Final exams at secondary schools

What

All general secondary schools, conservatories and most vocational schools organise final exams (maturita) and after successful completion issue a certificate which is a precondition to apply for university studies. Shorter apprenticeship programmes offered by some vocational schools organise final exams and after successful completion an apprenticeship certificate is issued. Conservatories organise final exams that include graduation performance in the artistic field of study.

Who

All secondary school students who successfully completed given grades can apply for final exams and submit their application to the school principal.

How

Final exam (maturita) at general secondary schools, conservatories and vocational schools consists of external and internal exams. For the Slovak or Hungarian language and foreign languages, the internal part is further divided into the written and oral forms. The internal exam of every subject is obligatory for all students. The external exam is obligatory for all students in foreign languages, Slovak or Hungarian language and math. The written form means an essay to be produced in the mother tongue and/or foreign language.

When

Regular term for external exams and internal written exams takes place in March. Oral examinations are conducted in May. Pupils who do not pass any part of the exams can repeat it in September.