Responsibility for the education system in Germany lies primarily with the individual states, while the federal government only plays a minor role. However, the system is often quite similar in the different states. Primary education usually lasts for four years and is common for all pupils. In contrast, secondary education includes four types of schools based on a pupil's ability: the Gymnasium includes the most gifted children and prepares students for university studies; the Realschule has a broader range of emphasis for intermediary students; the Hauptschule prepares pupils for vocational education, and the Gesamtschule or comprehensive school combines the three approaches. In order to enter a university, high school students are required to take the Abitur examination, however, students possessing a diploma from a vocational school may also apply to enter. All large cities in Germany have a range of international schools.