Education Services in Italy

The public school education system in Italy today originated in the year 1946, just after the end of the Second World War. From that year to the present time, all public education in Italy, whether nursery school, primary, secondary or university level has been free for all Italian students. Not only is it free for Italian children, but also for those of all foreigners staying in Italy, even illegally.

 

In the year 2006, the number of expat children in the Italian state public school system was at 180 thousand. In addition to this there are Italian private schools available for those who can afford to pay tuition costs. Schooling is a requirement in Italy for all those who are between the ages of 6 and 16 years old. The only cost to students is an enrollment tax of about 20 euros past the age of 16, and of approximately 130 euros at the university level.

 

Foreign students may even attend an Italian University for free, provided they have obtained a student visa, which requires acceptance by an Italian University, and adequate knowledge of the Italian language. There is a high dropout rate of Italian students from Italian colleges and universities.