Overview of the General Education System

Kiribati’s education system has undergone significant transformation from its indigenous, oral-based traditions to a structured system shaped by colonial and missionary influence. Before colonization, education in Kiribati was informal, relying on elders for the transmission of knowledge in navigation, subsistence, and cultural practices.

With the arrival of European missionaries in the 19th century, formal schooling was introduced, blending literacy, numeracy, and Christian teachings. After gaining independence in 1979, the government of Kiribati, through its Ministry of Education, assumed responsibility for national education policy and system development.

The current education structure includes pre-primary, primary, secondary, post-secondary, and tertiary education. Pre-primary education of ages three to five is governed under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Policy of 2008, formally endorsed in 2010.

Primary education serves children aged 6 to 13 and spans eight years. Secondary education includes junior secondary (Forms 1–3) and senior secondary (Forms 4–6), offering both academic and practical subjects tailored to local socio-economic contexts.

The Ministry of Education is tasked with overseeing curriculum, policy implementation, and quality assurance. Education is centralized, with limited autonomy at the school level, and funded jointly by the government, churches, and families. Most schools are public, though there are also religiously affiliated institutions and a special school for children with disabilities.

English is the official language and primary medium of instruction, although Gilbertese (a Micronesian dialect) is widely spoken, especially outside the capital. The literacy rate stands at an impressive 97.96% in 2018, while the primary net enrollment rate reached 94.7% in 2017. According to 2023 data, gross primary enrollment was 93.35%.

Recent reforms aim to improve quality, equity, and inclusivity, with emphasis on integrating culture and sustainability. With its dispersed geography and limited resources, Kiribati continues to face challenges in access and teacher distribution, particularly in outer islands.

Compulsory education in Kiribati spans eight years and covers primary education for children aged six to 13. Although early childhood education is not mandatory, the government recognizes its importance. The 2010 ECCE Policy emphasizes holistic child development for ages 3–5 and identifies early learning as a national responsibility. However, enrollment in ECCE programs varies by island and is largely dependent on available infrastructure and teacher capacity.

Primary education in Kiribati is universally free and serves as the foundational phase of the system. It spans eight years, beginning with entry at the age of six. The national curriculum, administered by the Ministry of Education, includes literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, and physical education. Local content, including Kiribati culture, history, and environment, is embedded in the curriculum to strengthen student identity and relevance.

Following completion of primary school, students transition into the secondary education system. Junior secondary education consists of Forms 1–3, and senior secondary includes Forms 4–6. Secondary schooling is not compulsory but is widely attended. Access to quality education, especially in remote islands, remains a key concern. Centralized administration and limited resources make it challenging to ensure uniform quality across the archipelago.

At the end of junior secondary, students undergo national assessments that guide placement into senior secondary or vocational programs. Options after Form 6 include higher education institutions, vocational schools, or immediate entry into the workforce. There is also a growing emphasis on expanding technical and vocational education to provide non-academic pathways.

Higher education in Kiribati is primarily delivered through regional partnerships and domestic vocational institutions. The main provider of degree-level education is the University of the South Pacific (USP), a regional institution with a satellite campus in Kiribati since 1973. USP offers programs in arts, education, science, business, and environmental studies, accessible via remote learning supported by satellite and radio communications. While USP is headquartered in Fiji, many students from Kiribati also pursue studies in Australia and New Zealand through funded scholarships.

Kiribati have several important post-secondary institutions that contribute to the development of its workforce and community. The Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT) provides a range of certificate and diploma programs in trades, business, IT, and hospitality, while the Tarawa Technical Institute focuses on vocational and technical training.

For those interested in maritime careers, the Maritime Training School prepares students with the necessary skills for working at sea. Additionally, the Teacher Training College is dedicated to training future educators across the islands, and the Nursing School offers certificate and diploma programs in nursing and community health, ensuring a well-rounded educational landscape in Kiribati.

Admission into tertiary institutions generally requires successful completion of Form 6 (senior secondary). Competitive programs, such as nursing and maritime training, may require entrance exams and specific academic thresholds.

Higher education in Kiribati is overseen by the Ministry of Education and supported by development partners. Emphasis is placed on workforce-relevant training and skills development to meet national labor demands.