Education for Ukrainians with temporary protection in Italy
Reference information: rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the date of the material and the official sources.
Education for Ukrainians with a temporary protection permit (permesso di soggiorno per protezione temporanea) in Italy
Nursery school (scuola dell’infanzia)
Children aged 3 to 6 can attend nursery school. It is not compulsory, but it can help children to:
- settle into their new surroundings;
- learn Italian;
- get ready for school.
Most nursery schools in Italy are state-run, but there are private ones as well. Fees at private nursery schools can be high, whereas state ones are usually free or very affordable.
Requirements for enrolling in nursery school
- temporary protection permit (permesso di soggiorno per protezione temporanea);
- the child’s birth certificate;
- vaccination certificate;
- medical certificate.
How many children are there in a group?
The number of children in a nursery group can vary, but it is usually 20 to 25.
Schools (scuola primaria e secondaria di primo grado – primary and lower secondary school)
Children aged 6 to 16 must attend school. School is free for all children, including Ukrainian refugees. Ukrainian children can attend:
- ordinary Italian schools, where they will be taught in Italian;
- special classes for Ukrainian children, where they can learn Ukrainian language and culture.
Ukrainian children can also study online at Ukrainian schools.
Requirements for enrolling in school
- temporary protection permit (permesso di soggiorno per protezione temporanea);
- the child’s birth certificate;
- vaccination certificate;
- medical certificate;
- any education certificate the child obtained in Ukraine (if available).
How many pupils are there in a class?
The number of pupils in a school class can also vary, but it is usually 20 to 25.
After completing year 8 (scuola secondaria di primo grado), Ukrainian children can continue their education at:
- licei (upper secondary schools): academic education, preparation for university;
- istituti tecnici (technical institutes): specialised education, preparation for work;
- istituti professionali (vocational institutes): specialised education, preparation for work;
Centri di Formazione Professionale (CFP) (vocational training centres): 3 years, specialised education, preparation for work.
Universities
Ukrainian applicants can apply to Italian universities on the same general terms.
Where can I find more information?
- Italian Ministry of Education
- Embassy of Ukraine in Italy
- Ukrainian associations in Italy: look for one in your region
Good to know
- Ukrainian children have the right to education in Italy, whatever their status.
- There are many resources that can help Ukrainian families with children in Italy.
- You can get help with paperwork, with enrolling your child in school or nursery school, and with settling into your new surroundings.
