s Degree: 3 years
• Master’s Degree: +2 years
• Doctorate (PhD): +3 years

Bilingual Higher Education: Both Anglophone and Francophone universities coexist, such as the University of Buea (Anglophone) and the University of Yaoundé I (Francophone).

Public Universities: Cameroon has 8 public universities.

Other Higher Institutions: There are over 200 mission and private higher learning institutions.

Enrollment: The tertiary school enrollment rate in 2023 was 15.79%. University enrollment rates have increased by 22% over the past two decades (World Bank 2018).

Key Statistics and General Context

Literacy Rate (2020):

• Adult literacy rate (15+ years): 78.23%
• Male adult literacy: 83.4%
• Female adult literacy: 73.12%
• Youth literacy rate (15-24 years): 86.24%

Expected Years of Schooling: On average, Cameroonians are expected to have 12 years of schooling.

Mean Years of Schooling (Adults): 5.9 years.

Academic Calendar: The academic year typically starts in September and ends in June.

Government Expenditure on Education: In 2023, education spending accounted for 13.08% of government spending, and 2.62% of GDP in 2022. This figure has fluctuated, reaching 15.05% in 2021. However, the share of public expenditure on education has seen a decrease since 2019, reaching 14.9% in 2021, with a greater share often devoted to running costs rather than investment.

Additional Dimensions of Education in Cameroon

Dual Education System: The two distinct education systems (Anglophone and Francophone) are a direct result of Cameroon’s colonial history. While efforts have been made to harmonize them, minor variations in secondary and high school durations persist.

TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training): This vital sector begins at the secondary level and extends into higher education. TVET aims to equip individuals with practical skills for the job market in fields like agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. However, a persistent challenge is the gap between the skills of TVET graduates and the needs of industries, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration between TVET institutions and industrial partners.

Languages of Instruction: French and English are the official languages of instruction, depending on the region and the specific subsystem. While official bilingualism is a stated policy, its effective implementation, particularly in higher education and the labor market, remains a subject of ongoing discussion and challenges. Many Francophone parents are now enrolling their children in English-medium schools, recognizing the global advantage of English proficiency.

Challenges and Progress in the Education Sector

Despite significant strides, such as increased primary school enrollment, Cameroon’s education system faces several pressing challenges:

Disparity in Access and Quality: A substantial gap exists between urban and rural areas in terms of infrastructure, qualified teachers, and learning resources. Rural schools often lack basic facilities and adequate materials.

Overcrowded Classrooms: Especially in urban government secondary schools, class sizes can average 50 students, with some even exceeding 100, far surpassing the government’s policy of 40 students per class.

High Dropout Rates: Economic hardships, early marriage, and the need for children to contribute to household income are significant factors contributing to high dropout rates, particularly at the secondary level.

Teacher Quality and Motivation: While teachers are generally considered highly trained, issues like inadequate professional development opportunities and a lack of resources can impact their effectiveness.

Inadequate Infrastructure and Resources: Many schools lack basic amenities like sufficient working toilets, access to water, or enough tables and benches for students.

Corruption: Corruption continues to be a problem within the education sector.

Financial Barriers: Despite official free primary education, associated costs and fees can still act as barriers, especially for impoverished households, contributing to social exclusion.

The government, in partnership with international organizations, is actively working to address these challenges through:

• Teacher Training and Professional Development: Programs are being implemented to equip educators with modern teaching methodologies.
• Enhancing Educational Infrastructure: Efforts are underway to improve school facilities, particularly in rural areas.
• Quality Assurance Mechanisms: Organizations like the International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE) are involved in setting benchmarks and guidelines to improve educational standards.
• Results-Based Financing: Pilot programs, like those supported by the World Bank, have shown positive results by linking school grants and teacher bonuses to performance indicators such as student retention, leading to increased enrollment and teacher engagement. This approach is being scaled up to cover a larger number of public primary schools.

Cameroon’s education system is a dynamic landscape, continuously evolving to meet the demands of a diverse and developing nation. While significant progress has been made in expanding access, particularly at the primary level, sustained investment, strategic reforms, and a strong focus on quality and equity will be crucial for unlocking the full potential of its human capital.

FAQs on Age-wise Education System in Cameroon

What are the two main subsystems in Cameroon’s education system?
Cameroon’s education system consists of Anglophone and Francophone subsystems, reflecting the country’s colonial history.

At what age do children start school in Cameroon?
Children typically begin pre-primary education at age 3, though it’s not compulsory. Primary school officially starts at age 6.

Is primary education free in Cameroon?
Yes, primary education is officially free and compulsory until age 14, though indirect costs can still be a barrier for some families.

What exams do students take at the end of primary school?
Anglophone students take the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC), while Francophone students take the Certificat d’Études Primaires (CEP).

How is secondary education structured in Cameroon?
Secondary education has two cycles: lower secondary (first cycle) and upper secondary (second cycle), with separate curricula and exams for each subsystem.

What are the main exams in secondary school?
Anglophone students take the GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels, while Francophone students take the BEPC and Baccalauréat.

What is the enrollment rate for primary education?
As of 2023, the gross primary school enrollment rate was approximately 112.64%, indicating some over-age or repeated enrollments.

What percentage of students complete primary school?
The primary school completion rate in 2023 was around 71.08%.

What is the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools?
As of 2018, the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools was roughly 44.83:1.

What challenges affect Cameroon’s education system?
Key challenges include overcrowded classrooms, rural-urban disparities, inadequate infrastructure, financial barriers, and corruption.

What role does bilingualism play in Cameroonian education?
French and English are the official languages of instruction. Despite a bilingual policy, effective implementation remains uneven, especially in higher education.

Is there vocational training available in Cameroon?
Yes, TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) is available at both secondary and tertiary levels to provide job-market skills.

What is the literacy rate in Cameroon?
As of 2020, the adult literacy rate was 78.23%, with 83.4% for males and 73.12% for females. Youth literacy was higher, at 86.24%.

How many years of schooling are Cameroonians expected to complete?
On average, Cameroonians are expected to complete 12 years of schooling, though the mean years of schooling for adults is 5.9 years.

What is the structure of higher education in Cameroon?
Higher education includes bachelor’s (3 years), master’s (+2 years), and doctoral programs (+3 years), offered in both public and private institutions.

How many public universities are there in Cameroon?
There are eight public universities across the country, serving both Anglophone and Francophone populations.

What percentage of students pursue higher education?
In 2023, the tertiary education enrollment rate was 15.79%.

What is the academic calendar in Cameroon?
The academic year generally starts in September and ends in June.

What is the government’s expenditure on education?
In 2023, education accounted for 13.08% of government spending, and 2.62% of GDP in 2022, with much of it going to operating costs rather than investment.

What initiatives are being taken to improve education quality?
Efforts include teacher training, infrastructure upgrades, quality assurance mechanisms, and results-based financing programs to boost performance and enrollment.

How are private schools involved in education?
Private schools, including mission schools, account for a significant share of enrollment—about 26.86% in primary education as of 2023.

Why do dropout rates remain high in Cameroon?
Dropout rates are influenced by poverty, early marriage, household labor demands, and limited access to quality secondary education in rural areas.

How does the government collaborate internationally on education?
Cameroon partners with organizations like the World Bank and QAHE for teacher development, infrastructure, and education quality assurance.

Are there efforts to harmonize the two subsystems?
Yes, though differences in structure and curricula persist, the government has made efforts to harmonize the Anglophone and Francophone systems.

What is the role of results-based financing in education?
This approach links funding and bonuses to school performance metrics, and pilot programs have shown promise in improving retention and teacher engagement.