[4] A constitutional reform in 2013 called for the law to extend free access to four levels, and make the last one mandatory and a prerequisite to enter primary school.

[4] The Chilean state provides an extensive system of education vouchers that covers about 93% of primary and secondary students (the other 7% attend non-subsidized private schools).

In order to receive public funding, private schools must reserve 15% of seats in each class to students classified as "vulnerable" (based on family income and mother's level of education).

The schools offering Technical-Professional programs are denominated: Most of the students choosing the vocational branch come from disadvantaged socioeconomic background.

There is a fourth type of public school, administered by the Ministry of Education and completely financed by the State.

There are also two additional specific exams, Sciences (including Chemistry, Physics and Biology fields) and History, which may be required by some undergraduate programs.

The cumulative grade point average achieved during secondary school is also taken into account in the final admission score, as well as the student's relative position in his class and two previous promotions.

[13] Professional Institutes (PI) and Technical Schooling Centers (CFT) require a secondary education license only for admission.

Socioeconomically disadvantaged students from any type of officially recognized educational institution may seek loans through private banks with the State acting as guarantee ("Crédito con Aval del Estado", CAE).

There are also loan programs offered by the government exclusively to socioeconomically disadvantaged students of "traditional" universities ("Fondo Solidario de Crédito Universitario", FSCU).

Following a two-week winter break school resumes and lasts until late November or early December, followed by summer vacations.

For example, in 2014 the start of classes is March 5 for regular students in the Santiago Metropolitan Region; a winter break runs from 14 to 25 July, with the second semester starting at 28 July; classes end at either 5, 12 or 19 December, depending on the program's length in weeks (38 to 40); students graduating from high school (fourth level of secondary education) end classes on 14 November, giving them time to prepare for the university admission test (PSU).

Among the first proposals sent to Congress were the banning of mandatory co-payments, the removal of existing selection processes, and the conversion of for-profit schools into non-profit organizations.