Italy – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Italy?

Italy has a deep and distinguished heritage in education. It is home to the University of Bologna, founded in 1088 and widely regarded as the world’s oldest university, and the country’s schools are generally well-organised and respected, with a curriculum that gives considerable weight to the humanities, sciences, and the arts. As with many European systems, however, Italy’s performance in international assessments presents a nuanced picture.

In the PISA 2022 results, major Western European economies — including Germany, France, Spain, and Italy — tended to cluster around or slightly above the OECD average. Italy’s secondary education was assessed as below the OECD average in reading and science, and close to the OECD average in mathematics, with performance in reading and science declining while mathematics remained stable. For the most up-to-date figures, readers should consult the OECD PISA website, as PISA 2025 results are due for release in 2026.

Significant regional disparities in educational outcomes exist within Italy: northern regions tend to perform more strongly than those in the south. The autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano, for example, record above-average scores in reading at the national level. This variation matters for families deciding where to settle, since the quality of individual schools can differ considerably from one part of the country to another — more so than in highly centralised systems such as France’s.

Recent ISTAT data (2023) shows an encouraging decline in early school leaving: in 2023, 10.5% of young people aged 18–24 left education without completing it, edging closer to the European target of 9%. At the higher education level, Italy holds a particularly strong reputation, with several of its universities ranking among the finest in the world.

At what age is education compulsory in Italy, and how is schooling structured by age?

Compulsory education in Italy lasts for ten years, from age 6 to 16, covering the entirety of primary school, all of lower secondary school, and the first two years of upper secondary school. This obligation extends equally to Italian citizens and to children from both EU and non-EU countries who are of compulsory school age — meaning every child residing in Italy, regardless of their nationality or their parents’ origins, must attend school from the age of 6.

The full structure of Italian schooling, from the earliest stage to the final years, is as follows:

• Asilo nido (nursery, 0–3 years): For children under the age of 3, early childhood education and care is delivered through a range of services including nurseries, family centres, and home-based provision. This phase forms part of the broader education system but attendance is not obligatory.
• Scuola dell’infanzia (pre-primary/kindergarten, 3–6 years): This optional stage caters for children aged 3 to 6 and is attended by over 90% of eligible children. It provides a structured yet play-based environment in which children develop early social and learning skills.
• Scuola primaria (primary school, 6–11 years): Primary schooling is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 11. It establishes core knowledge across a wide range of subjects, including Italian, English, mathematics, natural sciences, history, geography, social studies, and physical education.
• Scuola secondaria di primo grado (lower secondary/middle school, 11–14 years): Covering ages 11 to 14, this stage continues general education and broadens the range of subjects studied. Pupils begin learning a second foreign language, typically one of the major European languages.
• Scuola secondaria di secondo grado (upper secondary, 14–19 years): Upper secondary education is delivered through three distinct school types — academic (liceo), technical (istituto tecnico), and vocational (istituto professionale) — with all programmes lasting five years. The first two years of this stage are included within the period of compulsory education.

From the 2024/2025 school year, a new four-year technological-vocational programme has been introduced on a trial basis. This pathway is designed either to lead directly into employment or to provide access to tertiary education, reflecting Italy’s ongoing commitment to strengthening and modernising its vocational offer.

What types of schools are available in Italy?

Italy’s education system is predominantly public, but private individuals and public bodies are also permitted to establish independent educational institutions. In practice, families can choose from state schools, scuole paritarie (officially recognised independent schools), fully private schools, and international schools.

• State schools (scuole statali): The large majority of schools in Italy are state-funded and free to attend. Public education is available at no cost to all children living in Italy, irrespective of their nationality, and state schools frequently match or surpass the standard found in private institutions.
• Scuole paritarie (recognised independent schools): Independent schools that meet the official criteria for equivalence with state schools are designated as scuole paritarie. Only these schools may issue qualifications with the same legal standing as those awarded by the state sector; independent schools without this status cannot do so. Many Catholic and other faith-based schools operate under this framework. Scuole paritarie receive a degree of state funding, with contributions determined annually by the Ministry.
• Faith schools: Catholic schools represent one option for families, though it is worth bearing in mind that Catholicism will form part of the school’s ethos and curriculum. Fees are typically charged, though they are often lower than those at fully private secular institutions.
• Fully private schools: Entirely outside the state funding framework, these schools charge tuition fees and may also levy additional costs for textbooks and extracurricular activities.
• International schools: These institutions offer curricula from other national or international systems — such as the IB, British, or American frameworks — and are generally fee-paying. They are discussed in greater detail in a separate section below.

