School children who have successfully completed the first stage of primary education are awarded a Form IV Leaving Certificate. Higher education is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and Science. Some universities are private. Post-secondary institutions have academic autonomy. In 1995, the National Assembly approved five new private higher education institutions.
Studies culminate in a state final examination.
This is a degree created by the Higher Education Act of 1995. The former Diplom za Visse Obrazovanie, awarded before the 1995 law, is officially regarded as equivalent to the Master's. It is obtained on the basis of individual research and after the defence of a thesis. The Higher Education Act of 1995 grants all Kandidat na Naukite holders the right to use the title Doktor. Courses, which last for between four and five years, lead to the professional qualification of teacher.