Secondary education in Italy for international students

Italy's educational system encompasses three key levels:

• Primary school (5 years)

• First cycle of secondary school (3 years)

• Second cycle of secondary school (5 years)

Foreign students in Italy have the option to pursue their education in private boarding schools or international schools. They can commence their secondary education after completing the 8th, 9th, or 10th grade, or alternatively, enroll in the International Baccalaureate program.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What would you say is the most important when choosing a school?

This is the quality of support and work of the management, the opportunity to study at IB, the prestige of the school and the percentage of successful completion of the diploma stage of IB, recommendations for further universities. It is worth considering the national "recruitment" of campus students, opportunities for extracurricular development and activities, the availability of medical services and consultations, opportunities for language immersion. Is education at the chosen school based on the values you share? Is the school a close-knit community? Is academic support good?

Italian schools cater to foreign students with accommodation choices that include living with a host family or residing in a school dormitory. Host families are carefully selected by school representatives. The dormitory accommodates students between the ages of 11 and 13, offering both full and half board options. The latter entails a 5-day school stay with weekend accommodations in a family setting.

Experienced professionals overseas student activities, ensuring continuous teacher and educator supervision. Curators play a pivotal role in helping students attain their academic goals. Parents can stay well-informed about their children's progress through regular email updates.

• Primary School (Ages 6-11): The two-level "scuola elementare" cycle covers subjects like mathematics, writing, reading, music, drawing, and foreign languages. Additionally, students may opt for religious studies. Upon completion, students undergo examinations and receive the "diploma di licenza elementare."

• Scuola Media (Ages 11-14): During these years, students delve into natural sciences, mathematics, geography, history, the Italian language, music, art, and foreign languages.

• Secondary School (Ages 14-18): At this stage, students have the freedom to select from standard, profile, or preparatory (pre-university) curricula. The chosen profile of education during this phase often lays the foundation for future career paths.

• Diverse Fields of Study: Italy stands out as an ideal destination for those seeking education in design, fashion, art, history, architecture, and more.

• Flexible Examination System: Italian secondary schools do not impose annual standard exams, instead focusing on assessments when students advance to a new educational level.

• Gateway to Further Opportunities: Education in Italian boarding schools opens doors to extensive opportunities for higher studies and career development.

• Preparation for Prestigious Higher Education: Studying in Italy equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to gain admission to esteemed higher educational institutions both within Italy and around the world.

Embrace the rich educational landscape of Italy, where top schools provide a nurturing environment for students from diverse backgrounds to excel and thrive.

Secondary Schools in Italy

In Italy, the secondary school system is divided into two main stages: the lower secondary school (Scuola Media) and the upper secondary school (Scuola Superiore). Lower secondary school caters to students aged 11 to 14, lasting three years, while the upper secondary school is for students aged 15 to 19 and lasts five years. The upper secondary school offers various types of institutions, like Liceo (which prepares students for university) and Istituto Tecnico or Istituto Professionale (which offer vocational and technical training).

Cost for International Students

Public secondary schools in Italy are generally free for all students, including international ones, with the exception of some nominal fees for books, school materials, and other miscellaneous expenses. However, these costs are relatively low, especially when compared to private school fees or tuition in many other countries. For international students, though, there might be additional costs for Italian language courses if they are not already proficient in the language, as the majority of courses in public schools are taught in Italian.

Private Schools and Fees

Private secondary schools, on the other hand, can be considerably more expensive. The cost can vary widely depending on the reputation, location, and curriculum of the school. Some private institutions, especially those catering to international students or offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, can charge fees ranging from a few thousand to several thousand euros per year. Furthermore, international students might also need to consider costs related to visas, health insurance, and living expenses, especially if they are staying in major cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence, where the cost of living is higher.