The educational system in China is very competitive with many tests, though student failure rates remain low and literacy exceeds 94%. Basic education includes 6 years of primary school, which is mandatory, as well as 3 years each of mandatory lower and upper secondary education. Vocational education is well-structured and higher education occurs at universities and colleges, including vocational training, higher education degrees, and postgraduate programs, with semesters from September to February and mandatory class attendance.