What school after middle school? The options and how to choose
Deciding what school to do after middle school means choosing between licei, technical institutes and vocational institutes. All last five years and lead to a diploma valid for university. What changes completely is how you get there.
The three paths after middle school
The liceo is the most theoretical route: lots of general culture, little practice, straight towards university. The technical institute is the balanced route: solid theory plus labs, and at the end you choose work or university. The vocational institute is the practical route: you learn a trade and can enter work at 18-19, with the university door still open.
Three questions to see where you stand
- Does studying past 18 weigh on you or appeal to you? Appeals → liceo or technical. Weighs → technical or vocational.
- Do you prefer understanding why things work, or making them work with your hands? Understand → liceo. Make → technical or vocational.
- Do you already have a trade in mind? If yes and very practical (cook, electrician) → vocational. If it needs a degree (doctor, lawyer, engineer) → liceo or technical.
You refine the rest with the full 5-step method.
What if I still don't know?
That's perfectly normal at 13. In that case start from the data you already have: your grades and the subjects you like. The orientation test is built exactly for those who don't yet have a direction.
Frequently asked questions
Do all high schools last five years?
Yes, licei, technical and vocational institutes last five years and end with the State exam. Some vocational paths offer an intermediate qualification after three or four years.
Can I go to university with a vocational diploma?
Yes. A vocational institute diploma gives access to university exactly like a liceo diploma. The starting preparation differs, not the rights the diploma grants.