According to andyeducation, the educational system in Bahrain is highly regarded due to its commitment to providing quality education regardless of family background or financial situation. The government of Bahrain has invested heavily in its primary schools as well as its universities, and this commitment has resulted in a highly educated population with an impressive literacy rate of 98%. Education in Bahrain is divided into three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary education is available for children aged 5-13 and consists of seven years of instruction. At the end of their primary schooling, students take an exam to qualify for secondary school. Secondary education in Bahrain consists of five years of instruction divided into two cycles: junior and senior high school. Junior high school lasts for three years, during which time students specialize in a particular field or stream such as science or humanities. Senior high school lasts for two years and focuses on preparing students for university entrance exams or vocational training programs. Tertiary education in Bahrain is provided by both public universities and private institutions. Public universities typically offer courses leading up to bachelor’s degrees while private universities tend to specialize in areas like medicine or finance. In addition to traditional classroom instruction, many universities also offer online courses and distance learning programs for those who wish to pursue higher education without attending university in person. The government of Bahrain provides free tuition at all levels from primary through tertiary education, as well as providing scholarships for those who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. Furthermore, the government has implemented a policy that allows students who have completed their secondary studies at least one year prior to enrolling at a university to receive full tuition waivers if they meet certain criteria such as maintaining a GPA above 3.0 and having no disciplinary issues during their studies at the university level. In addition to offering quality educational opportunities across all levels, the government also places an emphasis on providing extra-curricular activities such as sports, music and art classes that are designed to foster creativity amongst young people while also giving them an opportunity to develop important social skills outside of the classroom environment. This focus on extra-curricular activities helps ensure that young people not only develop academically but also become well rounded individuals capable of contributing positively back into society upon graduation from university level studies. Overall, the educational system in Bahrain is highly regarded due its commitment towards ensuring that all citizens have access to quality educational opportunities throughout their lives regardless of family background or financial situation resulting in a highly educated population with an impressive literacy rate of 98%. See educationvv for Bahrain educational systems.