Education Options in Jordan
Jordanians are known to be well educated, thanks to their advanced education system. Per million people in Jordan, there are 8,060 researchers. When compared with the EU’s average of 6494, the number is significantly higher. Jordan is also placed first in the Arab World in education, as well as having a variety of world-class universities. If you’re a local or an ex-pat, here are the education options in Jordan.
Basic Education
Education in Jordan is compulsory for all ages through to 16. Basic education is a 10-year mandatory and free level of education which is categorized by grades 1 – 10. Over half of Jordan’s’ population are below the age of 30, with 42.2% of those being aged 14 years or below. Schools in Jordan are split into two main categories which are private and government. The private education sector caters to more than 31.14% of the student population in Amman (the capital of Jordan).
Secondary Education
Students in secondary education are required to study nine subjects if they have chosen the scientific stream, which are Arabic, Mathematics, Social Studies, English, Earth Science, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Computer Studies. For students who have picked the classical stream, they are required to take Arabic, Advanced Arabic, Computer Science, History, English, and Mathematics. All students must take Islamic studies except for Christian students.
Higher Education
Over 2.5% of Jordan’s population are university students (a proportion which is similar to the UK). The country has a range of private, and public community colleges, as well as public and private universities. Over the years, the higher education system in Jordan has evolved considerably. Between the years of 2000 and 2007, Jordan has seen a huge demand for higher education. Private universities have also seen a rapid increase in enrolments, with many having to change a few of their admission policies to cater for all. There has also been an increasing demand for online courses which are popular with locals and ex-pats. If you would like to go down this route, you may want to consider looking at Aston University Online who offer courses such as an MBA online.
Lifelong Higher Education
Lifelong higher education is available at both public and private universities, community colleges, as well as the Jordan Institute of Public Administration. There are various courses to pick from, such as Engineering, Foreign Languages, and Secretarial Studies. To help the local community, there are courses like Physical Education which many students can benefit from. The duration of such courses tends to last between 1 week and 6 months.
Challenges
Despite the country showing huge improvements in the education system, Jordan continues to face various problems. With the young population rising, the government of Jordan has to ensure that the education on offer is of excellent quality to help ensure the new generation is receiving the best education possible. One of the biggest challenges that Jordan currently faces is the increase in population as a result of refugees. The refugee influx has put huge amounts of pressure on the country’s schools and universities.
Whether you’re a resident of Jordan or an ex-pat, understanding the education system is important. For those who are wanting to enroll on a course, getting familiar with entry requirements, as well as the types of certificates you can receive is crucial.
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