After the independence on 5th of July 1975, the Ministry of Education introduced compulsory education for children, ages six to twelve. Kindergarten was set up for toddlers, also known as (Jardin Infantil). After children go to the Escola Primaria (primary school) until their twelfth´ year. This education is free of charge. They learn both Portuguese and Criolo, (the local language). During lunch break, the children get something to eat, mostly corn cake. The school day is split in two parts (morning and afternoon), due to lack of space.
- After primary school, the children can move on to the lyceum (Escola Secondaria). Approximately 80% of children continue to lyceum which takes six years to complete.
- Professional education is organized on a project basis and is administered by the Ministry of Labor. With the arrival of the new Government in 2017, there are plans to drop professional education under the Ministry of Education, so that continuity in the future remains guaranteed.
- Higher education is possible on the island of Santiago in the capital Praia. In addition to the PABO, there are private schools in Praia with specializations in Law, Economics, Sociology, Pedagogics, etc. The studies take five years, including the internship. The college fee is approximately 130 euro per month.