Italy (IT)
Italy is a parliamentary republic of 20 regions stretching from the Alpine peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-baked coasts of Sicily and Sardinia, celebrated worldwide for its unparalleled Renaissance art and architecture, UNESCO-laden historic cities from Rome to Florence and Venice, world-defining cuisine and wines, passionate football culture, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle that has drawn expats, artists, and retirees for centuries.
Education & Schools
Schools, universities, and language courses in Italy.
👶 Childcare & Kindergarten
Heavily subsidised based on ISEE income declaration. Families below €25,000 ISEE may pay as little as €80–100/month. Assegno Unico also helps offset costs.
Apply at the Comune (municipality) during the annual bando (open application window). Submit ISEE declaration. Points system based on income, working parents, siblings already enrolled.
Bonus Nido from INPS: up to €3,000/year tax credit for private nursery fees, means-tested by ISEE. Apply via INPS portal.
Direct application to the nursery. Most have rolling admissions with a waiting list — apply 3–6 months before desired start date.
🏫 Schools
Enrolment (iscrizione) via the national portal (istruzione.it) in January for the following September. Automatic assignment to catchment school based on address. Request transfers to other schools possible. Non-Italian children enrol with passport, Codice Fiscale, and previous school records (translated and apostilled). Municipal services (Common Education Office / Ufficio Scolastico) provide insertion support.
Iscrizione via istruzione.it portal each January. Scuola secondaria di primo grado (11–14, 3 years): automatic. Scuola secondaria di secondo grado (14–19, 5 years): student chooses track — Liceo (academic), Istituto Tecnico (technical), Istituto Professionale (vocational). Leads to Esame di Stato (maturità) at 19. Foreign qualifications need dichiarazione di valore from the Italian embassy in the country of origin.
🌍 International Schools
Italy has a strong international school sector in Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples and Turin. Notable schools: St. George's British International School (Rome), Ambrit International School (Rome), St. Louis School (Milan), The British School of Milan, The American School of Milan, International School of Florence, New School Florence, The British School Naples, Sir James Henderson British School (Milan). Fees: €12,000–28,000/year. Most follow British, American, IB or French curricula. Enrolment is rolling but popular schools have waiting lists. For IB: several Italian state schools (ESABAC, IB authorised) offer the IB Diploma at public costs.
🎓 University
EU students: apply directly to universities (most have online portals, January–September for next academic year). Non-EU students: apply through Italian embassies (Pre-Enrollment procedure, January–April for September start) or directly for English-taught programmes. University language test (TOLC) required for most scientific faculties. English-taught master's and some bachelor's programmes at major universities (Bocconi, Politecnico) are internationally competitive.
🗣️ Language Courses
Free adult education Italian language courses offered by public education centres. Available to all residents. Required for some integration paths (Accordo di Integrazione). Enrol at your local CPIA through the Comune.
Official certification recognised by Italian government. B1 CILS required for Italian citizenship naturalisation. Registration via authorised CILS exam centres across Italy.
Alternative to CILS. Also officially recognised. Perugia has excellent Italian language summer schools.
Present in 90+ countries worldwide and throughout Italy. Excellent cultural integration alongside language learning. Online and in-person options.
Education & Schools
Unlock the complete Education & Schools guide for Italy — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere