Education in Mali

Public education in Mali is, in principle, provided free of charge and is compulsory for nine years between the ages of 7 and 16.[1] The system encompasses six years of primary education beginning at age seven, followed by six years of secondary education, generally divided into two three-year cycles.[1]

Mali’s primary school enrollment rate is low, in large part because families are unable to cover the cost of uniforms, books, supplies, and other fees required to attend public school.[1]