To qualify for and retain parity status, a school must satisfy several requirements: its educational project must align with constitutional principles; it must have a three-year educational offer plan; its premises must be appropriate; its teaching staff must hold recognised qualifications; and employment contracts must comply with national collective agreements.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Italy follow?

The national curriculum in Italy is set by the Ministry of Education (Ministero dell’Istruzione e del Merito). Through to the end of middle school, every pupil follows the same programme: a broad general education covering Italian, English, mathematics, natural sciences, history, geography, social studies, and physical education. At upper secondary level, the curriculum diverges substantially depending on the school type selected.

Upper secondary schools fall into three main categories: licei (academic schools), istituti tecnici (technical schools), and istituti professionali (vocational schools). The liceo is the most academically focused route and offers a number of specialisations — the prestigious liceo classico, for example, centres on Latin and ancient Greek literature, while the liceo scientifico emphasises mathematics and the sciences. In terms of purpose, this pathway is broadly comparable to A-levels in England or pre-university programmes in the Netherlands, though the Italian liceo spans a full five years.

At the end of upper secondary education, students sit a national examination. Known as the esame di maturità (the official designation from 2025–26 onwards) or esame di stato, this exam takes place annually between June and July and serves as the gateway to university. It comprises both oral and written components, some of which are common to all students and others that differ by school type — liceo classico students, for instance, are required to translate a passage of Latin or ancient Greek, while liceo scientifico students tackle mathematics or physics problems. In function, this leaving certificate is closely comparable to the French baccalauréat or the German Abitur.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is offered at a number of international and bilingual schools in Italy, with the strongest concentrations in Rome, Milan, and Florence. Rome International School, for example, delivers the IB Diploma Programme alongside the Middle Years Programme and Primary Years Programme. Families who want their children to hold internationally transferable qualifications should seek out IB-authorised schools via the IBO school finder.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Italy?

The Italian academic year runs from September through to June. Within this period, the calendar is divided into roughly two terms — or trimesters in some schools — punctuated by holidays at Christmas and Easter as well as a number of national public holidays. The exact dates differ slightly between regions and individual schools.

Students generally attend school for approximately 30 hours per week. The school day typically begins between 8:00 and 8:30 in the morning. In many state primary schools, lessons end at around 13:00–13:30, though an optional extended-day arrangement (tempo pieno) is available in some areas, incorporating a lunch break and afternoon activities and running until approximately 16:30. Secondary schools commonly finish between 13:00 and 14:00, with some timetables including Saturday morning lessons depending on the individual school.

Compared to school systems in parts of northern Europe — where a lengthy midday break is commonplace — many Italian schools operate a condensed morning-centred timetable, especially at secondary level. Families with younger children should take note of these finishing times when planning childcare arrangements. The summer break generally stretches from mid-June to mid-September, giving children an extended holiday of around three months.

How do you enrol a child in school in Italy?

Enrolling a child in an Italian state school follows a defined process, and families relocating to Italy should aim to start well ahead of the September start of the academic year. Online enrolment via the national platform typically opens in January for the following September. The steps below set out how the process works in practice:

1. Establish residency: Register with your local municipality (comune) and obtain a certificate of residence (certificato di residenza). This is generally a prerequisite for completing enrolment. Each child will also need a codice fiscale (tax identification number).
2. Identify the catchment school: Italian state schools allocate places on the basis of where families live. Contact your local municipal education office (ufficio scolastico) to establish which school covers your address. In larger cities, schools offering extended-day programmes can fill up quickly, so it is wise to make enquiries early.
3. Complete online enrolment: Education in Italy must be accessible to all children — Italian citizens and foreign minors from both EU and non-EU countries alike. Enrolment for state schools is carried out through the national Ministry of Education portal (iscrizioni.istruzione.it), and the window opens in January for entry the following September.
4. Gather required documents: You will typically need to provide the child’s birth certificate (or a certified translation), proof of address, a valid passport or identity document, a codice fiscale, vaccination records (certificato di vaccinazione), and — where relevant — previous school reports or transcripts. Documents issued abroad may require an official translation or apostille.
5. Submit foreign school records: If your child has been schooled in another country, bring any available reports or transcripts. The school may refer to these when deciding which year group to place your child in, though placement is generally based on age.
6. Attend an orientation meeting: Most schools organise a welcome session for new families at the beginning of the year. This is an ideal opportunity to raise any questions about language support for your child.

Where a newly enrolled pupil has limited Italian proficiency, state schools are required to put linguistic support measures in place as part of their broader inclusion obligations. It is always worth asking each school directly what language provision they can offer. Administrative requirements can change, so it is advisable to verify current procedures with your local Regional School Office (Ufficio Scolastico Regionale) or with the school itself. Authoritative guidance is also available from Italy’s Ministry of Education and Merit.

