According to andyeducation, the educational system in Maldives is highly developed and provides access to quality education for all citizens. The country is known for its commitment to providing free and compulsory education up to the secondary level. There are currently more than 500 schools in the country, both public and private, which offer a range of educational opportunities from basic primary education to higher secondary studies. In Maldives, the Ministry of Education is responsible for setting educational policies and managing the funding of public schools. The government has taken steps towards improving access to quality education by introducing a National Education Act in 2007 which outlines plans for providing free and compulsory education up to Grade 12 as well as increasing access to post-secondary studies. Additionally, the government has introduced initiatives such as the National Education Plan 2016-2025 which focuses on improving student performance, increasing teacher training opportunities, introducing new technology into classrooms and expanding access to special needs education services. At the primary level, students attend compulsory schooling from grade 1-5 with optional schooling available from grade 6-8. Secondary school is divided into two sections; Junior Secondary School (grade 9-10) and Senior Secondary School (grade 11-12). Upon completion of senior secondary studies students can pursue higher education at one of the many universities or colleges located throughout Maldives such as University of Maldives or Islamic University of Maldives among others. These universities offer Bachelor’s degrees across various disciplines such as business administration, engineering sciences and computer sciences among others while there are also several vocational schools providing technical training for those interested in pursuing a career in trades such as plumbing or carpentry. In addition to universities there are numerous opportunities for postgraduate studies at both public and private universities including Master’s degrees and doctorates with specializations ranging from medicine to international relations among others. Furthermore there are numerous private institutions offering specialized courses such as language classes or art classes among other areas that may help students gain additional skills that could be useful in their future careers. Overall the educational system in Maldives provides access to quality learning opportunities for all citizens allowing them to acquire knowledge that will help them prepare for successful careers within their chosen field upon completion of their studies. See educationvv for Maldives educational systems.