The education system in Brazil is divided into three levels: fundamental, intermediate and higher education. Preschool or infant education is added to this hierarchical structure, for the purpose of providing assistance to children below the age of 7. Fundamental education is compulsory for all children aged 7 to 14 and is free at all public institutions, including for those who did not have access to school at the appropriate age. There is a fair number of international schools and major cities are mostly covered.