School education follows a formal twelve-grade system, with primary education in grades 1 to 6 and secondary education in grades 7 to 12. Public schools do not charge tuition, but materials, clothing, transport and lost household income can still limit attendance. Since March 2022, girls have generally lost regular access to secondary education after grade 6, although conditions differ by region. Vocational training includes formal, non-formal and informal pathways. Technical and vocational education and training, known as TVET, may last two, three or five years, while short courses commonly last three to twelve months. The Ostad-Shagerdi master-apprentice model provides another way to develop occupational skills. Language learning takes place through schools, universities, literacy programmes, community providers and digital courses, with Dari and Pashto as Afghanistan's two state official languages. Higher education is offered by universities and other licensed institutions and can lead to bachelor's, master's or doctoral qualifications. Skills development covers shorter ways to update or deepen abilities, including literacy linked to income-generating activities, workplace learning and self-directed study. A suitable pathway depends on the intended work or qualification, available access, programme quality, costs, language, recognition and the stability of the provider.
Learning in Afghanistan
Learning in Afghanistan includes school education, vocational training, language learning, higher education and skills development. These pathways differ in purpose, duration, admission, cost, recognition and access. Availability varies substantially by province, institution, provider and gender.
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