Liceul

Liceul, or liceu in Romanian, is a type of upper secondary school in Romania. It follows the completion of gimnaziu (lower secondary education) and typically spans four school years for students aged about 14 to 18. The primary aim is to prepare students for higher education or, in some tracks, for skilled employment.

Curriculum and tracks: Liceul offers several profiles or streams, including theoretical, mathematical-informatic, natural sciences, social sciences, and various technical or vocational options. The curriculum combines general education subjects—Romanian language and literature, mathematics, science, history, and geography—with foreign language study and elective courses tailored to the chosen profile. Admission to liceu is usually based on performance in the preceding educational stage and, in some cases, on standardized tests.

Assessment and outcomes: At the end of liceul, students take the Bacalaureat exam, a national final assessment that determines eligibility for higher education. The exam includes written and oral components across several subjects, and a successful result is typically required to enroll in universities. Liceul graduates may also choose vocational tracks that lead to certificates or diplomas suitable for entry-level employment.

Etymology and scope: The term liceu derives from the French lycée and is used in Romania to denote upper secondary schools. The concept and terminology are also used in Romanian-speaking areas to describe similar institutions.