Overview of the General Education System

French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France, comprises the island of Tahiti along with 118 smaller islands situated in the eastern South Pacific. The region is organized into five principal archipelagos: the Society Islands, which encompass both Tahiti and Moorea; the Marquesas Islands; the Austral Islands; the Tuamotu Archipelago; and the Gambier Islands.

French Polynesia's education system is modeled after the French national system and is administered through a shared responsibility between the central government and local authorities. As an overseas collectivity of France, it benefits from structural and financial alignment with the French Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Rector (Vice-Chancellor), appointed by the French government, supervises educational operations, budgetary control, state examination certification (such as the baccalauréat), and management of public sector employees. The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training also leads national science and innovation policy initiatives.

Formal education is conducted in French, though Tahitian is also widely spoken and integrated into language instruction. Historically, literacy efforts faced obstacles due to restrictions on the Tahitian language in schools; however, recent decades have seen an embrace of bilingualism and regional language policies.

French Polynesia has 172 elementary schools distributed across five geographically dispersed archipelagos. This dispersion presents logistical challenges, especially in ensuring consistent educational quality across islands. Literacy stands at 98%, which mirrors successful public education efforts.

Primary education spans six years. It starts at age five and concludes at age twelve. This is followed by seven years of secondary education, with the first six years forming part of the compulsory schooling requirement. Public education is state-funded, and private schools, which are mostly operated by churches, receive government subsidies.

Vocational education plays a vital role, with multiple state-funded institutions and agricultural schools providing specialized training. Adult education and community colleges supplement opportunities for lifelong learning.

In French Polynesia, education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 16, aligned with France's national mandate. However, many children begin schooling earlier at the age of five, entering a six-year primary cycle.

Upon completing primary education at the age of 12, students progress into the seven-year secondary education track. The first six years of secondary schooling are compulsory; however, enforcement varies, especially on more remote islands.

French Polynesia launched foreign and local language education initiatives in early childhood education in the 2000s. Today, the majority of students are bilingual in French and Tahitian.

Higher education in French Polynesia is centered around the Université de la Polynésie Française (UPF), located in Punaauia. Established in 1987 as the Université Française du Pacifique and restructured in 1999, UPF is the territory's only university, serving approximately 4,000–4,999 students. It is a coeducational, publicly funded institution accredited by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation.

UPF offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as humanities, law, business, science, and education. The university operates as a research and cultural institution, promoting academic excellence and regional collaboration. It also contributes to teacher training and supports bilingual education policies.

Although small in size, French Polynesia’s higher education system is deeply integrated into France’s academic infrastructure, which enables students to qualify for and transfer into French institutions, as well as access continental higher education opportunities.