Overview of the General Education System

After World War II, Italy underwent significant societal changes that influenced its education system. One of the most notable developments was the increased participation of women in education and the workforce. Currently, the system operates predominantly as a public entity, meaning it is owned and managed by the government rather than private enterprises. This public structure ensures that the services provided are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their economic standing.

Funding for the system primarily comes from tax revenue collected by the State, which indicates that the citizens contribute financially to its operation and reinforces the idea that it serves the public good. Nevertheless, private entities and public bodies are also permitted to establish independent educational institutions. Aside from state-run public schools, there are also international schools, religious institutions, and independent private schools. Some of these private schools are classified as scuole paritarie. This means that they have equality with State schools and can issue nationally recognized qualifications. Those without parity status cannot confer official diplomas.

Italy’s educational system is governed at the national level by two central ministries. The Ministry of Education and Merit (Ministero dell'Istruzione e del Merito or MIM) manages all levels of education up to secondary. At the same time, the Ministry of University and Research (Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca or MUR) is responsible for tertiary education and research institutions. These ministries work together through decentralized regional offices (Uffici Scolastici Regionali) to ensure the implementation of national standards and performance metrics across the country.

Educational instruction is conducted in Italian across all public and parity-recognized institutions. For the past years, Italy has achieved literacy advancements, with the adult literacy rate reaching 99.94% in 2021, according to GlobalData, and 99% as reported by the World Bank in 2019. Participation in education is high, with approximately 90% of high school-aged Italians attending secondary school, and around two-thirds of those eligible for university enroll in higher education.

Recent reforms have introduced innovative vocational and technological tracks in upper secondary education, aimed at enhancing transitions into both the workforce and higher education. These changes are designed to provide students with practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to various industries, thereby improving their employability and facilitating a smoother shift to post-secondary learning opportunities. Apart from that, learners with disabilities are integrated into mainstream education settings at every educational level, ranging from pre-primary to upper secondary education. This inclusion facilitates a diverse learning environment and promotes equality among all students.

Compulsory education in Italy starts from age 6 to 16 and covers primary and lower secondary levels. Following that are the initial two years of upper secondary education, which are equivalent to the vocational training program.

The system begins with non-compulsory early childhood education, offered from months old to six. Children under three may attend services such as nurseries and family centers, which are regionally managed within a national framework. From age three to six, children may enroll in pre-primary schools (scuole dell'infanzia), which are also not mandatory but is widely accessible.

Furthermore, formal compulsory education begins with istruzione primaria (primary education) at age six and lasts for five years. Pupils then proceed to istruzione secondaria di I grado (lower secondary education) from ages 11 to 14. This stage ends in a final exam that determines entry into the next phase.

The second cycle of education begins at age 14 and offers two years of mandatory schooling that can be completed either through general, technical, or vocational upper secondary schools or through regional vocational education and training programs (Istruzione e Formazione Professionale – IeFP). Italy also ensures the right to education and training for 12 years total, or until students obtain a three-year vocational qualification by age 18. Uniquely, home education is allowed during compulsory years under strict conditions, provided the student demonstrates proficiency via official examinations.

Italy’s higher education system is organized according to the Bologna Process. It is divided into three main cycles: the Laurea Triennale (Bachelor’s degree), the Laurea Magistrale (Master’s degree), and doctoral or specialization programs. The Laurea Triennale is a three-year undergraduate degree that introduces students to the basics of their chosen field. Upon completion, students may continue to the Laurea Magistrale, which is a two-year postgraduate degree that provides more specialized and advanced knowledge.

Following the Master’s degree, students may pursue third-cycle studies, including Dottorato di Ricerca (PhD programs) that last three to four years or specialized professional qualifications that can span two to five years, yet the duration still depends on the discipline.

Admission into higher education typically requires the Diploma di Maturità, the secondary school leaving certificate, though fields such as medicine and architecture impose selective entrance exams due to numerus clausus regulations.

Higher education institutions include public universities, legally recognized non-public universities, online universities, polytechnics, and institutions with special charters such as the Higher Education for Fine Arts, Music, and Dance (AFAM). The Higher Technological Institutes (ITS Academies) offer short-cycle programs that integrate with secondary vocational paths and aim to develop industry-specific skills. All of these institutions adhere under the statutory, teaching, and organizational autonomy granted by national legislation yet at the same time align with overarching curricular and degree frameworks established by the Ministry.

There are around 90 universities across Italy, which mostly are publicly funded. These universities range from comprehensive institutions offering a wide array of programs to specialized polytechnics focused on technical and engineering disciplines. In Italy, the distinction between research and applied sciences universities is not made as any accredited institution is authorized to offer both research and professional degrees. This approach allows for a more integrated academic environment where various fields of study can coexist and collaborate.