What international schools are available in Italy?

The most prominent international schools in Italy are concentrated in the country’s major cities — Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples in particular. They serve a combination of internationally mobile expat families and local families seeking a globally oriented education, and they typically offer curricula that sit outside the Italian national framework, making them an attractive option for those who anticipate moving on to another country or who want their children to maintain qualifications from their home system.

International schools in Italy generally deliver one of the following curricula: the International Baccalaureate (IB), the British national curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A-levels, the American high school diploma, or bilingual programmes that combine Italian with another language. These schools aim to provide an inclusive and internationally minded learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds, encompassing both expatriate and locally based families.

Annual tuition at international schools in Italy ranges from approximately €6,000 to €25,000 (as of 2024–25), varying by institution and programme. Beyond tuition, families should also factor in registration fees, textbooks and learning materials, and uniforms. These represent a substantial financial commitment, and families are strongly advised to request a complete breakdown of fees directly from any school they are considering, since these figures change from year to year.

The following directories are reliable resources for finding accredited international schools in Italy:

• Council of International Schools (CIS) — a global body providing accreditation and membership for international schools
• International Schools Consultancy (ISC Research) — maintains an extensive worldwide database of international schools, including those in Italy
• IB World Schools finder — specifically for schools authorised to offer IB programmes

What higher education options are available in Italy?

Italy boasts one of the most substantial higher education landscapes in Europe. Of the country’s 20 largest universities, 16 are public institutions. La Sapienza University in Rome, founded in 1303, had 111,960 students enrolled in the 2023–2024 academic year and is considered the largest university in Europe. Other highly regarded institutions include the University of Bologna, the University of Milan, Politecnico di Milano, and the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa.

Italian university education is organised into three cycles: the first cycle leads to a diploma after two to three years of study; the second cycle results in a degree after four to six years in total. This structure — built around the bachelor’s (laurea triennale) and master’s (laurea magistrale) degrees — aligns with the Bologna Process framework adopted across most EU member states, meaning that Italian qualifications are broadly portable throughout Europe. Doctoral programmes (dottorato di ricerca) constitute the third cycle.

According to figures from the Ministry of University and Research, 96,083 foreign students were enrolled at Italian universities during the 2023/2024 academic year. International students and resident expats can generally access the same public universities as Italian nationals. Public universities charge comparatively modest tuition fees, typically between €900 and €4,000 per year (as of 2024–25). The amount payable is ordinarily calculated on the basis of family income: students must submit an ISEE declaration — a document assessing household financial circumstances — to determine the applicable fee. EU students whose income is not declared in Italy follow the same process using an ISEE parificato.

Italian public universities generally do not charge application fees, though certain programmes — including medicine, veterinary science, psychology, and architecture — require candidates to sit an entrance examination, which carries an associated fee. Fees and admission requirements vary by institution and course, so prospective students should always consult the university directly. The Universitaly portal, operated by the Italian Ministry of University and Research, is a valuable first resource for international applicants.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Italy?

Italian is the sole language of instruction throughout the state school system at every level. This is the most significant practical consideration for expat families arriving without Italian language skills. Unlike some European systems — Luxembourg’s, for example, where multilingual teaching is woven into the curriculum from the very start — Italian state schools function almost entirely in Italian and expect all pupils to work towards full literacy in the language.

Schools are required to apply the principle of inclusion to pupils who arrive with limited Italian, providing personalised teaching approaches, didactic flexibility, and language support. In practice, however, the extent and quality of this support varies significantly between schools and between regions. Schools located in cities with established expat communities — Rome and Milan being the most prominent — tend to have more experience and resources for supporting new arrivals.

Children generally acquire Italian at a rapid pace in a full-immersion environment, especially younger learners. Many expat parents report that children aged 5 to 10 reach conversational fluency within one to two academic years. Older children and teenagers may struggle more, particularly when entering upper secondary school where the subject matter is academically demanding and the pace of lessons leaves little room for language difficulties.

For children who need to receive instruction in a language other than Italian, international or private bilingual schools are the appropriate alternative. Families who expect to relocate again after a period in Italy — particularly those with children approaching school-leaving examinations — should think carefully about whether the Italian state system or an international school better serves their long-term needs.

For expat adults, CPIAs (provincial adult education centres) organise Italian literacy and language courses for foreign residents, targeting at least A2 proficiency within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. These centres can be an invaluable resource for adults looking to build their Italian language skills while settling into life in Italy.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Italy?

