The Ministry of Education and Science regulates the length of the academic year. Other types of general education schools include gymnasiums and international baccalaureate schools.
Gymnasiums provide an in-depth specialized general education and set higher requirments for pupils.
Gymnasiums offering these specialities have a four-year curriculum. Pupils must have completed the eight grades in a general education school. Graduates of secondary education, after passing the Maturity examinations, are awarded the Maturity Certificate which gives access to higher education. Thos who complete secondary education but do not take the Maturity examinations are awarded a Secondary School Graduation Certificate. General secondary education is also offered in appropriate vocational schools.