Ukraine is both the home and international students’ safe as a tolerant country. The government has implemented safety precautions for students from the time they enter and remain in the nation until they leave. According to the Ukrainian constitution, all citizens have access to free education. In public schools which represent the vast majority, full general secondary education is required. Free higher education is given on a competitive basis in public and municipal institutions. A limited number of private high schools and higher education institutions are also authorized. Due to the continuing emphasis of the Soviet Union on complete access to education for all residents, the literacy rate is estimated at 99.4%. Since 2005, a 12-year school programme: elementary schools take four years for completion (beginning at age 6), middle schools (secondary schools) take five years; high schools take three years for completion. At 12th grade, pupils take state assessments, commonly known as examinations for school graduation. These examinations will thereafter be utilized for admissions to universities.