State education in Italy is free and available to all children residing in the country, regardless of nationality. Compulsory schooling between the ages of 6 and 16 carries no tuition charge when attended at a state school. Families should nonetheless budget for incidental expenses — stationery, textbooks, and school excursions — which are not always covered by public funding.

For private and international schooling, no direct state subsidy applies in most cases, though certain education-related expenses may qualify for tax relief under Italy’s income tax framework (IRPEF). Families should seek advice from a local tax consultant (commercialista) or check the current rules with the Agenzia delle Entrate, as these provisions are subject to change with each annual Finance Law.

At university level, a no-tax area applies to students who are on track with their examinations and to those who have fallen slightly behind — up to one year — where the family’s ISEE certification does not exceed €30,000 (as of 2024–25 at the University of Milan; thresholds differ by institution). Many Italian universities also offer merit- and need-based scholarships that cover tuition fees in full; Italy’s Ministry of Education provides financial assistance for international students; and the Erasmus+ programme offers funding opportunities for exchange students.

Families considering scuole paritarie (state-recognised private schools) should be aware that, despite receiving some state funding, these schools generally do charge fees to families. The level of those fees varies widely — from modest contributions at local faith schools to considerable annual sums at well-established private institutions. Always request a full cost breakdown before making a commitment. For the most current information on available support and entitlements, the Italian Ministry of Education and Merit and your local municipal education office are the best points of contact.

Frequently asked questions about education in Italy

Can my child attend an Italian state school without speaking Italian?

Yes. Every child residing in Italy — including foreign minors from both EU and non-EU countries — has the right to access education at all levels. Where a pupil arrives with limited Italian proficiency, schools are obliged to implement linguistic support as part of their inclusion measures. The quality and extent of this support varies between schools and regions, so it is worth enquiring directly about what each school can provide before making your choice.

How quickly will my child learn Italian at school?

Younger children — particularly those under 10 — typically develop conversational Italian within six to twelve months of full immersion in a state school environment. Older children and teenagers tend to take longer, especially when they are simultaneously dealing with demanding academic content. Enrolling children in supplementary Italian lessons outside school hours can meaningfully accelerate the process.

Are there waiting lists for state schools in Italy?

Because state schools allocate places according to catchment area, there is generally no competitive waiting list for the school serving your home address. That said, popular schools in major cities — particularly those offering the extended-day tempo pieno arrangement — can become oversubscribed. Families are advised to register their address and initiate the enrolment process as early as possible, ideally in January for a September start.

Are foreign qualifications recognised in Italy?

Italy recognises qualifications from fellow EU member states under European frameworks and from a number of other countries through bilateral agreements. For school-level qualifications, recognition is handled by the Regional School Office (Ufficio Scolastico Regionale). For university and professional qualifications, the Ministry of University and Research oversees the process. Both families and individuals should begin the recognition process well in advance, as it can take several months to complete. The CIMEA (Centre for Information on Academic Mobility and Equivalence) is Italy’s official body for the recognition of academic qualifications.

Can expat adults study at Italian universities?

With 96,083 foreign students enrolled at Italian universities during the 2023/2024 academic year, it is clear that international access to Italian higher education is firmly established. Resident expats can generally apply on the same basis as Italian nationals, and many programmes — particularly at postgraduate level — are offered in English at major universities. The Universitaly portal is a practical starting point for finding English-language degree programmes and navigating the application process.

What childcare is available for children under 3 in Italy?

Italy has a well-documented shortage of nursery places relative to demand compared to other EU countries. Current figures indicate that nearly 60% of requests for asilo nido placements cannot be accommodated. This is a recognised challenge for families with very young children, and the problem tends to be most acute in southern Italy. Private nurseries operate in most cities, but families should investigate availability in their specific area well before their arrival and be prepared to meet the costs of private childcare.

What is the grading system in Italian schools?

Italian schools use a 10-point grading scale, with a score of six representing the minimum pass mark. At university level, a different scale applies: grades run from 18 to 30, with 30 being the highest possible mark. The distinction of 30 with honours (30 e lode) is the pinnacle of university-level achievement. Families accustomed to percentage-based or letter-grade systems used in other countries may need some time to familiarise themselves with how results are communicated in Italy.

Is homeschooling legal in Italy?

Home education during the compulsory schooling years is a legal option in Italy, but it is subject to specific conditions. Children educated at home are required to sit official examinations to demonstrate that they have acquired the competencies expected at each stage. Parents wishing to homeschool must formally notify the local school authority and show that they possess the necessary capability to deliver an appropriate education. It remains a regulated rather than freely available option, and is considerably more restricted than homeschooling in some other countries.