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.