The educational system in Bulgaria includes pre-school education from ages 8 months to 7 years old, which takes place in nurseries and kindergartens. Basic and secondary school education is compulsory and takes place over two semesters, starting each September. Higher education includes specialist, bachelor's and master's degrees. The pre-primary education system has four age groups from ages 3 to 7 and lasts for 4 years, with training determined by 9 subject areas set by the State educational requirements.