Living in Italy - Educational System

• infant school for children aged three to six
• first cycle including primary school and secondary school, 1st grade 
• second cycle including the high schools [licei] and the vocational education and training system.

Children up to three years of age may attend kindergarten.

The first education cycle is compulsory and lasts for 8 years divided into 5 years of primary school and three years of first grade secondary school.

At the end of the first school cycle, compulsory training must be given. Compulsory training may be delivered in one of three ways:

1. Continuing in the school system
2. Attending a vocational training course
3. By means of an apprenticeship

A substantial reform has taken place in the Italian university system that divides the system into two training cycles: a three-year degree and a specialist degree.

Text last edited on: 02/2007

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.