The National Education System involves several levels of schooling which includes preschool, primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions.

Entry into public preschools is limited to local citizens. However, non-citizens may enrol into primary and secondary public schools.

In public schools, the medium of instruction is the Malay language (Bahasa Melayu); except for lessons in the English language. The other two subjects taught in English are Science and Mathematics.

Students of the national education system need to sit for Malaysia’s public examinations. The system is governed by the Malaysian Examination Syndicate, which plans and schedules examinations that students of the national education system need to sit for.