When learning Serbian, one of the essential distinctions to understand is the difference between škola and fakultet. These terms often confuse English speakers because they refer to different levels of education but are used in contexts that may seem overlapping. Understanding these terms can help you navigate conversations about education more effectively in Serbian.

Škola

Škola refers to “school” in English. This term generally encompasses primary (elementary) and secondary (high) education. In Serbia, škola is the foundational institution for education where children start their learning journey.

Moja sestra ide u osnovnu školu.
My sister goes to elementary school.

Osnovna škola is “elementary school” and typically includes grades one through eight. Children usually begin osnovna škola at the age of six or seven.

Deca počinju osnovnu školu sa šest godina.
Children start elementary school at the age of six.

Srednja škola is “high school” and generally includes grades nine through twelve. Srednja škola can be further divided into different types, such as gymnasium (general education) and vocational schools.

Nakon osnovne škole, upisao sam srednju školu.
After elementary school, I enrolled in high school.

Types of Srednja Škola

Gimnazija is a type of high school that provides general education and prepares students for university. It’s similar to a college preparatory school in the United States.

Moja sestra pohađa gimnaziju jer želi da ide na fakultet.
My sister attends a gymnasium because she wants to go to university.

Stručna škola is a vocational school that focuses on preparing students for specific trades or professions. These schools offer practical skills and training.

On se školuje u stručnoj školi za električara.
He is being trained in a vocational school to become an electrician.

Fakultet

Fakultet refers to “faculty” or “university” in English. It is the institution where students pursue higher education after completing srednja škola. Fakultet can be part of a larger university or an independent institution.

Planiram da upišem fakultet sledeće godine.
I plan to enroll in a university next year.

Studija refers to “study” or “studies” and is often used in the context of higher education. Students at a fakultet engage in specific fields of study.

Moje studije su veoma zahtevne, ali ih volim.
My studies are very demanding, but I love them.

Diploma is the “degree” awarded to students upon the completion of their studies at a fakultet. The term can refer to both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Dobila je diplomu iz ekonomije prošle godine.
She received her degree in economics last year.

Levels of Education at Fakultet

Osnovne studije are “undergraduate studies.” This is the first level of higher education and usually lasts three to four years, leading to a bachelor’s degree.

Trenutno sam na osnovnim studijama prava.
I am currently in my undergraduate law studies.

Master studije are “master’s studies.” These are postgraduate programs that typically last one to two years and lead to a master’s degree.

Upisao sam master studije iz menadžmenta.
I enrolled in a master’s program in management.

Doktorske studije are “doctoral studies.” These are advanced postgraduate programs that can last several years, leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.

On je na trećoj godini doktorskih studija iz biologije.
He is in his third year of doctoral studies in biology.

Key Differences

Understanding the key differences between škola and fakultet can help you navigate the Serbian education system more effectively.

Trajanje refers to “duration.” Škola typically lasts for 12 years (eight years of osnovna škola and four years of srednja škola), while fakultet can last anywhere from three to eight years, depending on the level of study.

Trajanje srednje škole je četiri godine.
The duration of high school is four years.

Uslovi refers to “conditions” or “requirements.” To enroll in a fakultet, students must complete srednja škola and often pass an entrance exam.

Jedan od uslova za upis na fakultet je položen prijemni ispit.
One of the conditions for enrolling in university is passing the entrance exam.

Predmeti refers to “subjects.” In škola, students study a broad range of subjects, while in fakultet, they specialize in specific fields.

Moji omiljeni predmeti u školi su matematika i istorija.
My favorite subjects in school are math and history.

Profesori refers to “teachers” in škola and “professors” in fakultet. While both are educators, the term profesor is often used for university instructors.

Na fakultetu imamo sjajne profesore.
We have great professors at the university.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between škola and fakultet is crucial for anyone learning Serbian, especially if you are planning to study or work in Serbia. By grasping these concepts, you can more effectively discuss educational backgrounds, future plans, and academic achievements in Serbian.

Remember, škola is where the foundational education takes place, from basic reading and writing to more advanced high school subjects. Fakultet, on the other hand, is where specialized, higher education occurs, leading to degrees that open doors to professional careers. Whether you are discussing your own educational journey or trying to understand someone else’s, knowing these terms will help you communicate more clearly and accurately in Serbian.