ITALY’S EDUCATION SYSTEM

Friday - 12/06/2026

For Italian citizens, education is free of charge and compulsory for children aged 6 to 16. The system is divided into two main levels: primary and secondary education, followed by higher education, comprising five stages: preschool, primary school, lower secondary school, upper secondary school, and university.

Both compulsory and higher education in Italy are undergoing reforms aimed at creating a more flexible system for students, including international students pursuing study opportunities in the country.

1. COMPULSORY EDUCATION

• Preschool (optional): For children aged 3 to 6.
• Primary School (compulsory – 5 years): For children aged 6 to 11. The curriculum includes Italian, a foreign language, mathematics, natural sciences, history, geography, social studies, art, music, physical education, and religion (an optional subject selected at the family’s discretion). At the end of Grade 5, students take the esami di licenza elementare – a final exam consisting of written and oral components – to qualify for lower secondary school.
• Lower Secondary School (compulsory – 3 years): Schools are divided into four streams: classical, scientific, technical, and artistic. Students typically attend around 30 hours of classes per week. In the final year, students take a graduation exam consisting of: Three written tests: Italian, Mathematics, and a foreign language and one oral examination covering multiple subjects. Successful students may proceed to upper secondary school.
• Upper Secondary School (3 – 5 years depending on the program): Only the first year is compulsory for all students. Upper secondary education is organized into four main tracks: Classical, scientific, and pedagogical studies; Arts; Technical studies and Vocational training. Students graduate by passing the esame di stato, which includes three written exams and one oral examination, and will be awarded an upper secondary diploma.

2. HIGHER EDUCATION

After completing upper secondary school, students may choose from the following pathways:

• Vocational Training Courses: Organized nationwide to help high school graduates apply acquired knowledge in practical settings aligned with labor market demands. At the end of the program, students must complete skills assessments to earn certificates recognized for employment.
• Higher Technical Institutes (ITS): These institutes admit high school graduates and working adults, providing advanced vocational training tailored to industry needs, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises. Upon completion, learners receive nationally recognized qualifications.
• Higher Education in Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM Institutions): Italy currently has around 132 academies specializing in music, dance, fashion design, industrial arts, and other creative disciplines. Each academy follows its own program structure based on its specialization.
• Universities (including Polytechnics): Italy has approximately 96 universities, both public and private. University programs fall under five broad fields: Health sciences, Engineering and technological sciences, Humanities, law, political sciences, and social sciences, Economics, Construction and architecture. Universities award degrees according to the chosen study path:
  • Bachelor’s Degree (Laurea): 3 years (180 ECTS credits)
  • Master’s Degree (Laurea Magistrale): 2 years (120 ECTS credits). Some majors combine both levels into a single cycle, such as Pharmacy (5 years) or Medicine (6 years).
  • Doctorate (Dottorato di Ricerca): Research-based PhD program lasting 3 years.

For tailored guidance and full assistance throughout your study-abroad journey, please contact: 

Duc Anh EduConnect

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