Education in Malaysia is the responsibility of the federal government of Malaysia. Schooling is categorized into preschool (or Kindergartens), primary school, secondary school and pre-university education. Most schools are public schools funded by the government. There are few private schools in Malaysia and they are only found in major towns.

Primary and Secondary education in Malaysia comes under the purview of the Ministry of Education (Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia). Tertiary education comes under the  Ministry of Higher Education  (Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi).

Primary education (6 years) and 5 years of secondary education in public schools are free for all Malaysians. Specific length of study for school education are as follows:

Preschool or kindergarten education - for children between the ages of 4 to 6

Primary education - children from age 7 to 12 (6 years). The level of education is referred to as Standard 1 to Standard 6

Secondary education - for students from age 13 to 17

• lower secondary is from age 13 to 15 (3 years - from Form 1 to Form 3); students have to take a national exam in Form 3.
• upper secondary from age 16 to 17 (2 years - Form 4 to Form 5); students can opt, at upper secondary level, to attend academic stream, technical/vocational schools or religious secondary schools. Students have to take National Exams on completion of their course

Pre-university education - from age 18 is either Form Sixth (equivalent to 'A'-levels;  study period of 1.5 years) or Matriculation (1 year) 

Tertiary Education - is  for students, from age around 18 years old, who have completed secondary school or pre-university. Students apply for admission to polytechnics, public or private colleges, or public or private universities.