Education and training in Italy
How to enrol a child in school, find Italian courses for adults and understand foreign qualifications.
School for children and teenagers
Foreign minors in Italy have a right to education and are subject to compulsory-school rules. Enrolment can also be requested during the school year.
If previous school documents are not immediately available, contact a school or local education office and explain the situation. The school considers age and previous education when deciding the appropriate class.
What to do
1. Find the school
Check schools serving your area and contact the office. Some entry-year applications use a national online process.
2. Collect documents
Bring identification, tax code if available, address information, vaccination records and previous school reports.
3. Explain previous study
List years attended, subjects and languages. Official translations can help.
4. Ask for language support
Ask about Italian L2 classes, mediation and local support.
Before you start
- CPIA centres provide public adult education and Italian-language programmes.
- Evening courses may be available through secondary schools.
- Recognition of foreign qualifications depends on the purpose.
- Ask the receiving authority before paying for translations or legalisation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child without a residence permit attend school?
A minor’s right to education does not depend on the parents’ regular residence status.
Where can adults learn Italian?
Contact the nearest CPIA, municipality or migration information desk.
Is a foreign diploma automatically valid?
Not always. The responsible authority differs for university, public competitions and regulated professions.
Need a first orientation?
Ask Sportellino in your language, then verify the information with the responsible authority.