General Structure of Mali's Education System
Mali's education system is governed by Law No. 99-046 of December 28, 1999 on education orientation. This law establishes the foundations of national education and defines the different education cycles.
Organization of Education Cycles
Mali's education system comprises four main levels:
- Pre-school education: Ages 3-6 (non-compulsory)
- Fundamental education: Ages 6-15, divided into 6-year and 3-year cycles
- General secondary education: 3 years (ages 15-18)
- Higher education: from age 18
Languages of Instruction
Although French is the official language of instruction, Law No. 2017-001 of January 11, 2017 promotes the use of national languages in fundamental education. The main national languages used include:
- Bambara (spoken by approximately 80% of the population)
- Fulfulde (Peul)
- Dogon
- Soninke
- Sonrai
Fundamental and Secondary Education
First Cycle of Fundamental Education
This 6-year cycle serves children aged 7-12. The primary school enrollment rate was approximately 68% in 2020 according to Ministry of National Education data (to be verified).
Second Cycle of Fundamental Education
This 3-year cycle (ages 13-15) concludes with the Fundamental Studies Diploma (DEF). The completion rate was approximately 45% in 2019 (to be verified).
General Secondary Education
The 3-year secondary education concludes with the Baccalaureate in several series:
- Series A: Letters-Languages
- Series SH: Human Sciences
- Series SE: Exact Sciences
- Series STI: Industrial Sciences and Technologies
- Series SBio: Biological Sciences
Technical Education and Vocational Training
Structure of Vocational Training
The technical and vocational training system is governed by the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training and includes:
- Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CAP): 2-3 years after DEF
- Technician Certificate (BT): 2 years after CAP
- Technical Baccalaureate: 3 years after DEF
- Higher Technician Certificate (BTS): 2 years after Baccalaureate
Main Vocational Training Institutions
- National Institute of Vocational Training (INFP)
- Vocational Training Centers (CFP) - several regional centers
- Abderhamane Baba Touré National Engineering School (ENI-ABT)
- Rural Polytechnic Institute for Training and Applied Research (IPR/IFRA) in Katibougou
Priority Training Sectors
Technical training focuses on Mali's key economic sectors:
- Agriculture and livestock
- Mining and geology
- Construction and public works
- Automotive mechanics
- Electricity and electronics
- Information technology and telecommunications
- Crafts and traditional trades
Higher Education
University of Bamako and its Faculties
The University of Bamako, established in 1996, is the main higher education institution comprising:
- Faculty of Science and Technology (FAST)
- Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology (FMOS)
- Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences (FSJP)
- Faculty of Letters, Languages and Human Sciences (FLASH)
- Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences (FSEG)
- Higher Normal School of Technical and Professional Education (ENETP)
Other Higher Education Institutions
- Higher Normal School (ENSup) - teacher training
- University Institute of Management (IUG)
- Higher School of Engineering, Architecture and Urban Planning (ESIAU)
- Conservatory of Multimedia Arts and Crafts Balla Fasséké Kouyaté
Regional Universities
Mali is also developing universities in the regions:
- University of Ségou (established in 2009)
- University of Mopti (to be verified)
- University projects in Sikasso and Gao (to be verified)
Challenges and Reforms in the Education System
Main Challenges
- Access: Disparities between urban and rural regions
- Quality: Lack of qualified teachers
- Infrastructure: Insufficient school equipment
- Funding: Education budget represents approximately 4.2% of GDP (to be verified)
- Security: School closures in northern regions
Ongoing Reforms
The Ten-Year Program for Education and Culture Development (PRODEC) aims to:
- Improve access to basic education
- Strengthen technical and vocational training
- Develop higher education
- Promote adult literacy
Key Training Programs for Employment
Growing Sectors Requiring Specialized Training
Given Mali's economy, priority training areas include:
- Mining: Geology, extraction, mineral processing
- Agriculture: Agronomy, irrigation, agri-food processing
- Energy: Renewable energy (particularly solar)
- Technology: Information technology, telecommunications, maintenance
- Health: Medical and paramedical personnel
- Education: Teacher training
The development of these sectors offers significant employment prospects for Malian graduates, particularly in the context of economic growth the country is experiencing despite security challenges.