SMK

SMK is a widely used acronym in several countries to designate secondary education institutions, most notably in Indonesia and Malaysia. Its meaning and role vary by national education systems, but in each context it denotes a formal level of secondary schooling.

In Indonesia, SMK stands for Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan, or vocational high school. SMKs are part of the formal education system that follows junior secondary school (SMP). The three-year program combines general education with specialized vocational training in fields such as engineering, agriculture, commerce, and information technology. The aim is to prepare students directly for technical careers while also enabling progression to higher education through additional studies or diplomas. Graduates typically receive a formal certificate recognized by the government and employers.

In Malaysia, SMK stands for Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan, referring to national secondary schools funded by the government. These schools provide general secondary education to students roughly aged 13 to 17, progressing through lower (Forms 1–3) and upper (Forms 4–5) secondary levels. The core qualification is the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, which marks completion of formal secondary education and eligibility for further study or work. Many SMKs emphasize broad curriculum offerings, with some schools also providing pathways to pre-university programs or vocational tracks.

Across other contexts, SMK can have different local meanings, but the two national uses in Indonesia and Malaysia are the most common references. The term reflects ongoing emphasis on formal secondary education, whether through vocational training or national general education.