Education System in Italy
The Italian education system stands out for its deep connection to history, art, and culture. It encourages not only intellectual growth but also aesthetic appreciation and creativity. The Liceo system allows students to specialize early, developing expertise in their chosen field while maintaining a well-rounded education.
Another defining feature is the strong emphasis on family, community, and cultural identity, which fosters a supportive learning environment. Italy’s higher education institutions are globally recognized for their contribution to architecture, fashion, design, and humanities, as well as their growing reputation in scientific and technological research.
Education in Italy is also accessible and affordable, as most universities are publicly funded and tuition fees remain relatively low compared to other Western European countries. Furthermore, the system’s integration into the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) facilitates academic mobility and international collaboration.
Secondary Education
Formal education in Italy begins with Scuola Primaria (primary school), which lasts five years and provides a solid foundation in core subjects such as Italian language, mathematics, science, history, geography, art, and English. Children usually start school at age six, following Scuola dell’Infanzia (preschool), which is optional but widely attended.
After primary school, students move on to Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado (lower secondary school), lasting three years (ages 11–14). This stage focuses on developing analytical and problem-solving skills while introducing more advanced subjects. At the end of lower secondary education, students take a final exam that determines their eligibility for upper secondary education.
The next stage is Scuola Secondaria di Secondo Grado (upper secondary school), which lasts five years and offers several different tracks:
- Liceo — an academic pathway with various specializations (classical studies, sciences, languages, arts, and social sciences), preparing students for university.
- Istituto Tecnico — a technical pathway focusing on applied sciences, business, and technology.
- Istituto Professionale — a vocational track that provides practical training for immediate entry into the workforce.
Students finish their upper secondary education by taking the Esame di Stato (State Exam), also known as Maturità, which qualifies them for higher education or employment.
Testing and Assessment
Assessment in Italy is based on a mix of continuous evaluation and final exams. In primary and lower secondary schools, students receive regular grades and feedback from teachers. At the end of upper secondary education, the Esame di Stato serves as a comprehensive assessment, testing students in multiple subjects including Italian, mathematics, and a chosen specialization.
In universities, students are assessed through written and oral exams, research projects, and dissertations. Admission to higher education programs may require entrance tests, particularly for competitive fields such as medicine, architecture, or engineering. For international students, English or Italian language proficiency tests (such as IELTS, TOEFL, or CILS) may be required depending on the program.
Higher Education
Italy’s higher education system is world-renowned for its academic excellence, cultural heritage, and contribution to fields such as art, architecture, design, and science. It includes public and private universities, polytechnic institutes, and academies of fine arts and music.
The structure follows the Bologna Process, making degrees compatible across Europe:
- Laurea (Bachelor’s degree) — usually three years,
- Laurea Magistrale (Master’s degree) — one to two years,
- Dottorato di Ricerca (PhD) — focused on research and lasting three to five years.
Some of the most prestigious institutions include the University of Bologna (the oldest university in the world), Sapienza University of Rome, Politecnico di Milano, and University of Padua. Many universities now offer programs in English, attracting thousands of international students every year.