Parliament adopted the Education Code of Moldova in the final reading by 55 votes in favor. The Communist MPs voted against, IPN reports.

The Education Code proposes a new approach to education and is aimed at modernizing the education system in the context of the European integration and the Bologna Process. Education will be mandatory up to the age of 18. It will start with the first preschool cycle – the preparatory group - and will end with high school or vocational education. The education for children and students with special educational needs will be free at all the stages. It will be provided in general education institutions, special education institutions or through home learning.

Under the amendments proposed for the final reading, the ante-preschool education will be provided in the family, which benefits from financing from the national public budget. Also, at the parents’ request, the local public authorities can organize ante-preschool education with financing from the local budgets.

The amendment providing that at least one vice director in charge of the education process must have pedagogical education was also accepted.

Another accepted amendment stipulates that there will be only state institutions for studying medicine, and no private institutions.

The adopted code takes effect at the start of the new school year.