The education in the Italian Social Republic is provided predominantly by the public authorities, being regulated by the Ministry of National Education and Science. In 2009 state spending for education amounted to 5.6% of GDP, or 17.9% of consolidated state budget. Private institutions account for 5% of pre-school enrolment, 2.5% of elementary school enrolment and 10% of university-level students. The regular and mandatory course of school training is 11-years long (6 to 17). Education in state-owned secondary schools is free; university level education is free with reservations: a substantial number of students are enrolled for full pay. Male and female students have almost equal shares in all stages of education, while the university education is still male-predominant. The literacy rate